Alternative Approval Process
When municipalities need to borrow funds or seek approval on critical matters outside of an election year, an Alternative Approval Process (AAP) can be held to put questions to electors. AAPs are provincially legislated and can be used for a variety of matters, including borrowing money for a project, establishing new municipal services or adjusting parkland dedications.
To ensure we don’t overburden taxpayers with higher annual tax lifts, borrowing helps to spread the financial impact over several years. Local governments must obtain consent of the electors for borrowing where the costs for servicing its total debt exceed 5% of eligible revenue.
Council has approved a long-term debt strategy that incorporates the cost of borrowing into the Financial Plan. A Debt Management Strategy has also been approved allowing the District to use 14% of prior year revenue to service debt. Saanich is currently well within the limit, which has been established in accordance with financial planning principles and to meet the future core service delivery requirements of the District.
Why an AAP?
An AAP is a cost-effective and efficient way to gauge public support for local government initiatitves. It allows the electors to have a say and have their opposition counted by submitting an Elector Response Form. This process ensures that significant decisions reflect the community’s wishes while saving resources.
Recent AAPs
The District of Saanich recently conducted five separate and concurrent AAP's, with opposition submissions due by March 19, 2025, as follows:
- “Sewer Capital Program Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 10023”
- “Storm Drainage Capital Program Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 10024”
- “Transportation Capital Program Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 10025”
- “Parks Capital Program Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 10026”
- “Community Facilities Capital Projects Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 10027”
