Alternative Approval Process (AAP)

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.


Current AAPs

The District of Saanich is currently undertaking five separate and concurrent AAPs as follows:


How it Works

  • If you are in favour of adoption of the bylaw, no action is required.
  • If you are opposed to adoption of a bylaw or bylaws and are an eligible resident or non-resident property elector of the District of Saanich, you will need to submit an AAP Elector Response Form for each bylaw that you are opposed to prior to 4:30 p.m. on March 19, 2025.   Note:  Only eligible electors within the Sewer Service Area are permitted to submit Elector Response Forms for Bylaw No. 10023.