Questions and Answers
Here are some of the most frequent questions we receive.
What is Save Our Saanich?
SOS is a grassroots group of neighbours working together to make Saanich a better place. We came together in late 2024 in response to Saanich-led initiatives that would massively change 40% of Saanich's residential neighbourhoods by facilitating rezoning to 6-12 storey densities. What would happen to people in houses where a 6 storey multi-unit block would appear in the next yard? And what about the trees? The important climate buffering canopies of mature Douglas Fir and Garry Oaks? And the birds? Might Saanich shortly transform into a Burnaby?
Change is inevitable, but not this way. Gentle densification with lane-way houses, duplexes and townhouses in established neighbourhoods is OK, but not 6-12 storey buildings in peaceful neighbourhoods.
We garnered thousands of signatures on petitions fighting to save the character of our neighbourhoods. We also successfully halted Saanich's attempt to borrow $150 million without public approval via a referendum.
SOS created a website and Facebook profile and soon became a registered society with hundreds of members and thousands of Facebook followers. Multiple posts daily provide viewers with up-to-date information, public opinions and coverage of both local and provincial news regarding municipal land planning.
The SOS Elector Organization (SOSEO) is separate from the SOS Neighbourhoods Society. The primary purpose of the SOSEO is to support endorsed independent candidates for Mayor and Council in the October 2026 municipal election who share the SOSEO’s priorities for Saanich. We require donations and volunteers to bring our vision of a to fruition. Come join us!
What is your vision for our taxes and utility rates?
Every Saanich taxpayer feels the pain of high taxes and utility rates that continue to rise at what seems like an ever-increasing pace. Current municipal spending does not reflect the state of the economy and taxpayers’ budgets. Saanich needs to operate within the means of its taxpayers. Saanich Council must prioritize the basics of infrastructure and immediate core services – our “needs” rather than “wants.” Effective planning and oversight could avoid cost overruns.
What do you think about the bike lanes?
The current and expensive “all bike lanes” approach which now congests vehicle traffic and frustrates residents needs to change. We are not opposed to bike lanes in general, but we need to be much more sensible and judicious in our planning. Many experienced cyclists observe that the safest routes are located on side streets where you encounter the fewest cars, calmer traffic, ample “road room,” and limited driver distractions. There are many popular cycling routes that follow networked side streets, go through parks, or by way of “cut-throughs,” and which enhance the Goose, Lochside and other multi-use trails. Side street cycling routes can be as efficient, and are much less dangerous and more enjoyable, than busy major vehicle thoroughfares – including major vehicle roads with bike lanes. In short: bike lanes where necessary, but not necessarily bike lanes.
Does SOS just want Saanich to stay as it is, not grow or accommodate newcomers?
How Saanich changes is the key. We all recognize Saanich will change, new buildings should be built, and more people will populate Saanich. However, we prefer change that is manageable and human scaled – and this is achievable. We oppose building heights that dwarf residential neighbourhoods, are taller than tree canopies, and threaten natural Garry Oak and other habitats. And we oppose development projects that prioritize developer profits over the day-to-day lives of Saanich residents. We support the idea of major construction projects on sites where impacts to neighbourhoods are limited and we support smaller-scale densification that does not compromise the character of the communities we call home.
Saanich says they consulted residents while developing their plans; what are your thoughts?
Saanich developed extensive plans which include high-rise density in existing “single-family” neighbourhoods. Saanich claims that these plans were developed after adequate public consultation, including on-line surveys. But consultation is only as good as the questions asked and the evaluation of the data gathered. Saanich’s consultation and surveys were formulated and evaluated by the same teams who developed the plans. The structure and content of the consultations appeared biased towards obtaining answers that support an existing “density at all costs” philosophy that the majority of Saanich Council seems to support. This style of mostly online survey and consultation is slanted towards people who are computer literate and have English as a first language. SOS’s door-to-door canvassers reported that the majority of residents were not only unaware of these consultations, but also unaware of the very existence and potential impacts of plans like the Quadra McKenzie Plan. It is the responsibility of Saanich Council and staff to ensure that the community is robustly consulted in good faith when major changes are proposed.
Saanich says there are many protections to existing neighbourhoods under their plans. Is this good enough?
No. The protections are quite “flexible.” Saanich’s Mayor, Council, and policy may claim to protect neighbourhoods, but actions speak louder than words. Example? Council recently voted (7-2) to allow a high-density development at the corner of Saanich Road and McKenzie Avenue which will result in the total loss of a complete Garry Oak grove (28 bylaw protected trees).
Example? The Old Saanich Municipal Hall (heritage-designated since 1979) narrowly escaped being de-designated to allow an 18-storey high-rise tower. It was only strong and fact-based resident opposition that countered the developer’s arguments.
Protected Garry Oaks and built heritage need not be cut or bulldozed in the name of “progress.” Any neighbourhood protections will be at risk if we don’t change course and elect a Saanich Council that sees the value of maintaining our existing communities.
Does Saanich need high-rises?
No. There may be locations where major construction projects could be justified, but these need to be considered very carefully and with utmost concern for limiting neighbourhood impacts. In general, we do not want to promote the construction of “high-rises” in Saanich. In our opinion, affordable housing need not be achieved through over-scale and overshadowing developments. We treasure our natural areas, migratory and resident bird populations, insects, wildlife, flora, and open vistas – and want to maintain them for future generations.
Does SOS oppose the possible amalgamation of Victoria and Saanich?
SOS cannot take a position on amalgamation until Saanich Council provides clear, detailed information on what amalgamation would involve and the exact wording of the question that will appear on the October ballot. Any arguments for or against amalgamation right now rest on assumptions that may be wrong. This is a serious decision and the SOSEO urges Council to release the draft ballot question and any implementation framework being considered for public discussion, so voters have the facts they need before they cast their ballots.
You keep talking about Garry Oak trees. What’s so important about them?
Garry Oaks are very rare and they love the climate here in Saanich. Some of the large mature trees you see are many hundreds of years old but are endangered because of habitat loss. In fact, less than 5% of the original Garry Oak ecosystem in the world survives today. Garry Oaks provide necessary canopy for birds, insects, and animals – including humans!. Important stands of Garry Oaks exist throughout urban Saanich, right in the centre of planned developments, in neighbourhoods. and in parks. We need to protect these fragile ecosystems – especially as the pressure from developers becomes increasingly intense.
Good development can co-exist with the current Garry Oak mature tree canopy, but developers must get creative with construction and design, crafting dwellings in amongst the trees to minimize tree loss. Saanich staff have created strategies and priorities for our urban forest, and Garry Oaks are bylaw protected, but staff and Council must do more than pay lip service to tree protection and hold developers accountable.
Why are Heritage buildings so important? Can’t a developer just request de-Designation?
Saanich’s Designated Heritage buildings are not just visible reminders of our past. They help preserve our sense of community. They are cultural touchstones that survive while everything around us changes. Heritage buildings help tell the stories of Saanich families and communities, businesses and connections. They include houses, schools, churches, commercial buildings and farm buildings.
These heritage buildings sit on the original properties they were built on. Their locations, the landscapes and the relationships to other buildings, to roads, railways and early settlements, provide crucial contexts. Requests for de-Designation are rare and usually tied to a potential land development.
No amount of promised signage or commemorative plaques can compensate for a Heritage loss.
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