How we got to today
SOSEO was born from the grassroots Save Our Saanich Neighbourhoods Society which came together in November 2024 with neighbours around a kitchen table. We had just learned that two large lots next to our homes could be developed as 11 storey buildings. This was all part of the huge Quadra McKenzie Plan that was then before Saanich Council. None of us had even heard of the so-called QMP. How had it got to that stage without us knowing?
From concern for our backyards came the realization that urban Saanich was being targeted for massive density changes - with very little honest community input. Soon Cadboro Bay, Cordova Bay, Gordon Head, Burnside-Tillicum, and Shelbourne Valley all became vulnerable from proposals to allow up to 18-storey buildings in some areas, and 6-storey zoning running deep into current residential neighbourhoods. We had to act, so formed the SOS Neighbourhoods Society, which coordinated the collection of over 5,000 signatures opposing the QMP.
In early 2025 Saanich employed the Alternate Approval Process in an attempt to borrow $150 Million for a renewed Operations Centre without residents' OK or knowledge. It was another example of Saanich Council going too far, too fast, without the awareness or support of their constituents.
In a 6-week campaign we defeated the AAP by collecting the signatures of over 10,600 individual Saanich taxpayers who formally objected to the scheme, well over the 10% required by legislation. It was a huge win and a turning point in public awareness about how taxpayers’ input into municipal politics could affect positive change.
To insure future fiscal accountability and transparency in Saanich governance, change must begin with elected officials.
The upcoming municipal election in October 2026 is an opportunity to create the change we want to see in Saanich, to elect officials who respect and prioritize the wishes of today's residents and tomorrow's generations.
The Elector Organization (EO) was created to bring about needed change. We all have a great deal to do in just a few months, beginning with selecting the best independent candidates for Council and Mayor.
To succeed we need your help canvassing, planning, and organizing. We want to create an even greater awareness within Saanich about how important it is to vote - and to vote strategically for the independent candidates selected by our membership. Volunteers and financial donations are crucial.
Please do what you can to help Save Our Saanich!
Do you like this page?