Zac de Vries
@zacdevries.bsky.social
Saanich Councillor, CRD Director, and Chair of the Capital Region Housing Corporation. Opinions are my own.
This is why delaying necessary projects is not fiscally responsible.
This graph shows CRD budget projections from 2026-2030.
Every year, based on board direction staff work hard to reduce expenditures where possible while continuing to deliver the services residents expect.
This graph shows CRD budget projections from 2026-2030.
Every year, based on board direction staff work hard to reduce expenditures where possible while continuing to deliver the services residents expect.
October 31, 2025 at 11:07 PM
This is why delaying necessary projects is not fiscally responsible.
This graph shows CRD budget projections from 2026-2030.
Every year, based on board direction staff work hard to reduce expenditures where possible while continuing to deliver the services residents expect.
This graph shows CRD budget projections from 2026-2030.
Every year, based on board direction staff work hard to reduce expenditures where possible while continuing to deliver the services residents expect.
This is a great move by the City of Victoria to operate the YMCA/YWCA pool during the Crystal Pool construction.
This helps take pressure off Saanich’s pools and other public pools in the region.
That said the closure of pools over the years across the region is very concerning.
This helps take pressure off Saanich’s pools and other public pools in the region.
That said the closure of pools over the years across the region is very concerning.
Pool users in Victoria are no longer facing a closure of two major pools, after the city announced an agreement to keep the YMCA/YWCA pool open during Crystal Pool construction.
Victoria to keep Downtown YMCA/YWCA pool open during Crystal Pool construction
Pool users in Victoria are no longer facing a closure of two major pools, after the city announced an agreement to keep the YMCA/YWCA pool open during Crystal Pool construction.
cheknews.ca
October 29, 2025 at 7:20 PM
This is a great move by the City of Victoria to operate the YMCA/YWCA pool during the Crystal Pool construction.
This helps take pressure off Saanich’s pools and other public pools in the region.
That said the closure of pools over the years across the region is very concerning.
This helps take pressure off Saanich’s pools and other public pools in the region.
That said the closure of pools over the years across the region is very concerning.
Saanich is making progress on our housing targets, but we need to do more.
Families are growing, existing residents circumstance and needs are changing, people are looking to settling in our region, meeting housing needs is a good thing for everyone.
More work to be done to get there!
Families are growing, existing residents circumstance and needs are changing, people are looking to settling in our region, meeting housing needs is a good thing for everyone.
More work to be done to get there!
Saanich council received its latest housing target update, showing the district continues to trail B.C.'s goal but has accelerated approvals.
Saanich still short of provincial housing target, but ‘pipeline’ doubles as permits surge
Saanich council received its latest housing target update Monday, showing the district continues to trail the province's year-two goal but has sharply accelerated approvals that could boost completions in the months ahead.
cheknews.ca
October 29, 2025 at 5:02 AM
Saanich is making progress on our housing targets, but we need to do more.
Families are growing, existing residents circumstance and needs are changing, people are looking to settling in our region, meeting housing needs is a good thing for everyone.
More work to be done to get there!
Families are growing, existing residents circumstance and needs are changing, people are looking to settling in our region, meeting housing needs is a good thing for everyone.
More work to be done to get there!
Reposted by Zac de Vries
Why! So disappointed in Colwood for denying 66 homes.
Colwood Corners is designated for high-density development according to the 2018 Official Community Plan.
What is the point of a community plan if everyone ignores it?
#yyjpoli #yyjpolitics #colwood #hfl #homesforliving #housingcrisis
Colwood Corners is designated for high-density development according to the 2018 Official Community Plan.
What is the point of a community plan if everyone ignores it?
#yyjpoli #yyjpolitics #colwood #hfl #homesforliving #housingcrisis
October 29, 2025 at 12:54 AM
Why! So disappointed in Colwood for denying 66 homes.
Colwood Corners is designated for high-density development according to the 2018 Official Community Plan.
What is the point of a community plan if everyone ignores it?
#yyjpoli #yyjpolitics #colwood #hfl #homesforliving #housingcrisis
Colwood Corners is designated for high-density development according to the 2018 Official Community Plan.
What is the point of a community plan if everyone ignores it?
#yyjpoli #yyjpolitics #colwood #hfl #homesforliving #housingcrisis
Housing is the largest line item in most people's budgets.
Housing is the foundation of affordability for individuals and families.
Building more homes of all types is the most effective way to tackle the cost of living!
Housing is the foundation of affordability for individuals and families.
Building more homes of all types is the most effective way to tackle the cost of living!
"What is the most important issue to you?"
Cost of living/Housing: 45%
Healthcare: 16%
Immigration: 6%
Relations with the US: 6%
Debt/Deficit: 6%
Crime: 4%
Job: 4%
Environment: 4%
Education: 2%
Social issues: 2%
Innovative / Oct 13, 2025 / n=1500 / Online
Cost of living/Housing: 45%
Healthcare: 16%
Immigration: 6%
Relations with the US: 6%
Debt/Deficit: 6%
Crime: 4%
Job: 4%
Environment: 4%
Education: 2%
Social issues: 2%
Innovative / Oct 13, 2025 / n=1500 / Online
October 28, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Housing is the largest line item in most people's budgets.
Housing is the foundation of affordability for individuals and families.
Building more homes of all types is the most effective way to tackle the cost of living!
Housing is the foundation of affordability for individuals and families.
Building more homes of all types is the most effective way to tackle the cost of living!
The only way to move more people through McKenzie Avenue faster is with bus lanes paired with cycling and pedestrian infrastructure.
It would be paired with community and regional growth as well as rapid transit from BC Transit!
It would be paired with community and regional growth as well as rapid transit from BC Transit!
Nothing to see here, just me and my 26 taking 8 minutes to travel the 500m from Saanich/McKenzie to McKenzie/Quadra. On a Saturday. 🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃
October 28, 2025 at 1:32 AM
The only way to move more people through McKenzie Avenue faster is with bus lanes paired with cycling and pedestrian infrastructure.
It would be paired with community and regional growth as well as rapid transit from BC Transit!
It would be paired with community and regional growth as well as rapid transit from BC Transit!
This is part of building back better!
October 20, 2025 at 12:42 AM
This is part of building back better!
Are you on strike and struggling to pay your rent on your strike pay?
Please consider applying to the BC Rent Bank, which exists to support renters through short-term crisis.
More information here: communitycouncil.ca/rentbank/
Please consider applying to the BC Rent Bank, which exists to support renters through short-term crisis.
More information here: communitycouncil.ca/rentbank/
Greater Victoria Rent Bank – Community Social Planning Council
communitycouncil.ca
October 16, 2025 at 9:47 PM
Are you on strike and struggling to pay your rent on your strike pay?
Please consider applying to the BC Rent Bank, which exists to support renters through short-term crisis.
More information here: communitycouncil.ca/rentbank/
Please consider applying to the BC Rent Bank, which exists to support renters through short-term crisis.
More information here: communitycouncil.ca/rentbank/
Reposted by Zac de Vries
#Saanich - Saanich rezones district-owned land in Royal Oak for 'special' proposal www.vicnews.com/local-news/s...
Saanich rezones district-owned land in Royal Oak for 'special' proposal
The 2.7-acre parcel on West Saanich Road has been rezoned for mixed use, allowing buildings up to 12 storeys
www.vicnews.com
October 10, 2025 at 3:52 PM
#Saanich - Saanich rezones district-owned land in Royal Oak for 'special' proposal www.vicnews.com/local-news/s...
Saanich is helping non-profit housing providers build the homes our community needs by funding the pre-development costs for nearly 400 new affordable homes.
The funding comes from contributions made by new market housing. It’s a great example of growth helping meet community needs!
The funding comes from contributions made by new market housing. It’s a great example of growth helping meet community needs!
October 9, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Saanich is helping non-profit housing providers build the homes our community needs by funding the pre-development costs for nearly 400 new affordable homes.
The funding comes from contributions made by new market housing. It’s a great example of growth helping meet community needs!
The funding comes from contributions made by new market housing. It’s a great example of growth helping meet community needs!
Reposted by Zac de Vries
About 400 new units of non-market housing are closer to becoming a reality in #Saanich, with help from the Saanich Affordable Housing Reserve Fund (SAHRF):
www.saanich.ca/EN/main/news...
www.saanich.ca/EN/main/news...
Saanich grants help boost development of non-market housing
www.saanich.ca
October 7, 2025 at 6:57 PM
About 400 new units of non-market housing are closer to becoming a reality in #Saanich, with help from the Saanich Affordable Housing Reserve Fund (SAHRF):
www.saanich.ca/EN/main/news...
www.saanich.ca/EN/main/news...
When a single car crash can gridlock Greater Victoria, it shows the fragility of autocentricity.
Walkable neighborhoods, safe cycling routes, and rapid & reliable transit aren’t just nice-to-haves—they’re resilience. They give people options, cut congestion, and keep the city moving!
Walkable neighborhoods, safe cycling routes, and rapid & reliable transit aren’t just nice-to-haves—they’re resilience. They give people options, cut congestion, and keep the city moving!
October 3, 2025 at 12:30 AM
When a single car crash can gridlock Greater Victoria, it shows the fragility of autocentricity.
Walkable neighborhoods, safe cycling routes, and rapid & reliable transit aren’t just nice-to-haves—they’re resilience. They give people options, cut congestion, and keep the city moving!
Walkable neighborhoods, safe cycling routes, and rapid & reliable transit aren’t just nice-to-haves—they’re resilience. They give people options, cut congestion, and keep the city moving!
Where are SSMUH applications located in Saanich?
100% are within the Urban Containment Boundary.
Most are within or proximate to primary growth areas.
Others are close to parks and schools, perfect for families!
100% are within the Urban Containment Boundary.
Most are within or proximate to primary growth areas.
Others are close to parks and schools, perfect for families!
September 15, 2025 at 10:03 PM
Where are SSMUH applications located in Saanich?
100% are within the Urban Containment Boundary.
Most are within or proximate to primary growth areas.
Others are close to parks and schools, perfect for families!
100% are within the Urban Containment Boundary.
Most are within or proximate to primary growth areas.
Others are close to parks and schools, perfect for families!
The connections between Langford and Saanich has really "Evolved" thanks to the Evolve e-bike share expanding into Saanich!
Check it out!
Check it out!
🚴♀️🚴🚴♂️ From Langford to Saanich – the Evolve bike share is rolling across the region!
Perfect for catching up with regional colleagues or just catching the sun at the park. Where will your first ride take you?
@zacdevries.bsky.social
Perfect for catching up with regional colleagues or just catching the sun at the park. Where will your first ride take you?
@zacdevries.bsky.social
September 15, 2025 at 5:43 PM
The connections between Langford and Saanich has really "Evolved" thanks to the Evolve e-bike share expanding into Saanich!
Check it out!
Check it out!
Where is SSMUH implementation at in Saanich?
Since the bylaw was approved June 2024 are shown in the chart below.
56% of applications are to build duplexes.
9.5% are for triplexes
Since the bylaw was approved June 2024 are shown in the chart below.
56% of applications are to build duplexes.
9.5% are for triplexes
September 15, 2025 at 5:37 PM
Where is SSMUH implementation at in Saanich?
Since the bylaw was approved June 2024 are shown in the chart below.
56% of applications are to build duplexes.
9.5% are for triplexes
Since the bylaw was approved June 2024 are shown in the chart below.
56% of applications are to build duplexes.
9.5% are for triplexes
Without 3 & 4 bedroom units, it’s game over for families in Saanich.
Small Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) is the best option we have to build homes where families can live, grow, and stay in our community.
Undermining SSMUH = undermining the future of families in Saanich.
Small Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) is the best option we have to build homes where families can live, grow, and stay in our community.
Undermining SSMUH = undermining the future of families in Saanich.
September 15, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Without 3 & 4 bedroom units, it’s game over for families in Saanich.
Small Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) is the best option we have to build homes where families can live, grow, and stay in our community.
Undermining SSMUH = undermining the future of families in Saanich.
Small Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) is the best option we have to build homes where families can live, grow, and stay in our community.
Undermining SSMUH = undermining the future of families in Saanich.
I am grateful for the commitment of BC Housing to support the Victoria Natiuve Friendship Centre’s efforts in expanding the avaialbility of shelter beds in Saanich.
These new shelter beds will offer immediate relief for people in need and help keep people safe.
www.saanich.ca/EN/main/news...
These new shelter beds will offer immediate relief for people in need and help keep people safe.
www.saanich.ca/EN/main/news...
News release from BC Housing
www.saanich.ca
September 6, 2025 at 7:22 PM
I am grateful for the commitment of BC Housing to support the Victoria Natiuve Friendship Centre’s efforts in expanding the avaialbility of shelter beds in Saanich.
These new shelter beds will offer immediate relief for people in need and help keep people safe.
www.saanich.ca/EN/main/news...
These new shelter beds will offer immediate relief for people in need and help keep people safe.
www.saanich.ca/EN/main/news...
Great point about farm classification rules being made here.
Income requirements have not been reviewed in my life time.
A lot has changed in 30 years!
www.countrylifeinbc.com/council-call...
Income requirements have not been reviewed in my life time.
A lot has changed in 30 years!
www.countrylifeinbc.com/council-call...
Council calls for review of farm classification rules
ABBOTSFORD – This fall is likely to bring a push for change to farm classification in BC by members of the agriculture community who want better support for the industry while stopping unwarranted tax...
www.countrylifeinbc.com
September 5, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Great point about farm classification rules being made here.
Income requirements have not been reviewed in my life time.
A lot has changed in 30 years!
www.countrylifeinbc.com/council-call...
Income requirements have not been reviewed in my life time.
A lot has changed in 30 years!
www.countrylifeinbc.com/council-call...
Reposted by Zac de Vries
#Saanich - Saanich unveils roadmap to zero-emission vehicle fleet by 2040 ino.to/ZFC43x1
Saanich unveils roadmap to zero-emission vehicle fleet by 2040
Transportation is the largest source of corporate emissions in the municipality: staff report
ino.to
August 20, 2025 at 9:03 PM
#Saanich - Saanich unveils roadmap to zero-emission vehicle fleet by 2040 ino.to/ZFC43x1
The Zero-Emission Fleet Strategy is rather simple:
Look at capital and operational costs collectively and choose EVs when the the cost difference is $0 or there’s savings.
This isn’t just climate action, it’s long-term fiscal responsibility!
Look at capital and operational costs collectively and choose EVs when the the cost difference is $0 or there’s savings.
This isn’t just climate action, it’s long-term fiscal responsibility!
In a unanimous decision Monday night, Saanich councillors endorsed a zero-emission strategy with an ultimate goal of replacing the district's entire fleet with electric vehicles by 2040.
Saanich council endorses zero-emission strategy with goal of electrifying all fleet vehicles
In a unanimous decision Monday night, Saanich councillors endorsed a zero-emission strategy with an ultimate goal of replacing the district's entire fleet with electric vehicles by 2040.
cheknews.ca
August 22, 2025 at 6:32 PM
The Zero-Emission Fleet Strategy is rather simple:
Look at capital and operational costs collectively and choose EVs when the the cost difference is $0 or there’s savings.
This isn’t just climate action, it’s long-term fiscal responsibility!
Look at capital and operational costs collectively and choose EVs when the the cost difference is $0 or there’s savings.
This isn’t just climate action, it’s long-term fiscal responsibility!
Reposted by Zac de Vries
In a unanimous decision Monday night, Saanich councillors endorsed a zero-emission strategy with an ultimate goal of replacing the district's entire fleet with electric vehicles by 2040.
Saanich council endorses zero-emission strategy with goal of electrifying all fleet vehicles
In a unanimous decision Monday night, Saanich councillors endorsed a zero-emission strategy with an ultimate goal of replacing the district's entire fleet with electric vehicles by 2040.
cheknews.ca
August 21, 2025 at 12:47 AM
In a unanimous decision Monday night, Saanich councillors endorsed a zero-emission strategy with an ultimate goal of replacing the district's entire fleet with electric vehicles by 2040.
Reposted by Zac de Vries
Is this the kind of environment we want in Greater #victoriabc?
"There were nine collisions on Aug. 11 alone, and there were 61 in the month through Tuesday."
Thank you #saanich and Victoria for slowing drivers and increasing opportunities for active and public transportation […]
"There were nine collisions on Aug. 11 alone, and there were 61 in the month through Tuesday."
Thank you #saanich and Victoria for slowing drivers and increasing opportunities for active and public transportation […]
Original post on mstdn.ca
mstdn.ca
August 22, 2025 at 4:24 PM
Is this the kind of environment we want in Greater #victoriabc?
"There were nine collisions on Aug. 11 alone, and there were 61 in the month through Tuesday."
Thank you #saanich and Victoria for slowing drivers and increasing opportunities for active and public transportation […]
"There were nine collisions on Aug. 11 alone, and there were 61 in the month through Tuesday."
Thank you #saanich and Victoria for slowing drivers and increasing opportunities for active and public transportation […]
Saanich named ‘Best of the City’ by Greater Victoria residents!
Several of Saanich’s community facilities topped the polls as well!
Several of Saanich’s community facilities topped the polls as well!
August 15, 2025 at 4:39 AM
Saanich named ‘Best of the City’ by Greater Victoria residents!
Several of Saanich’s community facilities topped the polls as well!
Several of Saanich’s community facilities topped the polls as well!
Reposted by Zac de Vries
Greek Fest brings a taste of the Mediterranean to Saanich
https://www.diningandcooking.com/2230908/greek-fest-brings-a-taste-of-the-mediterranean-to-saanich/
Greek Fest is back for its 24th year, bringing food, music and culture to Saanich over two weekends, from Aug. 22 to 24 and Aug. 29 to …
https://www.diningandcooking.com/2230908/greek-fest-brings-a-taste-of-the-mediterranean-to-saanich/
Greek Fest is back for its 24th year, bringing food, music and culture to Saanich over two weekends, from Aug. 22 to 24 and Aug. 29 to …
Greek Fest brings a taste of the Mediterranean to Saanich - Dining and Cooking
Greek Fest is back for its 24th year, bringing food, music and culture to Saanich over two weekends, from Aug. 22 to 24 and Aug. 29 to Sept. 1.
www.diningandcooking.com
August 13, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Greek Fest brings a taste of the Mediterranean to Saanich
https://www.diningandcooking.com/2230908/greek-fest-brings-a-taste-of-the-mediterranean-to-saanich/
Greek Fest is back for its 24th year, bringing food, music and culture to Saanich over two weekends, from Aug. 22 to 24 and Aug. 29 to …
https://www.diningandcooking.com/2230908/greek-fest-brings-a-taste-of-the-mediterranean-to-saanich/
Greek Fest is back for its 24th year, bringing food, music and culture to Saanich over two weekends, from Aug. 22 to 24 and Aug. 29 to …
It’s time to update the 2020 Climate Action Plan.
Your views and experiences are critical to bringing this plan into 2025.
Fill out the survey here: questionnaire.simplesurvey.com/f/s.aspx?s=1...
Your views and experiences are critical to bringing this plan into 2025.
Fill out the survey here: questionnaire.simplesurvey.com/f/s.aspx?s=1...
Climate Plan Engagement Survey
Powered by SimpleSurvey.com | Build and manage your own online survey, voting, form and panel management applications.
questionnaire.simplesurvey.com
August 11, 2025 at 2:48 AM
It’s time to update the 2020 Climate Action Plan.
Your views and experiences are critical to bringing this plan into 2025.
Fill out the survey here: questionnaire.simplesurvey.com/f/s.aspx?s=1...
Your views and experiences are critical to bringing this plan into 2025.
Fill out the survey here: questionnaire.simplesurvey.com/f/s.aspx?s=1...