Reposted by Zac de VriesTimes Colonist @timescolonist.bsky.social · 12/09/2026dlvr.itTurf field opening at Saanich school marks completion of years-long dreamThe field replaces grass fields plagued by uneven surfaces and drainage issues that left school teams unable to host home games at Spectrum for 15 years. 031
Reposted by Zac de VriesThe Martlet @themartlet.bsky.social · 05/08/2026Two-term councillor and UVic alum Zac de Vries will be running against fellow councillor Karen Harper and Save Our Saanich candidate Rishi Sharma in the October election: martlet.ca/uvic-alum-an...martlet.caUVic alum and two-term councillor Zac de Vries runs for mayor of SaanichDe Vries graduated in 2017 with a double major in political science and geography, and ran for council the year after. He has now served for eight years. 151
Reposted by Zac de VriesThe Martlet @themartlet.bsky.social · 11/09/2026Saanich council voted 6-2 last month to reject a proposed housing unit on Finnerty road & Edgelow street, near UVic: martlet.ca/density-take...martlet.caSaanich Council rejects 349 unit housing project near UVicThe development would have brought new units to Gordon Head, including 27 three-bedroom units, which have a 0 per cent vacancy rate in Saanich. 021
Zac de Vries @zacdevries.bsky.social · 08/09/2026I am honoured to have the endorsement of the Victoria Labour Council for Mayor of Saanich. As your Mayor, I’ll continue working to build a Saanich where working people can live, work, raise families, and thrive through every phase of their lives. Together we can make a positive difference! 051
Reposted by Zac de VriesLivable CRD @livablecrd.bsky.social · 23/07/2026Introducing Livable CRD 🗳️ A non-partisan coalition making Capital Region municipal elections easier to navigate. We publish a candidate scorecard + questionnaire on transit, housing, climate, healthcare & more. We inform, we don't endorse. 👉 livablecrd.ca #YYJ #BCpolilivablecrd.caLivable CRDLivable CRD is a non-partisan coalition scoring Capital Regional District municipal candidates on transit, housing, climate, arts, and other livability issues. 11610
Zac de Vries @zacdevries.bsky.social · 19/07/2026“Saanich’s history shows that change has always been part of the municipality” Saanich has always evolved to meet community needs of the day! saanichnews.com/2026/07/19/f...saanichnews.comFrom farmlands to bustling hub: Saanich celebrates 120 years of history - Saanich NewsSince 1906, Saanich has been shaped by agriculture, urban growth and lively community debate 020
Zac de Vries @zacdevries.bsky.social · 08/07/2026First music in the park of summer 2026! Full house down at Goward House. Great to see everyone out and enjoying the music together! See you next time July 14 6-8pm at Majestic Park! 030
Zac de Vries @zacdevries.bsky.social · 02/07/2026Thank you to everyone who joined us last weekend to launch our campaign for Mayor of Saanich. Being surrounded by neighbours, families, community leaders, friends, and my wife and daughter meant the world to me. Huge thank you to my volunteers who worked hard to make this launch such a success. 072
Reposted by Zac de VriesLeo Spalteholz @leospalteholz.bsky.social · 18/06/2026Zac would be a great mayor for Saanich 061
Zac de Vries @zacdevries.bsky.social · 18/06/2026✨Big news, Saanich!✨ I am am running to be the next Mayor of Saanich! Serving our community on council has been the honour of my life I am proud of progress we have made together, but there’s more work to be done I hope you’ll join me Let’s keep Saanich moving forward, together 👉 zacdevries.ca 081
Reposted by Zac de VriesEric Doherty @ericdoherty.bsky.social · 15/06/2026Thanks for the great clarifyinh op-ed @zacdevries.bsky.social & @jeremycaradonnayyj.bsky.social. We need *a lot* more of this kind of housing, and that requires more funding from feds & province. Time to #TaxTheSuperRich and build homes for all! #yyj #bcpoli 041
Zac de Vries @zacdevries.bsky.social · 11/06/2026The doctor shortage is not only about recruitment, it’s about system design. Saanich is calling for province to implement team-based primary care, a recognized as a best practice to expanding the capacity, to ensure more residents get the care they need faster www.timescolonist.com/local-news/s...timescolonist.comSaanich calls on province to fund team-based health care amid doctor shortageThe resolution, to be considered at the UBCM in September, asks the province to give communities and clinics the funding, health-care workers and clinic space they need. 040
Zac de Vries @zacdevries.bsky.social · 11/06/2026Saanich is strengthening our Tree Protection Bylaw to help enhance our urban tree canopy, supporting both quality of life and the environment. The new bylaw is focused on outcomes by shifting to canopy-based targets instead of a fixed tree replacement ratio. www.timescolonist.com/local-news/s...timescolonist.comSaanich developers to replant trees based on canopy target under new modelInstead of having replacement-tree ratios, developers will be required to meet a canopy-cover target, ranging from 20% to 48%, depending on the area. 010
Zac de Vries @zacdevries.bsky.social · 10/06/2026@jeremycaradonnayyj.bsky.social and I wrote this op-ed to explain the range of affordable housing options offered by the Capital Region Housing Corporation. Each affordability level meets an important community need. The combination of affordability levels supports the sustainability of the CRHC. 1113
Zac de Vries @zacdevries.bsky.social · 05/06/2026Rec Centres should be accessible to everyone! Thanks staff for working diligently to ensure that is the case. www.saanich.ca/EN/main/news...saanich.caSaanich’s Gordon Head Recreation Centre earns top marks for accessibility 020
Zac de Vries @zacdevries.bsky.social · 13/05/2026Delighted that Saanich has received more Housing Accelerator Funds from the Federal Government to help advance more non-market housing partnerships! www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/media-newsro...cmhc-schl.gc.caRewarding communities that are getting more homes built for CanadiansReinvesting money to reward Housing Accelerator Fund communities 061
Zac de Vries @zacdevries.bsky.social · 29/03/2026This trend is particularly acute in Oak Bay but the truth here is relevant to the entire region! Neighbourhoods will change regardless, it’s up to us to ensure they support residents through every phase of their lives. 251
Reposted by Zac de VriesCHEK News @cheknews.ca · 26/03/2026A Saanich toddler is turning his artwork into a fundraiser for the NICU that cared for his baby brother, who overcame serious health challenges after birth.cheknews.caTo NICU with love: Saanich toddler’s art supports neonatal unit in honour of his baby brotherA Saanich toddler is turning his artwork into a fundraiser for the NICU that cared for his baby brother, who overcame serious health challenges after birth. 041
Zac de Vries @zacdevries.bsky.social · 29/03/2026I think a request from students for advocacy at the very least merits discussion! 030
Reposted by Zac de VriesCHEK News @cheknews.ca · 26/03/2026Saanich Police has impounded two vehicles and ticketed the owners for allegedly street racing after dash cam footage was submitted by a member of the community.cheknews.caTwo vehicles impounded, owners ticketed for allegedly street racing caught on dash cam: Saanich PoliceSaanich Police has impounded two vehicles and ticketed the owners for allegedly street racing after dash cam footage was submitted by a member of the community. 061
Reposted by Zac de VriesDistrict of Saanich @saanichbc.bsky.social · 27/03/2026As we work to support the creation of more housing in Saanich, a new online tool will share that progress with the public! Check it out: ow.ly/yx4Y50YzTji Read more: ow.ly/gtaf50YzTjh 041
Zac de Vries @zacdevries.bsky.social · 25/03/2026Saanich Council approved 60 homes at Saanich rd and McKenzie Avenue Unit breakdown: -4 studios -46 one bedroom units -10 two bedroom units Badly needed housing, but regrettable tree loss due to the constraints and servicing requirements of the site. Saanich looks to retain trees whenever possible. 150
Reposted by Zac de VriesCHEK News @cheknews.ca · 23/03/2026As food prices and the cost of living continues to rise, a Saanich student is working to help food insecurity initiatives by creating the Food Recovery Alliance.cheknews.caSaanich student creates Food Recovery Alliance to help food insecurity initiativesAs food prices and the cost of living continues to rise, a Saanich student is working to help food insecurity initiatives by creating the Food Recovery Alliance. 073
Zac de Vries @zacdevries.bsky.social · 23/03/2026What does the region’s and Saanich’s 3.3% vacancy rate actually mean? Let’s look into it: 1104
Reposted by Zac de VriesCHEK News @cheknews.ca · 17/03/2026View Royal Councillor and police officer Damian Kowalewich is resigning his council seat after being promoted to Saanich Police Deputy Chief.cheknews.caView Royal councillor to step down after being named Saanich Police deputy chiefView Royal Councillor and police officer Damian Kowalewich is resigning his council seat after being promoted to Saanich Police Deputy Chief. 031
Reposted by Zac de VriesLeo Spalteholz @leospalteholz.bsky.social · 17/03/2026I would like to add that housing champions like Zac have done a lot to turn Saanich policies around and get a lot more housing built, but it takes a long time to turn that ship. Saanich is in a better position now than 4 years ago 071
Reposted by Zac de VriesLeo Spalteholz @leospalteholz.bsky.social · 17/03/2026As usual, the anti-housing argument includes a kernel of truth: housing starts depend on external factors as well But all those external factors are equal between neighbouring CRD municipalities. The remaining huge differences in home building is mostly explained by internal factors 293
Zac de Vries @zacdevries.bsky.social · 17/03/2026There was a motion arising forwarded to committee that might come back: It argues the housing target metric should be rezoning, development permits, and building permits approved rather than housing completions. Last I checked only completed homes can meet community members Hosuing needs! 120
Zac de Vries @zacdevries.bsky.social · 17/03/2026I’m glad to say the motion to ask the province to remove housing targets failed last night! Housing targets are based on 75% of our community’s housing needs. Regardless of external economic factors it’s our duty as council to do our level best to meet the housing needs of people in our community. 2210
Zac de Vries @zacdevries.bsky.social · 14/03/2026+1 to that! Most local governments are grappling with the cost of delaying infrastructure replacement for decades to keep taxes artificially low. Current councils are working hard to manage costs and ensure asset management makes the services and infrastructure residents rely on sustainable! 290
Reposted by Zac de VriesDistrict of Saanich @saanichbc.bsky.social · 12/03/2026Become an at-home leak detective with a free kit from the CRD during Fix a Leak Week (March 16–22). Saanich residents can pick up a kit at the Saanich Municipal Hall (770 Vernon Ave) — stop by the lobby during regular hours: Monday–Friday (8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.). Learn more: crd.bc.ca/leaks 041
Reposted by Zac de VriesRyan Jabs @ryanjabs.bsky.social · 07/03/2026Saanich, where I live, might actually be seeing more fourplexes being built than 1 for 1 replacements b/c of a shift to treat them similarly. This could grow exponentially (and reduce home prices) if they allow for incrementally greater density. But the politicians seem to be looking to stop this. 041
Reposted by Zac de VriesDoug Baer @douglasbaer.bsky.social · 06/03/2026A tale of two cities: earlier today, City of Victoria voted to accelerate the construction of bike lanes on Pandora. Tonight, Saanich council is train-wrecking the Active Transportation Plan with a 25% cutback, supported by Couns. Brownoff, Brice, Chambers, Westhaver and Harper. 2214
Reposted by Zac de VriesDistrict of Saanich @saanichbc.bsky.social · 06/03/2026The Saanich Economic Development Office is scheduling spring 2026 BusinessCare visits and we want to meet with you! These free 1:1 in-person or virtual visits take 30 -45 minutes and connect you with directly with a staff member to hear how we can support your business! 👉 saanich.ca/BusinessCare. 001
Reposted by Zac de VriesDistrict of Saanich @saanichbc.bsky.social · 06/03/2026Saanich Mayor Dean Murdock has released a message following the apparent vandalism of newly-installed fencing along the Glendenning Trail in PKOLS (Mount Douglas Park). Read more & watch it here: ow.ly/m0NE50Yqxsa 021
Zac de Vries @zacdevries.bsky.social · 06/03/2026What is sad is that Saanich council chose to save the average household $13 by cutting the active transportation budget. These savings were dwarfed by the amount of new revenue from new housing, increased non-tax revenues, efficiencies, and a phasing of infrastructure replacement funding growth 260
Zac de Vries @zacdevries.bsky.social · 06/03/2026An annual reminder of the budget choices local governments have. The beautiful thing is that the best way to reduce budget pressure and tax increases is to meet our communities housing needs and make neighbourhoods more walkable by allowing commercial uses. 040
Zac de Vries @zacdevries.bsky.social · 22/01/2026For more than a decade, this site sat as a hole in the ground, contributing nothing to the community except uncertainty and unease. The original proposal simply wasn’t economically viable. That’s why community plans today must account for real-world economics, not arbitrary designations. 1100
Zac de Vries @zacdevries.bsky.social · 21/01/2026Getting your start and settling down in your community should not depend on family wealth. This is why we need to plan inclusive neighborhoods with a greater diversity of housing to meet our communities housing needs! www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/pe...theglobeandmail.comKurt and Eloise want to help their daughter buy a home. How can they free up cash?The retirees have three different pools of investments, all with different tax implications upon withdrawal 070
Reposted by Zac de VriesDistrict of Saanich @saanichbc.bsky.social · 08/01/2026The District of Saanich is shifting a larger share of water utility fees to a fixed rate. This approach minimizes the risk of the water and sewer budgets going into a deficit and stabilizes rate increases. Read more: ow.ly/zpi450XTf77 011
Zac de Vries @zacdevries.bsky.social · 03/12/2025The CRHC 2045: A Path to 5000 Framework lays out how the Capital Region Housing Corporation can massively expand non-profit housing in the region, aiming for 5000 affordable homes by 2045. ✅1000+ homes are already underway for 2027–2030 ✅up to 2000 more for 2031–2045 vicnews.com/2025/12/03/c...vicnews.comCRD housing corporation sets target of 5,000 rental homes by 2045 - Victoria News$85M borrowing authority advances regional housing opportunities 050
Reposted by Zac de VriesDistrict of Saanich @saanichbc.bsky.social · 22/11/2025Have you registered to participate and share your thoughts with Council at the Saanich town hall meeting on December 2? saanich.ca/townhall 001
Reposted by Zac de VriesDistrict of Saanich @saanichbc.bsky.social · 23/11/2025Ever heard of a Neighbourhood Bikeway? Today is the first pop-up event for the Neighbourhood Bikeways Identification and Prioritization Project! We'll be at Saanich Commonwealth Place from 12 to 2 p.m. Can't make it? Click the link for next pop-up dates and take the survey: saanich.ca/helloNB 011
Reposted by Zac de VriesDistrict of Saanich @saanichbc.bsky.social · 24/11/2025Grow your career with the District of Saanich! We offer training, development and opportunities across 10 departments and 11 locations — parks, engineering, recreation, public safety and more. Visit saanich.ca/careers for current employment opportunities and information about how to apply! 001
Zac de Vries @zacdevries.bsky.social · 21/11/2025Inviting input is a good thing, releasing a statement filled with hyperbole and fear mongering is not so good… Many Municipalities already use Certified Professional Programs and have for quite some time. Nothing wrong with some consistency. 180
Reposted by Zac de VriesCHEK News @cheknews.ca · 13/11/2025The new waterslide at Saanich Commonwealth Place has finally been installed, with volunteers taking on the first test runs on Wednesday.cheknews.caNew waterslide at Saanich Commonwealth Place opening date eyed for next weekThe new waterslide at Saanich Commonwealth Place has finally been installed, with volunteers taking on the first test runs on Wednesday. 051
Reposted by Zac de VriesTracy Grimsrud @pizzalarry.bsky.social · 18/11/2025The deadline is next Wednesday, November 26th! #Saanich kids, get your holiday card entries in… the winner gets to be Mayor for the Morning! 😊 021
Zac de Vries @zacdevries.bsky.social · 18/11/2025Saanich Council has approved 125 housing units at McKenzie and Rainbow. Close to transit, shops, parks,schools, and active transportation connections. A cantilevered sidewalk will make sure that we deliver a sidewalk AND protect 8 significant Garry Oaks while delivering the housing people need! 2244
Reposted by Zac de VriesBrent Toderian @brenttoderian.bsky.social · 08/11/2025Have you heard of “The Populist Playbook?” A few years ago, I posted what I still consider one of my most important messages. It was about “The Populist Playbook” that I’ve watched play out often over my 33+ years of city planning. Since then, it’s only gotten worse. Do the steps sound familiar? 16780359
Reposted by Zac de VriesLeo Spalteholz @leospalteholz.bsky.social · 13/11/2025Great to see. Zac and Jeremy have been not only consistently strong housing champions but more importantly back that up with action 091