Council seeks more time to consider CBRE recommendations and ministerial directives
The District of North Saanich has asked its chief administrative officer to request a two-week extension to respond to a June 16 report from CBRE Development Strategy and Consulting Group and accompanying directives from the provincial Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs.
The CBRE report presents 19 recommendations for the district and the minister issued four formal directives aimed at increasing housing supply. The report suggests measures including expanding the Urban Containment Boundary to permit buildings up to six storeys and easing rules for secondary suites and accessory buildings — proposals that prompted vocal public reaction at a committee meeting on July 14.
"many of the recommendations build upon work that is already underway,"
That line appears in a draft letter North Saanich staff prepared for Minister Christine Boyle's office, signalling the district considers several recommendations to be extensions of steps already under way. Council members stressed, however, that some recommendations would change the district's residential capacity and require assessment of support services.
Local concerns focus on services and neighbourhood impacts
Councillors Sanjiv Shrivastava and Kristine Marshall, together with Mayor Peter Jones, raised questions about whether North Saanich has adequate infrastructure to accommodate increased housing capacity. Their concerns included policing and fire services, parking, transit provision and availability of parkland.
- Council requested a two-week extension to prepare its formal response.
- District staff say they are already implementing housing-related policies through a new zoning bylaw and a 2025 Official Community Plan.
- The district is exploring development and amenity cost charges, streamlining approvals, and reducing parking requirements where appropriate.
Areas of agreement and contention
In its draft correspondence to the ministry, North Saanich signalled openness to some of the minister’s directives — such as loosening parking requirements and examining potential for accessory development — while opposing others. The district explicitly noted disagreement with directives to reduce minimum lot sizes and broaden subdivision opportunities.
| Item | Count |
|---|---|
| CBRE recommendations | 19 |
| Ministerial directives | 4 |
District officials told council that many policy elements from the report dovetail with measures already embedded in the zoning bylaw that complements the Official Community Plan adopted in July 2025. Nevertheless, council members urged a cautious approach, saying the district must reconcile housing ambitions with the Regional Growth Strategy and the practical realities of municipal services.
The requested extension will give North Saanich staff and elected officials additional time to refine their response to the province and to outline how any implementation would protect community character while addressing housing needs.
