Wednesday November 5, 2025 | SAANICH, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
A Housing Target Progress Report by the District of Saanich outlines the municipality’s progress to reach provincial housing targets and support the creation of more homes for people.
- Reporting Period 2 Progress Report (October 1, 2024 and September 30, 2025)
- 442 net new units received occupancy permits and were completed (73% of the targeted 601 net new units for this period).
- Cumulatively across Reporting Periods 1 and 2(October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2025)
- 810 net new units received occupancy permits and were completed (78% of the target of 1,041 cumulative net new units).
The District says that significant progress has been made, despite not completely satisfying the Housing Target.
“Many additional highlights in the report also bode well for the future,” the District states in a November 4, 2025 news release.
Projects in development approval phase:
Although the District did not meet the target for Occupancy Permit or completions, there are a lot of projects in the development approval pipeline.
The number of units approved at the Development Permit stage has doubled, and there are a significant number that have received a Building Permit and are currently under construction.
Saanich Mayor Dean Murdock has taken leadership on the housing file since the NDP government began their strides to increase housing in all communities across the province.
Half are non-market units:
Saanich supports non-market housing and outlines their goals and strategies on the municipal website: Support for Non-Market Housing.
“A major highlight of the report is that nearly half of the units issued through Development Permits are for non-market units, which is so encouraging and will help more people find a home at a price they can afford,” says Saanich Mayor Dean Murdock.
Additionally, we are exceeding provincial targets for the creation of family-suitable 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom units, which will allow more families to settle in our community,” says Saanich Mayor Dean Murdock.
“These achievements speak to the diligent work of staff to streamline internal processes, allowing projects to progress more quickly so that more people can find a home that meets their needs.”
Reports to the Housing Ministry:
The Progress report for Period 2 was received by District of Saanich Council on October 27, 2025 (for the time period October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025) and will be submitted to the provincial Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs.
Report links:
- Housing Target Progress Report Period 2
- Housing Target Progress Report Period 1.2
- Housing Target Progress Report Period 1.1
To learn more about Saanich’s strategic supports for non-market housing.
===== RELATED:
- BC housing initiatives announced twice this week (September 29, 2023)
- Saanich, Oak Bay & Victoria heading into housing collaboration with the Province (June 2, 2023)
- NEWS SECTIONS: HOUSING | SAANICH