Saturday February 14, 2026 | SAANICH, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Saanich’s new Tenant Protection Bylaw has been brought in to ensure that more tenants who are evicted due to redevelopment are supported.
The new Tenant Protection Bylaw (TPB) replaces the existing Tenant Assistance Policy (TAP) that has been in effect since June 2023.
With the new bylaw, eligible tenants (i.e., all tenants currently on the property when an application is submitted to the District) should be offered:
- Assistance with finding suitable new rental housing
- Right of First Refusal, to return once the development project is completed (if applicable)
- Compensation for moving expenses
- Rent compensation based on length of tenancy
Broader range of projects, more enforcement:
The new Bylaw expands the range of development projects that must provide support to tenants who are evicted due to redevelopment and gives the District better enforcement tools, said the District of Saanich in a news release on Friday.
A major difference between the previous policy and the new Bylaw is the ability to enforce the bylaw. Should landowners fail to submit the appropriate reports or be found to be in contravention of the bylaw, fines may be imposed or permits may be withheld.
The new Bylaw, relevant bylaw amendments and Official Community Plan (OCP) amendments were approved by Saanich Council on February 9, 2026.
See: more information for rezoning applicants and zonings.
Compensation to tenants:
Tenant support includes financial compensation and assistance in finding new accommodation, the District says.
Developers must submit a plan:
For eligible projects, developers are required to submit a Tenant Assistance Plan as part of their development permit application. Subsequent reports are required at Building Permit and Occupancy Permit to confirm compliance with the Bylaw and Tenant Assistance Plan.
Age of buildings:
Most purpose-built rental buildings in Saanich were built before the 1990s and, as buildings age, they become more likely to be considered for redevelopment.
“The new bylaw adds protection to current renters in Saanich as we work to encourage revitalization of existing buildings and new rental housing development,” says the District of Saanich.
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NEWS SECTIONS: HOUSING | GREATER VICTORIA | SAANICH | MOVING & RELOCATION