Zac de Vries
@zacdevries.bsky.social
Saanich Councillor, CRD Director, and Chair of the Capital Region Housing Corporation. Opinions are my own.
The 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...
✅1000+ homes are already underway for 2027–2030
✅up to 2000 more for 2031–2045
vicnews.com/2025/12/03/c...
CRD housing corporation sets target of 5,000 rental homes by 2045 - Victoria News
$85M borrowing authority advances regional housing opportunities
vicnews.com
December 3, 2025 at 9:58 PM
The 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...
✅1000+ homes are already underway for 2027–2030
✅up to 2000 more for 2031–2045
vicnews.com/2025/12/03/c...
Reposted by Zac de Vries
Have you registered to participate and share your thoughts with Council at the Saanich town hall meeting on December 2?
saanich.ca/townhall
saanich.ca/townhall
November 22, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Have you registered to participate and share your thoughts with Council at the Saanich town hall meeting on December 2?
saanich.ca/townhall
saanich.ca/townhall
Reposted by Zac de Vries
Ever 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
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
November 23, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Ever 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
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
Reposted by Zac de Vries
Grow 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!
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!
November 24, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Grow 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!
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!
Inviting 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.
Many Municipalities already use Certified Professional Programs and have for quite some time. Nothing wrong with some consistency.
Local govs are encouraged to give feedback on private member bill M216 as it moves into committee. The bill limits local government due diligence on development proposals, instead letting professionals hired by developers to certify their own projects.
www.ubcm.ca/about-ubcm/l...
www.ubcm.ca/about-ubcm/l...
UBCM encourages local government response to Bill M216
The Professional Reliance Act bill (M216) threatens to weaken the oversight of new home construction and increase the liability risk of taxpayers
www.ubcm.ca
November 21, 2025 at 2:58 AM
Inviting 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.
Many Municipalities already use Certified Professional Programs and have for quite some time. Nothing wrong with some consistency.
Reposted by Zac de Vries
The new waterslide at Saanich Commonwealth Place has finally been installed, with volunteers taking on the first test runs on Wednesday.
New waterslide at Saanich Commonwealth Place opening date eyed for next week
The new waterslide at Saanich Commonwealth Place has finally been installed, with volunteers taking on the first test runs on Wednesday.
cheknews.ca
November 13, 2025 at 4:18 PM
The new waterslide at Saanich Commonwealth Place has finally been installed, with volunteers taking on the first test runs on Wednesday.
Reposted by Zac de Vries
The deadline is next Wednesday, November 26th! #Saanich kids, get your holiday card entries in… the winner gets to be Mayor for the Morning! 😊
Calling all young artists! It's that time of year again!
If you’re an artist in grade K-5, send us your festive design for Mayor & Council's 2025 Holiday Card contest
There's snow doubt we'll receive plenty of creative submissions. Grab your markers & show us what you love most about the holidays
If you’re an artist in grade K-5, send us your festive design for Mayor & Council's 2025 Holiday Card contest
There's snow doubt we'll receive plenty of creative submissions. Grab your markers & show us what you love most about the holidays
November 18, 2025 at 5:47 PM
The deadline is next Wednesday, November 26th! #Saanich kids, get your holiday card entries in… the winner gets to be Mayor for the Morning! 😊
Saanich 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!
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!
November 18, 2025 at 4:56 AM
Saanich 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!
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!
Reposted by Zac de Vries
Have 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?
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?
November 8, 2025 at 12:48 AM
Have 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?
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?
Reposted by Zac de Vries
Great to see. Zac and Jeremy have been not only consistently strong housing champions but more importantly back that up with action
I’m honoured to have been returned as Chair of the Capital Region Housing Corporation for a fourth year.
Thank you to my colleagues on the CRHC Board for your confidence & collaboration. Together, we’ll keep advancing the delivery of more affordable housing to the region!
Thank you to my colleagues on the CRHC Board for your confidence & collaboration. Together, we’ll keep advancing the delivery of more affordable housing to the region!
November 13, 2025 at 8:19 PM
Great to see. Zac and Jeremy have been not only consistently strong housing champions but more importantly back that up with action
Reposted by Zac de Vries
Congratulations to @zacdevries.bsky.social for serving again this year as Chair of the CRHC. It's been my pleasure working with him as Vice Chair.
Together, we are overseeing a massive expansion of affordable housing across the region.
Together, we are overseeing a massive expansion of affordable housing across the region.
I’m honoured to have been returned as Chair of the Capital Region Housing Corporation for a fourth year.
Thank you to my colleagues on the CRHC Board for your confidence & collaboration. Together, we’ll keep advancing the delivery of more affordable housing to the region!
Thank you to my colleagues on the CRHC Board for your confidence & collaboration. Together, we’ll keep advancing the delivery of more affordable housing to the region!
November 13, 2025 at 8:25 PM
Congratulations to @zacdevries.bsky.social for serving again this year as Chair of the CRHC. It's been my pleasure working with him as Vice Chair.
Together, we are overseeing a massive expansion of affordable housing across the region.
Together, we are overseeing a massive expansion of affordable housing across the region.
I’m honoured to have been returned as Chair of the Capital Region Housing Corporation for a fourth year.
Thank you to my colleagues on the CRHC Board for your confidence & collaboration. Together, we’ll keep advancing the delivery of more affordable housing to the region!
Thank you to my colleagues on the CRHC Board for your confidence & collaboration. Together, we’ll keep advancing the delivery of more affordable housing to the region!
November 13, 2025 at 8:15 PM
I’m honoured to have been returned as Chair of the Capital Region Housing Corporation for a fourth year.
Thank you to my colleagues on the CRHC Board for your confidence & collaboration. Together, we’ll keep advancing the delivery of more affordable housing to the region!
Thank you to my colleagues on the CRHC Board for your confidence & collaboration. Together, we’ll keep advancing the delivery of more affordable housing to the region!
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!