AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Saanich is a very desirable municipality. As such, it’s important that we strike the right balance between protecting our environment and increased density developments. We need an updated vision and should be modernizing our local area plan. This will help identify appropriate locations for future development, as well as determine which type of increased density development is appropriate for the neighbourhood. Not only would these developments need to take into consideration and attempt to emulate the unique characteristics of the area, but they would also need to be diverse in size, number of units, and occupancy allowance, in order to ensure a wide range of housing options are available. This should make it easier for young families to enter the housing market and establish roots in the community.
The allowance of secondary suites and garden houses will start to ease the burden of our student population. Saanich needs to collaborate with the local post-secondary establishments, as well as other stake holders, in order to encourage additional student housing development, both on and off campus.