It was a year defined by "progress, resilience and a deep sense of community," said North Saanich Mayor Peter Jones at a recent council meeting where he shared some of the district’s accomplishments in 2024.
Community engagement rose to the top of the district's priorities, particularly with the Official Community Plan, the 2024 Budget, the development of the Parks Master Plan, traffic calming strategies, communities fund and citizen engagement strategies.
“Our administration reaffirmed its commitment to making sure that community input is crucial in forming policies and initiatives that have a direct impact on resident’s lives," Jones said.
In February, the district updated their 2023-2026 Strategic Plan to focus on protecting the natural environment, supporting local agriculture, fostering a vibrant and inclusive community and promoting sustainable growth practices.
"Significant changes were made to improve transparency and quicken municipal procedures: records management and policy reviews, strategic hires in the finance and planning department, and establishing an advisory body to provide expert insights on various issues to help with decision-making," Jones said.
In sports and recreation highlights, the district inaugurated the Blue Heron Park artificial turf soccer fields and introduced a tracked trail chipper, which "revolutionized" the maintenance of the district's trails, "significantly enhancing" their accessibility and usability.
“This improvement demonstrates our dedication to promoting outdoor activities and ensuring that recreational spaces are maintained to the highest standards,” Jones said.
North Saanich adopted a proactive approach to managing and mitigating fire risks by expanding the fire department, adding a full-time FireSmart Coordinator and reducing the risk of wildfire through projects involving the removal of excess woody debris, fallen trees and dead-standing trees.
Accessibility was also a big priority for the district, which ensured residents could easily access and utilize online resources through customized user experience – from text size and contrast to readability.
In 2025, the mayor shared some of the council's priorities including tree protection to preserve the district's rural character, strengthening partnerships with First Nations and protecting marine and waterways to ensure environmental sustainability.
"As we work to strike a balance between growth and maintaining what makes North Saanich special, we will also be addressing the effects of airport land changes, advancing the Official Community Plan, and assisting with agriculture," Jones said.
"Thank you to all residents of North Saanich for your engagement and trust. Your input is vital in shaping our community. Together, let’s continue to build a safe, inclusive and vibrant community that supports sustainable growth."
