I am writing in response to Bailey Seymour’s Oct. 30th article, "Central Saanich affordable housing rejection leaves stakeholders shocked."
The recent proposal from Aryze Developments in partnership with the Southern Vancouver Island Housing Society (Legion Manor) was turned down at the same stage and for the same reason as the society’s prior attempt – a significant departure from Central Saanich’s Official Community Plan (OCP). Previously, the society, in partnership with TL Developments, proposed multiple apartment buildings on farmland near Keating and West Saanich, which was also rejected as an untenable deviation from the OCP.
Now, the Southern Vancouver Island Housing Society has teamed up with Aryze Developments, once again seeking substantial deviations from the OCP. A key element of this proposal is the claim that it will include affordable housing. But can this commitment be trusted? Aryze has a track record of returning to council to demand concessions from the conditions under which the approval was granted. Most recently, Aryze pressured the City of Victoria to remove affordable housing and other amenity commitments for its development on Foul Bay Road, after the project was already approved with many variances. With no secured funding for this new project in Central Saanich and the proponent’s track record, why would this one be any different?
While it’s true that the OCP allows for amendments, Central Saanich’s plan was only recently updated after one of the most comprehensive community consultations in our history. This plan reflects a collective vision for measured growth, identifying areas for higher-density development where the infrastructure can support it. This proposal by Aryze and the Southern Vancouver Housing Society, however, significantly deviates from that shared vision held by not only nearby residents but the broader community as well.
Central Saanich is not shirking its responsibility to increase housing supply. Council has already approved nearly 1,000 new housing units across our small community of just over 17,000 people – units not yet reflected in the latest housing needs report or provincial housing statistics. These approvals clearly demonstrate Central Saanich’s commitment to managed, responsible growth to meet the region’s housing needs.
Finally, it’s disappointing to see Rod Hughes, president of the Southern Vancouver Island Housing Society, dismiss concerned residents as "NIMBYs" while alleging community members are influencing council decisions. Instead of respecting the community’s perspective on development, Hughes resorts to name-calling, demanding concessions that residents are simply not prepared to make. His remarks highlight an important question for the next municipal election: which councillors listen to the voices of those they represent, and which are aligned with the interests of property developers?
Local residents, after all, are right to influence our elected council decisions – it is our community, and we have a vested interest in its future.
David Willows, past-president
Central Saanich Community Association
