What Happened

Saanich council advanced two major housing developments on Monday night, clearing the way for 85 new units in the district. The approved projects include a townhouse complex on Shelbourne Street and a 77-unit rental apartment building on Feltham Road. The council voted 8-1 in favor of the Shelbourne Street townhouse proposal, which is designed to be family-friendly. The Feltham Road project will feature a rental apartment situated atop a new commercial podium. A third proposed housing project located near the University of Victoria was placed on pause rather than approved.

Why It Matters

The approval of these two projects directly contributes to the housing supply in the Capital Region, addressing the ongoing need for both rental and ownership options. The Shelbourne Street development targets the townhouse market, which is a critical segment for families looking to enter the market or downsize within the region. The Feltham Road project adds significant rental inventory, which is essential for stabilizing rents and providing options for those who do not wish to purchase. These approvals demonstrate local government action to meet provincial housing targets, even as other projects face delays. The decision reflects a prioritization of specific corridors and growth areas within Saanich's land use strategy.

Local Vancouver / Burnaby Context

Saanich is a key municipality in the Greater Victoria area, distinct from the Burnaby and Vancouver markets but subject to similar provincial housing pressures. The BC Housing Supply Act requires municipalities to establish housing targets and report progress. Saanich's approval of these projects aligns with the broader regional goal of increasing density in established neighborhoods. The Shelbourne Valley area, where the townhouse complex is located, has been the subject of plan revisions since 2024 to guide land use and transportation. This local context highlights how individual council decisions aggregate to impact regional supply. While Burnaby and Vancouver often dominate headlines, Saanich's incremental approvals contribute to the overall housing ecosystem of the Capital Region.

Market Impact

The addition of 85 units will provide marginal relief to the rental and townhouse markets in Saanich. The 77-unit rental building on Feltham Road is particularly significant for the rental sector, which faces high demand. The townhouse complex will offer new ownership options, potentially influencing prices in the immediate vicinity. These projects are likely to proceed to construction, adding to the pipeline of new homes in the region. The delay of the third project near UVic suggests that not all proposed developments are moving forward, which may limit the total supply increase in that specific sub-market.

Builder / Developer Perspective

Developers are likely to view the approval of these two projects as a positive signal for feasibility in Saanich. The townhouse complex on Shelbourne Street offers a clear path to construction, while the mixed-use nature of the Feltham Road project may provide additional revenue streams through the commercial podium. However, the delay of the third project highlights that site-specific issues can still halt progress. Developers must navigate the provincial housing targets and local zoning requirements to secure approvals. The 8-1 vote for the Shelbourne project suggests that well-designed proposals can gain council support.

BurnabyHouse Insight

Saanich's approval of 85 units is a tangible step in the region's housing supply efforts, but it underscores the incremental nature of local government action. The council's decision to advance projects on Shelbourne and Feltham while pausing another near UVic highlights the site-specific challenges that developers face. While these approvals are positive, they are just a small fraction of the overall housing need in the Capital Region. The focus on rental and townhouse options reflects the diverse needs of the population, from students and young professionals to families. Monitoring these local approvals provides insight into the broader trends of housing development in British Columbia, where provincial targets and local implementation must align to make a meaningful impact on supply and affordability.