I want to share my thoughts on the recent Community Amenity Contribution (CAC) and Inclusionary Housing Policy decision of July 17, 2023. This decision has reduced CACs by 60% (although it includes a review in 1 year) from what was presented to council in March 2023.
The District of Saanich approved the Community Amenity Contribution and Inclusionary Housing Policy on July 17, 2023. The final CAC Policy and supporting documents are available via the links, below:
–Community Amenity Contribution & Inclusionary Housing Policy [PDF – 2 MB]
–Framework for Implementing and Negotiating CACs [Appendix A] [PDF – 2 MB]
–Community Amenity Project Reference List [Appendix B] [PDF – 86 KB]
Last term, finally getting the interim CAC”s implemented was a huge win for the public after approximately 350-400 development applications were approved. Many made it in before the Developer Cost Charges (DCC) were implemented. These applications also happened before Saanich implemented the Biodiversity Strategy (to ensure adequate protection of sensitive ecosystems during subdivision and development), and a fully funded Urban Forestry Strategy.
My goal last term, in light of the suspension of our citizen-approved Local Area Plans (LAPs), was fighting for fair public amenities infrastructure cost sharing in development applications. Negotiating fair CAC’s that build community and sustain a healthy environment is my primary objective.
Last term:
vicnews.com/saanich-looks-to-nail-down-amenity-payment-schedule-for-developments
vicnews.com/saanich-looks-to-nail-down-amenity-payment-schedule-for-developments
Please see my website at Nathaliechambers.ca for links to relevant background information on CAC’s, DCC (Developer Cost Charges), LAP’s(Local Area Plans), and my work.
Much of this occurred while the public was out of the Saanich Chambers due to the COVID19 restrictions. Without a Voting Dashboard I have been making increased efforts to inform the public and increase public participation.
Very sadly, this vote happened while I was away. This is a council decision which I must accept and respect as the electorate (Saanich Residents) elected us all to these positions. This was a unanimous decision (with the exception of my vote/absence), however, I do not have to like it. I will explain my thoughts, processes, and opinions with regard to this vote.
I will hope for a miracle and will not give up as we wait for a review in a year.
I will be honest, public subsidization of private, industrial, and development interests on unceded lands infuriates me. Especially when not producing affordability, livability, reconciliation, and sustainability. Provincial downloading of costs adds the flames.
This is the “Tragedy of the Commons” but there is a solution. My background and track record in conservation finance predates politics. I believe in strategic planning and approved community plans and sticking to them.
Last term there were deviations.
Many former colleagues will remember my motto, borrowed from Story Clark: A conversation about conservation without finance is just a conversation. I am proud of my track record/votes on and off council (which I have gone to great lengths to protect since being targeted, and silenced last term). I have been successful in these endeavors and was also re-elected to Saanich Council.
I am 100% NOT developer-funded and will remain this way while I am an elected official. I am following in the footsteps of my mentors.
I am not on the Homes for Living Team.
Funding in the interest of the public is my passion. I believe in abundance and strongly believe that if everybody pays their fair share (industrial, private, and development interests) we can have enough finances to fund affordability, livability, reconciliation with First Nations, and environmental sustainability. When we review the CAC policy in one year, we will have an opportunity to determine if it is effective in achieving affordable housing. As Saanich residents, we cannot afford development costs beyond what is fair. In the financial report commissioned by Saanich council in 2022, KPMG said the following: “Total debt is projected to increase from $52 million in 2022 to $263 million in 2031, representing an average increase of 41% per year.” That is a lot of taxpayer dollars.
Chambers in the Chambers mottos:
Polluters pay not the taxpayer.
Everybody pays their fair share
People, Planet, and Place over profit.
A conversation about conservation without finance is just a conversation
I consider myself a guardian of the taxpayer dollars and fought hard to negotiate for fair deals, public amenities, and a healthy environment for the public during development applications and subdivisions last term. There was a major opportunity to protect the environment and create affordability-climate resiliency, to create the kind of Saanich we wish to see: development that meets the needs of current generations without compromising future generations (Our Common Future- Brundtland Report 1987).
In my opinion this is not what occurred.
With land values inflated (from 2017- the by-election until present day) I saw a great opportunity for funding in the public interest to build community, livability, affordability and achieve reconciliation. Therefore, last term one of the biggest successes was getting DCCs and interim CAC’s implemented.
So you can imagine my distress hearing about this vote.
There is more to be said and done.
I am working to compile more news to my website. Please stay informed and engaged. Saanich needs people to advocate for People, Planet, and Place over profit.
Thank you,
Nathalie Chambers
saanichnews.com/saanich-councillor-accuses-development-community-of-undue-influence
saanichnews.com/vrba-warns-saanich-of-negative-consequences-if-new-dcc-bylaw-approved
focusonvictoria.ca/replacing-saanich%E2%80%99s-edpa-bylaw-proves-challenging