Warning: Saanich has received reports of a property tax payment scam that involves third parties offering to pay residential or commercial property taxes on a property owner’s behalf.
These offers may be presented as a way to get a discount, avoid inconvenience, simplify payment, consolidate bills, earn rewards, or have someone else take care of the payment process.
These offers are not authorized by the District of Saanich. The District does not offer property tax discounts through third-party companies, payment consolidators, agents or individuals. The District also does not authorize third parties to negotiate reduced property tax payments or make special payment arrangements on behalf of residential or commercial property owners.
Read more information on how to protect yourself from scams here
Campfire Bans – Check Before you Go
If you have camping plans this long weekend, the BC Conservation Officer Service wants to remind you that most fires are off limits in many areas of BC – including on the Island.
Not only is it respectful to protect our great outdoor areas – fines for violating a campfire ban start at $1,150.
Find out more about what restrictions are in place at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/…/pre…/fire-bans-and-restrictions
Electioneering Activities at Music in the Park
Quadra Cedar Hill will host – in partnership with Saanich Parks, Recreation & Community Services and the District of Saanich – Music in the Park at Rutledge Park on August 18, 2026.
We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone to this not to be missed family-friendly event.
We truly appreciate each and every person stepping up to run for Saanich Mayor and Council, the CRD and School Board. It’s a selfless act to serve your community in this capacity.
For candidates, elector organizations (slates / parties) and supporters – please be aware that Music in the Park is a non-partisan event as required by Saanich.
We have rules that prohibit:
Distribution of election materials. Holding of signs that advocate voting for one person or an elector organization. Wearing shirts that say things like “Elect ___________”.
Please help us keep this event a fun night out free from electioneering.
With thanks,
QCHCA Leadership Team
Irrigation Timers in the CRD
Did you know that your irrigation timer could be putting major stress on our water delivery system in the CRD?Thousands of automatic irrigation timers are set to go off on the hour in the early morning across the region, creating sudden spikes in water demand in just a few seconds.
Our water delivery systems are built to be strong, but too much strain can lead to leaks, pipe failures, and even main water breaks.
You can help by setting your timer to an irregular time during the overnight watering schedule. For instance, instead of 4am, what about 2:31am?
You can check out the times that are creating the most issues at https://www.crd.ca/media/file/peakdemandinfosheet
UVic Study Opportunity
The Behavioural Medicine Lab, at the University of Victoria, is conducting a study to look at how best to support physical activity among people who are transitioning to retirement.The study may be of interest to someone recently retired or soon-to-retiring members of our community.
As part of this study, participants will use a web-based platform or mobile app designed to support them in building and maintaining healthy, active lifestyles during this transition.
UVic is currently recruiting participants in Greater Victoria aged 60-70 years old who have retired within the past 1.5 years.
To be eligible, participants should be engaging in less than 2.5 hours of physical activity per week and have access to the internet.
View the PDF poster Reframing retirement poster (with QR code)
Scan the QR code to access the survey (open the camera on your smart phone, once your camera focuses on the QR code, tap the highlighted URL and voila – you’ll be taken to the survey).
Questions can be directed to bml@uvic.ca
Are You Registered to Vote in the Upcoming Municipal Election?
It’s not too soon to think about our upcoming municipal election on October 17, 2026.
Are you new to Saanich? Have you moved recently? Are you registered to vote at your current address?
Elections BC maintains the voter’s list used for municipal elections. You can register or update your information online at https://eregister.electionsbc.gov.bc.ca/OVR/welcome.aspx#
You will need to provide your name, date of birth, address, and ONE of the following identification numbers:
✒️ your BC driver’s licence number,
✒️ your BC Identification Card number,
✒️ the last six digits of your SIN
✒️ the last six digits of your Personal Health Number
Hartland Landfill and Renovation Waste
Do you have renovation waste you want to take to the landfill?Before you bring renovation or demolition waste to Hartland, make sure you complete the CRD’s Renovation Waste Pre-Approval Application.
This step is required for materials that may contain asbestos and helps ensure safe handling for you, and Hartland staff.
Know before you go:
⭕ Check which materials require pre-approval at https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/garbage-recycling/reno-demo-waste
⭕ Complete the pre-approval application before coming to Hartland.
⭕ Consider hiring a qualified professional to help you identify and safely manage hazardous materials that may contain asbestos.
Naturescaping
From lawn to naturescaped yard!Naturescaping is a program that creates, maintains, and enhances wildlife habitat and native biodiversity in outdoor spaces.
Naturescaping encourages diversity, layers, and edges by growing native plants in your outdoor spaces and in the re-design of wildlife friendly landscapes.
Naturescaping is a fun and truly impactful way to bring the joy of nature right to your backyard! While taking care of nature, you are also caring for yourself, your family, and your community.
Find out more about Saanich’s Naturescape Program at https://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/community/natural-environment/naturescape-program.html
Alert: Blue-Green Algae Warning
Blue-green algae advisory warning issued by the CRD for:
🟢 Beaver Lake
🟢 Prior Lake
🟢 Thetis Lake (main bead at Lower Thetis)
So, if you’re planning on walking the trails with your dog or heading for a quick dip – please be aware.
Blue-green algae produces cyanotoxins. Visitors are advised to avoid contact with the algae and to keep animals on a leash to prevent them from drinking or swimming in the lake until the advisory has been lifted.
The algae usually produce a visible blue-green sheen, which appears as surface scum on the water. Not all blooms are easy to see, and toxins can still be present in the water even if you cannot see a bloom. Blooms are unpredictable and may occur at any time.
Check the following page for updates and what to do if you think you, your family or your dog has been exposed (ingesting the toxin can lead to lethal liver damage in dogs) and some really unpleasant symptoms for people.
Saanich Council has endorsed the 2025 Annual Report. The Annual Report provides an overview of the previous year’s strategic, financial and operational progress.