Saanich councillor Zac de Vries enters mayoral race

Two-term Saanich Coun. Zac de Vries has entered the race for mayor, launching a campaign centred on housing, transportation, climate action and fiscal management. Announcing the news on June 17, the Saanich-born and raised politician, now a father to a newborn baby, said he hopes to serve Saanich from the council’s top seat. Having also served on the Capital Regional District board as well as chairing the Capital Region Housing Corporation, de Vries said he decided to run following Mayor Dean Murdock’s withdrawal from the

upcoming election. It was while serving in these various roles that de Vries said he gained what he called “significant experience in leadership” over the past decade, adding that his understanding of municipal government could be put to good use for Saanich residents. “I love working with people, whether it’s council, staff, residents, community organizations, and finding common ground to chart a path forward together,” he said. “I would bring that kind of collaborative spirit.” De Vries explained that his campaign focuses on keeping Saanich

affordable and livable, maintaining progress on environmental initiatives and expanding public transportation, while managing growth and sustaining core services. “(We need) to help ensure that we’re delivering value to Saanich residents and sustaining the services that they rely on over the long term,” he said. While de Vries said Saanich’s current strategic direction is on a “good path,” he also plans to address key issues facing the community, including improved engagement and better service delivery. “I’ve always believed that we can do better and I

will look to continuously improve how we do things,” he said. Having a soft spot for municipal politics, de Vries said this level of government is the closest to residents and has a direct impact on people’s lives. “I first ran because I was worried that Saanich was not going to be a place where seniors could age, young people could get a start, and families could set down roots,” he said. “I grew up in a community filled with a whole wide range of

people where things were generally affordable and accessible for most income earners, and that has been slipping away.” Hoping to strengthen and foster a sense of community in Saanich, de Vries wants to ensure people can fully participate in public life. “This all comes down to… a deep care for Saanich and everyone who calls Saanich home,” he said. “I want to ensure that residents of all generations can live, remain, and thrive here. “That is gonna be my top priority.” De Vries will hold

his official campaign launch on June 27 at Beckwith Park. READ MORE: Karen Harper throws hat into Saanich mayoral race

Saanich, Zac de Vries, mayoral race, Dean Murdock, housing, transportation, climate action, fiscal management, Beckwith Park