Saanich council moves to incentivize more doctors in new developments

During this week’s council meeting, Saanich council voted to adopt a motion directing staff to explore ways to incentivize doctors’ offices and medical clinics in new developments. 

This motion was drafted and brought forth by Councillors Teale Phelps Bondaroff and Karen Harper, with support from the grassroots organization Family Doctors for Saanich. 

Specifically, the motion will direct staff to explore expanding Density Bonus Framework to include doctors offices and medical clinics.

Additionally, staff will begin exploring other options, such as floor space ratio exclusions, Community Amenity Contributions (CACs) and Amenity Cost Charges (ACCs) exemptions or reductions for developers who include doctors’ offices or medical clinics in new developments.

Currently, this motion passing does not require any immediate zoning changes or new bylaws while staff embark on exploring available options. 

“There is a pressing need for more primary care in Saanich, with thousands of residents not attached to a family doctor or nurse practitioner,” said Councillor Phelps Bondaroff. 

“If we are serious about improving access to primary care, Saanich needs to be on the lookout for policies that will help.”

Harper echoed Phelps Bondaroff, noting that many Saanich residents do not have access to a doctor, and she wants to see that happen for all. 

“Density bonusing is one of the tools that may help and we should explore its viability,” she said.

“Medical clinics and doctors’ offices are essential community infrastructure. This motion would help ensure staff examine how our planning and development tools might better support access to care in neighbourhoods across the District.”

According to data from the Ministry of Health, currently 98,301 of nearly 134,000 residents on the Saanich Peninsula and Oak Bay are attached to a healthcare provider. 

Furthermore, 19,038 are registered and seeking attachment, while 22,886 are unattached and unregistered.

During Monday’s council meeting, the motion was split into two parts and amended. 

The first part involving Density Bonus Framework policy was adopted by a 7-2 vote—Councillors Brice and Chambers voted in opposition. 

The second part involving other avenues to bring more doctors to new developments was adopted by a 8-1 vote—Councillor Chambers voted in opposition.