“I believe Saanich’s best days are ahead. With thoughtful planning, strong partnerships, and a commitment to getting things done, we can build a community that remains affordable, livable, sustainable, and welcoming for generations to come.”
MEet ZAC
I’m Zac de Vries, and I am running to be the Mayor of Saanich.
Serving on Saanich Council the last two terms has been the honour of my life. Thank you for the opportunity to serve our incredible community.
I love Saanich and I care deeply about everyone who calls it home. I first ran for council because I believed that if we worked together, we could make our community even better. I knew I could contribute, collaborate, and help move important ideas forward.
Over the past eight years, we’ve accomplished a great deal together. We’ve made progress on housing, climate action, transportation, parks, and building a more inclusive community. I’m proud of that work, but I also see the challenges that remain.
Saanich is changing. Families are struggling with affordability, infrastructure needs are growing, and we must continue preparing our community for the future while protecting what makes it special.
That’s why I’m taking the next step in serving our community and running for Mayor.
I believe Saanich’s best days are ahead of us. Together, we can build a community that is more affordable, more livable, more sustainable, and full of opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds.
I hope you’ll join me.
Let’s keep Saanich moving forward, together.
-Zac
Rooted in Saanich
Saanich has been my home my entire life.
I grew up here, attended local schools, built my career here, and now my wife and I are raising our daughter here.
Saanich is home to great neighbourhoods, even better neighbors, excellent parks and schools, thriving businesses, and some of the most spectacular natural spaces anywhere. It's a community that offers incredible opportunities and an exceptional quality of life.
Like many families, we've experienced both the opportunities and the challenges facing our community firsthand. We understand the importance of affordable housing, safe and efficient transportation, strong public services, and thoughtful planning that prepares for the future while preserving what makes Saanich special.
My commitment to public service comes from a deep love for this community and a belief that, by working together, we can continue building a Saanich that works for everyone.
Help Shape Saanich's Future
I'd love to hear your priorities, concerns, and ideas for our community. Your feedback will help shape my campaign and ensure that it reflects the issues that matter most to Saanich residents.
Please take a few minutes to complete my community survey.
Where we are
Saanich has made important progress over the past decade, but we can't afford to stand still.
Our community is growing and changing. We face challenges around housing affordability, transportation, infrastructure, economic development, and climate resilience. Meeting those challenges will require thoughtful leadership, strong partnerships, and a willingness to embrace new ideas while preserving what makes Saanich special.
WHY I’M RUNNING for MAyor
I’m running for Mayor because I love this community, I care deeply about everyone who calls Saanich home, and I want everyone to thrive through every stage of their lives.
I want Saanich to be a place where seniors can age in place, young people can build a future, families can put down roots, and people of all ages and backgrounds feel connected to their community.
The future of Saanich should be shaped together. With optimism, practical solutions, and a commitment to making life better for the people who live here today and for future generations.
I hope you'll join me in shaping the future of Saanich.
Council and CRD Experience
Saanich Council Appointments - Current
Chair, Transportation Advisory Committee
Member, Finance and Governance Committee
Member, South Island Prosperity Partnership Municipal Partners Committee
Liaison, University-Municipal Council Liaison Group
Liaison, Peninsula and Area Agricultural Commission
Saanich Council Past Appointments
Liaison, Resilient Saanich Technical Committee
Chair, Economic Development Advisory Committee
Chair, Housing Strategy Taskforce
Chair, Planning, Transportation & Economic Development Advisory Committee
Member, Rising Economy Taskforce
Chair, Mayor's Standing Committee on Housing Affordability and Supply
Member, Housing Affordability and Supply Committee
Capital Regional District Appointments - Current
Chair, Capital Region Housing Corporation Board
Director, Capital Regional District Board
Director, Capital Region Hospital District Board
Chair, CRD Planning and Protective Services Committee
Director, CRD Transportation Committee
Director, CRD Housing and Hospital Committee
Director, CRD Core Area Liquid Waste Management Committee
Commissioner, Regional Water Supply Commission
Commissioner, Regional Housing Trust Fund Commission
Career Experience and Education
Sector Specialist, Food and Beverage Processing, BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food
Advises executive leadership and the Minister on issues affecting the food and beverage processing sector
Provides subject matter expertise to internal teams, external partners, and industry stakeholders
Designs and delivers programs to improve competitiveness, productivity, and resilience of local food and beverage companies
Member of the Ministry’s Emergency Management Roster, supporting advanced planning and response for wildfires, floods, COVID-19, and other emergencies
Education
Bachelor of Arts, University of Victoria (2017)
Double Major in Political Science and Geography
Concentration in Urban, Health, and Development Studies, with a focus on urban and political economyHigh School Diploma, Pacific Christian School (2012).