On October 22, Saanich Council will host its first-ever Town Hall, and I’d love for you to be part of it.
Hearing from the people who live here is one of the most important parts of the job for Mayor and Council. Your thoughts, ideas, and concerns matter, and we’re always looking for better ways to listen and respond. That’s why we’re introducing a new way for us to have a real conversation—a Town Hall format that’s more interactive, more open, and, most importantly, more useful for you.
Why Move on from the Open Forum?
Since 2015, the Open Forum has been a way for people to share their views in-person with us. Residents could come to Council chambers to deliver brief remarks, without much opportunity for Council to respond in a meaningful way. We’ve heard from many people that it just didn’t give them the chance to truly be heard. Fifteen minutes once a month wasn’t enough time, and it often felt like you were talking to a wall—no back-and-forth, no real engagement.
We all want something better. That’s why we’re moving to try out a Town Hall format, where Council can actually ask questions, get into the details, and have a real conversation with you. This is about creating a better experience for everyone—where you feel listened to, and we can respond in a way that makes sense.
Bringing the Conversation to You
Instead of asking you to come to a formal Council chamber, we’re coming to you. Our first Town Hall will be at the Cedar Hill Golf Course Clubhouse on October 22. We want these sessions to feel comfortable and open—more like a community conversation than a formal meeting.
Public speaking can be stressful for some people, so we’re creating a space where everyone feels welcome to share their thoughts. The goal is to make sure we hear from more people, especially those who might not feel comfortable speaking in a more formal setting.
More Ways to Get Involved
The Town Hall is just the beginning. We’re looking at other ways to make sure everyone in our community has a chance to be heard. Saanich’s Finance and Governance Committee is working on more tools for public input, and we’re excited to see what ideas they bring forward.
We know we may not get it perfect right away, but we’re committed to making this better. Your feedback will be crucial as we keep improving how we listen and respond to the community. Please share your ideas with us by emailing council@saanich.ca.
Join Us on October 22
I can’t wait to see you at our first Town Hall on October 22 at 6pm at the Cedar Hill Golf Course Clubhouse. Let’s make this an opportunity for real conversations, where your voice helps shape the future of Saanich!