A recent council meeting in Saanich turned tense as debate around the Quadra McKenzie Plan (QMP) stirred strong emotions. The meeting, held on July 7, aimed to gather feedback on the revised housing and transportation proposal. However, the event left some participants feeling unsafe — especially those in favor of the plan.
The QMP proposes denser housing, better public transit, and more walkable neighborhoods. It also aims to reduce traffic congestion and rethink urban design. While the plan has gained support from housing advocates, it has also sparked concern among residents worried about neighborhood changes and traffic flow.
Before the meeting began, the council chamber quickly reached capacity. People stood against the back wall and filled the hallway. Among them was Caleb Crookes, a third-year university student who came with fellow volunteers from a local housing advocacy group called Homes for Living. They attended to show support for the QMP and used their allotted speaking time to express their views.
However, Crookes said the mood in the room quickly grew hostile. As supporters of the plan spoke, the crowd became more vocal. Tension rose, and Crookes described the environment as increasingly uncomfortable. After giving their speeches, he and his friends left the meeting out of concern for their safety.
“For the first time, I truly did not feel safe in those council chambers,” Crookes said. “We slowly made our way out while being insulted and demeaned.”
As they exited, Crookes said he was subjected to verbal abuse, including homophobic slurs. One individual whispered an explicit insult into his ear. The comment shocked him so much that he didn’t share the experience with friends until the next day.
Crookes expected differing opinions but was stunned by the level of anger directed at him. He said he only spoke about the plan’s goals and his support for more affordable housing.
“I don’t think I said anything extreme,” he noted. “It was the crowd’s attitude that felt hostile and disrespectful.”
Despite the experience, Crookes stands by his decision to speak. As someone struggling with the high cost of housing, he believes the QMP could be a meaningful step toward more affordable living options in the region.
“It’s very expensive to live here. Many young working-class people can barely afford to keep a roof over their heads,” he said.
Crookes views the plan as more than a policy. He sees it as a chance to reshape the way the community thinks about urban growth. “It’s one of the most important projects in the region,” he added.
Although many in the chamber opposed the QMP, Crookes said the silent majority — those not yet living in Saanich due to housing shortages — would likely support it.
After the meeting, several council members, including the mayor, issued statements condemning the abuse. They emphasized that public discourse must be respectful, even when disagreements are strong.
Mayor Dean Murdock stated that the behavior seen during the meeting was unacceptable. He noted this was the first time he witnessed such direct provocations from the public in a council setting.
“All viewpoints are welcome,” Murdock said. “But no one should be made to feel threatened or unsafe for speaking their mind.”
In response to the disruption, the city is reviewing its safety protocols. Future meetings may include limits on the number of in-person attendees, increased security, or more options for online participation.
Crookes said the experience didn’t scare him away — it made him more determined. He plans to return when the draft comes up again in the winter.
“We can’t back down in the face of this kind of behavior,” he said. “Letting that hostility win would send the wrong message.”
