In 1979, the Municipality of Saanich took the first formal steps toward protecting its heritage structures through a series of bylaws. To date, approximately 52 residential, 13 institutional, and 3 commercial structures have been designated as heritage based on the following criteria:

Architectural Value: 
A measure of the quality of a building as an example of a certain style or period. The quality of architectural design and the craftsmanship are determining factors in the assessment. In addition, a building may be significant as an example of a common type, or as a rare example of a particular style or period design.

Historic Value: 
Historic value is determined by what extent a building symbolizes or is closely associated with a historical period, event or person.

Contextual Value: 
A measure of the contribution a building makes to the community's sense of time and place, and the importance of a building to a streetscape or neighbourhood as a local landmark. 

Saanich Heritage Register 2008 A publication entitled Saanich Heritage Structures, contains photographs, descriptions, and historic information on all the buildings. The publication is available for purchase at the Saanich Municipal Hall and at local libraries.

The owners of designated heritage buildings are presented with a brass plaque which may be affixed to the building exterior identifying it as a "Saanich Heritage Building".