In 2006, Central Saanich was home to about 15,745 people living in 6,493 dwellings, making up 4.7% of the region’s total population of 330,090. The annual population growth rate in Central Saanich over the five year census period 2001 to 2006 slowed to0.5% from 1% over the census period 1996-2001. However, the annual growth rate in total dwellings over the same period was just over 1% per year, reflecting a slight decrease in average household size.

The housing capacity study completed as part of the 2008 Offical Communtiy Plan (OCP) update indicated a latent capacity for an additional 750 to 1050 new dwellings under current zoning, assuming some changes in zoning consistent with the policies of the 1999 OCP. At an average annual growth rate of 1%, this would provide sufficient capacity to the year 2021. The majority of this housing capacity is in mixed-use residential/commercial developments (residential uses located above ground floor commercial uses within the Village Centres of Brentwood Bay and Saanichton) with limited capacity for single family and ground oriented attached (townhouse) development.

During the OCP planning process, there were mixed views regarding how fast, what type, and where residential growth should occur in the community. On balance, there was acceptance of continued gradual residential growth in a manner that is consistent with established settlement patterns up to the servicing capacity of the Peninsula Sewage Treatment Plant.

The OCP review process also revealed a strong community preference for accommodating new growth through infill and intensification rather than development of new areas, and by encouraging the creation of documented (legal) secondary suites in detached homes. There was also support for providing additional capacity for more ground oriented forms of housing, a need identified in the Housing Needs Assessment study completed in 2000.  Housing affordability and choice also emerged as key issues in this planning process, with strong support for ensuring that there is housing that is affordable and suitable for seniors (aging in place), young families, and residents with modest incomes.

The community in principle accepts that a modest rate of growth by infill development is supportable. Concerns have been raised, however, on specific redevelopment proposals. When it comes to increasing density, Council has determined that a community dialogue might help envision what the community would accept before development proposals are submitted. It is proposed that a set of guidelines/criteria for densification be created to provide consistency in future development and to provide direction to developers as to what might be appropriate. It was also suggested that the consulting team research how other communities have dealt with this issue.

The RDS project:

On August 29, 2011 Central Saanich Council endorsed the consultation process to create a Residential Densification Study (RDS). The Planning department issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) seeking the services of a qualified consulting team to provide planning and public consultation services for the creation of a focused RDS. Last fall the project was awarded to HB Lanarc, who have begun work on the first phase of the study. As part of the community input into the study, public workshops will be held in early 2012.