The District of Central Saanich and Stantec Consulting Ltd. are hosting an Open House Wednesday, March 10, 2010 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. for public input into the options for restoration and roadway improvements to traffic and pedestrian safety along Benvenuto Avenue. The open house will be held downstairs, Central Saanich Senior Citizen’s Centre, 1229 Clarke Road, Brentwood Bay.

All Central Saanich residents and property owners are invited to attend this informative open house. More information can be found on the Benvenuto Avenue Restoration page or by calling 250-544-4210.

The District of Central Saanich is now accepting applications for nominations to the Central Saanich Police Board to fill two upcoming vacancies on the Board.

An Advisory Committee Application Form can be completed and submitted for consideration to Council.

The District of Central Saanich advises residents that the Annual Water Main Flushing program will begin January 25, 2010 and will continue to April. Please review the flushing schedule for specific zones and the Water Main Flushing Notice for complete details.

If you are planning a staff BBQ, class reunion or family picnic, requests for use of municipal ball diamonds and picnic shelters in 2010 are now being accepted. To make your request, please phone: 250-544-4218, or fill out a Park Reservation Request.

Please be advised that construction of the McTavish Road Interchange will begin on November 30, 2009.  Starting that morning, McTavish Road will be closed between Highway 17 and Lochside Drive until Spring 2011.  Access to the Pat Bay Highway will be maintained via Amity Drive (right turns to/from northbound Highway 17 only), Mt. Newton Cross Road (all movements), and Beacon Avenue in Sidney (all movements).

In addition, an extended closure of Canora Road between McTavish Road up to Rideau Avenue will begin on approximately January 26, 2010.  Motorists travelling to the airport will follow McTavish to East Saanich Road, turn north, and take the airport exit from the roundabout.

For construction details and additional information, please visit the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure - Highway 17_- McTavish_Interchange Project website.

For the latest traffic conditions, visit the Drive BC website.

In the event of snowfall, property owners and residents are advised that the Central Saanich Streets and Traffic Bylaw requires you to clear snow and ice within 24 hours of the accumulation of such snow or ice from the sidewalk bordering your properties.

For further informaiton, please visit the District's Snow and Ice Control page.

Sandbags are now available to Central Saanich residents. The sandbags are located just outside the main gate at the Public Works Yard on 1703 Keating Cross Road.  Residents who need them may pick them up between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Further information may be obtained by contacting the Public Works Department at 250-544-4224 ext. 229 or ext. 221.

When filing sandbags, the District asks you to only fill the sandbag to half its capacity (no more than 20 kg), to fold or tie the flap, and to not drag the bags.

The flu can spread very easily from person to person in a short period of time.  If you have the flu, you are encouraged to stay at home until the virus has passed, and to limit contact with others to help prevent spreading the flu.  It is important that we remember to cough into our sleeve, sneeze into a tissue (and throw the tissue away), and to wash our hands regularly.  The flu can be spread from something as small as sharing a pen to opening a doorway. 

The Municipal Hall has installed hand sanitizing stations and posted notices at its entrances for the public.  Also, it is important to recognize the difference between a cold or a flu.  In addition, the District of Central Saanich recently adopted a "Pandemic Influenza Exposure Control Plan".

Healthlink BC has a valuable website that provides facts about influenza, as well as the flu vaccine.

Vancouver Coastal Health has developed a "Pandemic Preparedness" booklet that covers the basics of what the flu is, how it is spread, when to seek medical attention and much more.  For further information, please contact VCH at 1-866-884-0888.

Another useful website is the Vancouver Island Health Authority's "News Room" page, that provides all the latest information on clinics and other important services.

The Vancouver Island Health Authority and the District of Central Saanich are working together to detect WNv quickly when it arrives and communicate information to the public, monitor potential mosquito habitat and when necessary, take action in an environmentally responsible way to reduce the risk of human infection.

Become familiar with the WNv by reading what the West Nile Virus is, how it is spread, how to protect yourself and eliminate Mosquito breeding areas around your home.

The Canada and Mortgage Housing Corporation (CMHC), through its Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP), can provide funding assistance to create or upgrade secondary rental suites. Central Saanich residents who are interested in applying or would like more information, please contact CMHC Vancouver at 1-800-639-3938 or visit the CMHC website.

Installation of Check Valve Assemblies at Water Meter Boxes

The District of Central Saanich Engineering and Public Works Department is installing check valve assemblies at water meter boxes throughout the municipality.  Follow these links for additional information: Check Valve at Property Line or Check Valve Assembly, or visit the CRD website for more information on cross connections.

Between November 1 and May 1,  fires smaller than three feet in diameter do not require a permit.  Additional information on permitted burning days or required permits for larger fires is available from the Fire Department or the Burning Information page.