A Year in Review: Central Saanich's Journey Forward

Dear Central Saanich Residents,

As we reflect on 2024, we see a year marked by significant milestones and collaborative efforts that play a role in supporting a vibrant, sustainable and inclusive Central Saanich.

Council’s Strategic Plan has been the guiding compass for these projects, ensuring that every initiative aligns with our collective vision. This plan prioritizes key areas such as:

  • Investing in infrastructure and active transportation
  • Expanding the supply of affordable, attainable, and rental housing
  • Fostering a community of inclusion, diversity and accessibility
  • Cultivating a resilient economy and thriving agriculture sector
  • Championing climate adaptation, mitigation and preparedness
  • Demonstrating organizational effectiveness

From reviewing our commercial zoning and drafting a new Parks and Trails Master Plan to planting trees and investing in recreation, each project reflects our commitment to balancing the needs of all residents in our community. 

UBCM recognizes Central Saanich’s planning framework
Central Saanich received a prestigious award for developing a framework that ties together various planning processes and strategies; this ensures district plans are talking to each other through an ongoing planning cycle. From the Official Community Plan and long-term financial plans right down to individual projects, Integrated Planning and Reporting has better enabled the District to align services with goals, resources and measurable metrics. 

Nearly $3 million in grant funding awarded in 2024
In 2024 the District was awarded more than 12 grants close to $3 million to enable important work such as active transportation, infrastructure, disaster risk reduction/climate adaptation, and emergency preparedness.

Commercial revitalization underway 
This year we sought feedback on possible zoning changes in commercial areas to revitalize the Keating Business District and three small commercial hubs: Moodyville, Turgoose, and Island View at East Saanich Road. Additionally, we explored changes related to childcare and commercial operations in parks. This work will continue in 2025 with further community input before it is presented to the Council, ensuring your voices are heard in shaping the future of our commercial areas. LetsTalkCentralSaanich.ca/CommercialZoningUpdate

More fun on its way for local parks

  • Butterfield Park will double in size and protect 10 acres of heavily forested land to expand on this gift to the community and ensure current and future generations can also care for and enjoy this beautiful area. 
  • Construction of a brand-new splash pad is underway at Centennial Park. The project will be completed in time for the warmer months of 2025!
  • The Capital Regional District and Peninsula Recreation Commission are replacing the existing lacrosse box at the park with a covered multi-sport box. The upgrade will provide a versatile, weather-resistant space that accommodates a variety of sports and recreational activities year-round.
  • The tot-lot playground upgrade at Rom Knott Park has new surfacing and structures for even more fun! 
  • We’ve been hard at work (read: having fun in classrooms and workshops!) developing a draft Parks and Trails Master Plan, ensuring our outdoor recreation reflects the evolving needs of our community, promotes active lifestyles, and protects our natural environment.

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Road safety and active transportation improvements
A priority for our community is making it easier to walk, roll, cycle and take transit. In 2024, we completed work including:   

  • Pathways and trails:
    • The first phase of a new multi-use pathway on Mount Newton Cross Road, connecting Lochside Drive to Lochside Regional Trail.
    • A new pedestrian trail on Seabrook Road, adjacent to the SD63 Learning Centre
  • Sidewalks:
    • New sidewalks on Veyaness Road, near the SD63 Learning Centre and Timber Ridge Court.
    • A new sidewalk with curb and gutter on Wallace Drive, linking West Saanich Road to Stelly’s Secondary School.
    • A new sidewalk on Central Saanich Road, between East Saanich Road and Shady Creek Drive.
  • Crosswalks:  
    •  A new crosswalk on Mount Newton Cross Road, west of Central Saanich Road.
    • A new raised crosswalk on Marchant Road at the pedestrian pathway to Knute Way and Brentwood Elementary.
  • Modest cycling improvements, like line painting and signage at Lochside Drive and Island View Road.
  • Bus stop accessibility improvements for five stops on Mount Newton Cross Road, Wallace Drive, and Lochside Drive.
  • Installation of four new solar-powered speed reader boards on East Saanich Road, Mount Saint Michael Road, Verling Avenue and Wallace Drive.
  • Ordering of pedestrian-activated, solar-powered lights for four crosswalks on Mount Newton Cross Road, Wallace Drive, and East Saanich Road.

What’s next? Several capital projects that were in design and procurement stages in 2024 will upgrade crosswalks and improve cycling connections between Brentwood Bay, Saanichton and Keating/Tanner Ridge. The District also worked with BC Transit to request up to two new bus shelters for 2025. Please stay tuned for updates on centralsaanich.ca/ActiveTransportation. 

Did you know? Located in front of the Municipal Hall, a new covered bike facility offers secure bike parking with e-bike charging for residents. To park your bike, please contact community.services@csaanich.ca or call 250.544.4224 ext. 4413, Monday to Friday from 8:30 am and 4:30 pm.

 

Celebrating progress on Child Care Action Plan
The District celebrated progress on its Child Care Action Plan, including the opening of The Cottage, operated by Just Peachy at Centennial Park in the previous caretaker home.

Brentwood Sewer Replacement commenced
The sewer system replacement, which handles half of the community’s wastewater, including flows from the W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip) First Nation, is one of the largest capital projects undertaken by the District in recent times. New pipes and sewer service connections for properties were installed, along with significant road work (thank you for your patience!). In total, the project includes 4,270 meters of sanitary sewer mains. The $12.4M project received $5.8M in funding from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.

Meet your Street returned
The District of Central Saanich’s popular Meet Your Street program returned for a second year. The program provides funds to support neighborhood events to build a stronger community. This year, four neighborhoods participated, including one emergency preparedness presentation by the Central Saanich Emergency Program. Streets can choose to host a Neighbourhood Preparedness event and get a free presentation and guidance from Central Saanich Emergency Program staff.

More online services launched
Residents and businesses can now submit permit applications 24/7 using our new online application permit system for plumbing, building, and tree permits, as well as property information requests.

Free menstrual products now carried in several public facilities
We now carry menstrual products in District facilities to help remove barriers, promote gender equity, and support those in need.

Electric kick scooters allowed on Central Saanich roads
Residents and visitors can legally ride electric kick scooters on Central Saanich roads as part of the Province’s pilot. This initiative supports sustainable travel and helps reduce transportation costs by allowing scooters in the same places as bicycles and e-bicycles. 

Expanded bike parking at the Saanich Fair
Bike parking was popular at the 2023 Saanich Fair, so we expanded the service for 2024. Central Saanich marked a safe route to the Fairgrounds and partnered with Capital Bike to offer an easy, secure bike valet. Over 1000 people cycled to the Fair, skipping traffic and reducing their environmental impact—more than double the number of bikes in our first year!

Remembrance Day 2024
The Remembrance Day ceremony at HEL,HILEȻ Park  was well attended by the community, along with the Central Saanich Police Service, Fire Department, Kittyhawk Cadet Squadron, Scouts, Girl Guides, Stelly's Secondary band, bugler Robert Gordy, and piper Bill Burns.

Community fun and education go hand in hand!
The District hosted a number of successful workshops in 2024 that brought the community together to learn about important topics, including:

  • Emergency Preparedness Expo: Community members learned about the FireSmart program, met emergency response experts, saw live demonstrations, and received tips on making an emergency plan to protect themselves and their loved ones.
  • Grade 5 Expo:  Students from 9 schools participated in 8 classes a day, engaging in fire prevention workshops. These included kitchen fire safety, earthquake awareness, stop drop and roll techniques, extinguisher training, and experiencing what it's like to control a fire hose nozzle.
  • Composting Workshop: Residents attended a free composting workshop on how to create a garden rich in nutrients while reducing waste. The workshop was sponsored by the District in partnership with the Compost Education Centre and the Central Saanich Community Gardens Society. 
  • Emergency Program Workshops: Camille Brillon, a seismologist at the Geological Survey of Canada, Lisa Banfield, the District’s Emergency Program Manager, and Ryan Vantreight, FireSmart Coordinator, presented at a workshop focused on how to prepared for earthquakes and other natural hazards. 
  • Lunch N’ Learn Sessions: The District sponsored two sessions aimed at enriching the lives of older community members. These well-attended workshop topics were on “Simple Ways to Prepare for an Emergency” and “Navigating Supports and Services in the Community.” Thank you to Beacon Community Services and the Centre for Active Living.
  • We held an Agricultural Open House and heard from more than 100 local farmers; the District continues to work with farmers to address key issues like drainage and housing.
  • Earth Day at Oak Haven Park: We celebrated Earth Day with a wildflower tour and invasive pull at Oak Haven Park, hosted by Habitat Acquisition Trust, Friends of Oak Haven Park, and the District. The area is also know as SṈIDȻEȽ ŦIŦEL SṈÁNET, meaning "place of the blue grouse" hill/mountain.
  • Tree Appreciation Day at Chatterton Park: At the end of September, over 70 residents of all ages came together to plant native trees and pull invasive ivy for National Forest Week. 145 seedlings and shrubs were planted between Wallace Drive and the sport court at Chatterton Park. Thank you to all the Girl Guides, Scouts, and community members who participated in this fun event!

Sponsored important local programs
We provided funding for a number of community programs and events that offer important services and bring the community together, including:

  • CSAN Kitchen : Run by BGC Southern Vancouver Island (formerly the Boys and Girls Club), at the Brentwood Bay location, the program offered youth cooking lessons using healthy, local foods in the recipes. The meals are shared with the participants’ families and ingredients are sent home to recreate the meal at home.   
  • Better at Home Program: Beacon Community Association was able to expand it’s services into Central Saanich providing resources and supports for older adults living independently, offering volunteer and paid services such as housekeeping, transportation, and social support. 
  • Guided community bike rides: Central Saanich partnered with Capital Bike to offer five free, guided community rides in the summer and early fall. These rides helped residents of diverse ages and abilities learn new bike skills for road safety and navigation, while offering a chance to connect with other community members over coffee. The five rides featured different routes and themes, from e-bikes to nature rides.
  • Music in the Park: This free, all-ages event takes place on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:30 PM for 7 weeks in July and August at HEL,HILEȻ Park in Brentwood Bay.  
  • Brentwood Bay Festival: Held annually in early June, the Brentwood Bay Festival brings the community together with a pancake breakfast, parade, stage entertainment, and vendors at HEL,HILEȻ Park in Brentwood Bay.  
  • Movies in the Park: The Saanichton Village Association hosted free outdoor movie events each summer, offering family-friendly entertainment under the stars for the community.
  • Saanichton Community Christmas: The Saanichton Village Association raised funds and collects food for families in need each holiday season. 
  • Saanichton Spaghetti Dinner: The Saanichton Village Association hosted a dinner at St. Mary’s Church, offering a chance for neighbors to connect over dinner and live music.
  • ArtSea Community Arts Council: ArtSea, located at Tulista Park in Sidney, fosters appreciation for the arts with programs like Studio Tours and the Lantern Festival, alongside gallery exhibits.
  • Peninsula Streams Society: The society continues to work on Central Saanich ecosystem restoration projects including salmon habitat conservation, as well as offers educational programs and community involvement in environmental efforts. 
  • Log Cabin Museum and Archives: Dedicated to the preservation of the historical records of the Saanich Peninsula, the Log Cabin Museum and Archives is located in Saanichton Green/Polo Park.  

This year’s highlights showcase how community feedback and participation were crucial in developing these projects and driving these initiatives forward, and we look forward to continuing this journey together in the coming year. 

Thank you for being an integral part of our community’s success!