December 2024
Central Saanich is working to maintain vibrant commercial centers and support local businesses to enhance the overall quality of life for residents and attract new talent to the area.
Read on to get updates on a variety of ways we’re making this happen.
Updating commercial zoning to support businesses
We are reviewing commercial zoning in an effort to support business growth and community needs, and recently completed community engagement. The review includes a focus on:
- Keating Business District -The District is reviewing zoning regulations to encourage economic activity and support businesses. We sought feedback from businesses and residents on permitted uses, building height, and parking considerations.
- Small Commercial Hubs - Moodyville, Turgoose, and Island View. These smaller commercial areas are also being looked at to improve their vitality and support local businesses.
What’s next? Updates will be presented to council in the new year and will be included as part of the zoning bylaw update in 2025.
Stay informed by subscribing for email updates at LetsTalkCentralSaanich.ca/CommercialZoningUpdate.
Central Saanich celebrates Child Care Action Plan
Approximately 20% of Central Saanich households have children under 14, and an estimated 1,000 children were without needed childcare space in 2020. Thankfully, more families in Central Saanich have access to child care thanks to efforts from local public and private organizations, and the local economy is benefiting from better access to quality, reliable child care solutions.
Key achievements include converting Central Saanich’s Centennial Park caretaker property into a child care facility, the expansion of spaces at Kidspace Learning Centres, the addition of 84 spaces thanks to the Saanich School District, and a potential new childcare facility coming to the Capital Region Housing Corporation (CRHC) 1183 Verdier development. Additionally, the District is looking at ways to incorporate child care space into its own redevelopment project.
The expansion of child care facilities is expected to reduce waiting lists, provide parents with more flexibility to pursue employment or education, and create local job opportunities for early childhood educators. This initiative underscores the District’s commitment to fostering a supportive, equitable community.
Investing in parks and trails
The great outdoors is one of Central Saanich’s most valued assets—and an updated Parks and Trails Master Plan will make it an even better place to live and work.
By investing in parks and trails, Central Saanich is not only enhancing the quality of life for its residents but also creating a more vibrant and supportive environment for businesses.
Subscribe for project updates at LetstalkCentralSaanich.ca/ParksandTrails
Accessory dwelling units in agricultural and rural areas
In response to changes in provincial legislation, the opportunity to consider more flexible ‘accessory’ housing options in the Agricultural Land Reserve and on Rural lands was presented to Council in 2021, and the District has been exploring options on this topic since. At the November 4, 2024, Council meeting, Council gave first
and second reading to bylaws that would enable the following housing on agricultural and rural zoned lands:
- Lots 1ha (2.47 acres) or larger: Up to three dwelling units in the form of a principal dwelling, secondary suite, and detached accessory dwelling.
- Lots less than 1ha: A principal dwelling with secondary suite or a detached accessory dwelling (a 1 ha lot size threshold aligns with the subdivision servicing standards of Island Health).
This would align with provincial legislation and Agricultural Land Commission regulations.
What’s next? A Public Hearing will be scheduled where the public is able to come make representation to Council prior to consideration of the third reading and final adoption of the bylaws.
What’s an ‘accessory’ dwelling? An accessory dwelling unit is also known as granny suite, secondary suite, cottage or carriage house. It is a smaller house or suite located on the same lot as a single-family dwelling.
Subscribe for updates at LetsTalkCentralSaanich.ca/AG
Keating Business District - Potential rezoning or extraction lands
Council endorsed an opportunity for the District to work in partnership with Extraction Industrial landowners in the Keating Business District to rezone several lots to allow for light industrial uses in the area. The Official Community Plan provides direction that following gravel extraction operations the areas should convert to light industrial uses to be aligned with the rest of the Keating Business District.
The District will initiate a rezoning in partnership with identified landowners, which will include establishing general criteria for land development. A public hearing will be held at a future date in 2025.
What’s a Public Hearing? A public hearing is a chance for the public to voice support or concerns to Council before Council determines whether to rezone.
Improving Infrastructure
Central Saanich is undertaking significant underground infrastructure replacements to keep our homes and businesses humming. Our municipality is in the fortunate position of being ahead of many others in this regard—we started collecting funding for this anticipated work in 2017. While we don’t expect a tax increase of the degree many other municipalities are facing, it will require patience as we undertake so many large projects in the coming years. These projects will see improvements to not just what is underground—we are improving our transportation network where we can, too.
Keating Flyover update
The Highway 17 Keating Flyover is well underway and is expected to be complete in the spring of 2025.
Please obey all safety signs and drive with care. Check DriveBC for updates: gov.bc.ca/keatingoverpass.
Make bike parking easy for your visitors and employees
Does your business have bike parking yet? Get a free rack near your front door!
Request your free bike rack by emailing climate@csaanich.ca or calling 250.652.4444 ext. 2224.
Limited supply left!
- If on public property, municipal staff will take care of installing the rack.
- If on your property, municipal staff can deliver the rack and give handy guidelines for easy installation.
- Bike racks must be available publicly as part of this free program.
Do you want to see a “Borrow a Bike Lock” program in the District? Tell us what you think about free, secure u-locks to lend to your visitors while they shop or dine.
Learn how your business can save on energy costs
Be one of our first businesses participating!
Take advantage of a new, free program that helps local businesses and property owners reduce energy bills.
- Get free personalized energy-saving advice from experts at District 2030.
- Save time and money with support, pooled procurement, and funded studies.
- Join a growing network! There are already 50 buildings participating in Saanich and Victoria.
- Be seen as a leader in our community and connect with other businesses driving climate action.
Curious? Email climate@csaanich.ca or call 250.652.4444 ext. 2224.
Saanich Peninsula Alert
Are you and your employees registered for our emergency alert system?
Registrants can set their notifications to include multiple areas within the Saanich Peninsula boundaries. The user can set up notifications for Central Saanich, North Saanich and Sidney.
Register at CSaanich.ca/SPA
Emergency preparedness tips for businesses
Protect pipes from freezing
- Severe property damage can result from water damage caused by burst pipes, prevent this by:
- Installing leak detectors
- Insulating pipes
- Unhooking outdoor hoses
- Draining irrigation systems
- Keeping indoor temperatures above 10°C
Develop a snow and ice removal plan
- Clear and apply salt or sand to walkways and parking lots.
- Assess the slip-and-fall risks on and around sites and make sure the right precautions are taken to mitigate them.
Prepare a winter weather emergency kit
- Customers and staff may become stranded at a business due to unexpected, severe weather.
Their safety can be increased by : - Keep an emergency kit stocked with necessities like food, water, blankets, and first aid materials.
Exploring civic redevelopment
Highlights from community and business feedback
As we begin to develop concepts and financials for the community to weigh in on in spring 2025, the District has published a What We Heard report summarizing the feedback received to date—including from the business community. Feedback from business owners was very positive overall. There is enthusiasm for renewal in Saanichton Village with a desire to see housing, public space and commercial and retail from food services to medical/dental and child care. Recreation and rentable community space were the highest priorities for the Hovey Road land with additional interest in outdoor space and food services.
Subscribe for email updates at LetsTalkCentralSaanich.ca/civicredevelopment.
Be part of the 2025 budget process
The District of Central Saanich’s Draft 2025 Financial Plan will be published in early 2025. It’s important you understand your 2025 Budget and provide feedback along the way. Please watch our website for opportunities to provide feedback.
Did you know? Central Saanich has one of the lowest business property tax rates in the region.
A look at our business community
- 850+ active business licences.
- 3,140 jobs in industries such as wholesale trade, manufacturing, transportation, warehousing, logistics, and construction.
Save time with online services
Central Saanich is making it easier for businesses to access online services—right from your computer or mobile device.
- Online permit applications - Apply for building, plumbing, tree, and sign permits
- Property information requests -Access property details and request information
- Utility billing -Manage utility accounts and view billing information
- Business licences - Apply for, renew, and manage business licences online
Find these and more at CSaanich.ca/onlineservices.
Making a change? Let us know!
Starting another business?
Business Licence applications are now available online at CSaanich.ca/Business-Licence
Moving?
If you move or transfer ownership of the business, you need a new business licence.
Closing up?
Email bylaw@csaanich.ca to close your account.