MESSAGE FROM YOUR COUNCIL
As your Council, we are committed to fostering open dialogue and transparency, which is why we are creating more opportunities to connect in a casual environment. Our new Coffee with Council events and our second annual New Year's Open House are designed to create a comfortable environment where you can share your thoughts and ask questions of Council. We hope to see you at these events! Thank you for your continued support and engagement.
For a detailed look back at accomplishments and challenges in 2024, visit CSaanich.ca/YearinReview
Q&A with Mayor Ryan Windsor
Many communities are facing steep tax increases. What does the next few years look like for Central Saanich?
Each year, as Council oversees the upcoming budget, we are sensitive to the impact of our decisions on our residents and business community. In 2024, the District had an average property tax increase of $172 (or $14 a month), and we have a similar projection for 2025. We believe we will again be approximately in the middle among our peer municipalities in the CRD.
Our District's long-term strategy is about finding a balance. We want to make sure we're improving our infrastructure and taking on new projects to keep our community vibrant, all while keeping our community financially sound. Sometimes, this means we need to take on debt, but we handle it with careful planning (we can't borrow money for everyday operations, and the Municipal Finance Authority has strict rules that limit how much debt we can take on). As a small community, our long-term, balanced approach to the budget is critical to navigating the coming years with the best outcomes for taxpayers.
Find more Q&As at CSaanich.ca/YourQuestions
New Year's Open House
Learn about municipal projects at the second annual event.
Join us for refreshments and chat with members of Council and municipal staff about priorities for 2025, such as municipal facilities replacement, active transportation, policing, emergency preparedness, and housing.
WHEN: Saturday, January 25, 2025, anytime between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.
WHERE: Municipal Hall, 1903 Mount Newton Cross Road.
Coffee with Council
Meet your Mayor and Council and discuss your community in a relaxed setting.
Bring your thoughts, questions, and suggestions about our community. We look forward to an afternoon of talking with you!
WHEN: Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.
WHERE: Room A, Cultural Centre,1209 Clarke Road.
Replacing municipal facilities
Residents have asked for more information about this project and the District is taking steps to ensure the community is well informed.
What’s next?
January to February 2025
We invite you to share your thoughts on Council’s direction for the future of 1903 Mt Newton Cross Road, the largest site in Saanichton Village. This site is a significant community asset and it is important that Council and the community have a shared vision for its future. Come chat with Council and staff at an Open House on January 25, Coffee with Council on February 22, or visit LetsTalkCentralSaanich.ca/CivicRedevelopment to share your ideas.
April to May 2025
The District is developing concepts to provide detailed costs, risks and benefits for the three options the District has considered (building on Hovey Road, building on Mt Newton Cross Road and renovating). We will provide that information in the spring alongside Council’s preferred path forward. Please get involved and share your feedback.
Your Municipal Budget
How to Be a Part of the Process
The Draft Budget will be published in early March, along with opportunities to provide feedback and attend Council’s budget meetings. Follow along at LetsTalkCentralSaanich.ca/Budget2025.
Where do property taxes go?
Approximately half of the tax money collected goes to municipal operations; the other half goes to regional services, such as library, school, transit and Capital Regional District services. 
Winter road safety: Tips for a safe journey
From icy conditions to reduced visibility, winter driving required extra caution
Here are some tips to keep you and your community safe:
- Check road and weather conditions before heading out. Slow down! Plan for extra time.
- If driving, leave much more space between you and other road users. Speed limits and safe passing distances are set for ideal conditions.
- If cycling, be highly visible. Make sure your bike is clean and lubricated. Put a white light in front and a red light at the back. Wear a helmet that fits properly.
- If taking transit, dress for the weather. Go to
alerts.bctransit.com or call 250-382-6161 to confirm your route is operating. - In bad weather, consider asking for assistance, waiting for improved conditions, or taking a bus, taxi or ride-share.
Spotlight on pedestrian safety improvements
Thanks for your patience with continued efforts to help everyone get around our community more easily and safely. Pedestrian improvements planned for late 2024 and early 2025:
- New sidewalk on Wallace Drive, connecting West Saanich Road to Stelly’s Secondary School
- New crosswalk on Mount Newton Cross Road, west of Central Saanich Road
- New solar-powered crosswalk lights, including:
- Mount Newton Cross Road, west of Central Saanich Road
- Wallace Drive, south of Hovey Road
(Thank you to ICBC's Road Improvement Program!) - East Saanich Road, south of Jeffrey Road
- East Saanich Road, south of Polo Park Crescent
- Mount Newton Cross Road, west of Central Saanich Road
- New multi-use pathway on Mount Newton Cross Road, connecting Lochside Drive to Lochside Regional Trail
- Accessibility improvements for bus stops, including:
- Mount Newton Cross Road at Highway 17 (Stop 102040)
- Wallace Drive at Marchant Road (Stops 101966 and 101971)
- Wallace Drive at McKenna Court (Stop 101960)
- Lochside Drive at Ferguson Road (Stop 102058)
- Accessibility improvements for bus stops, including:
How are improvements prioritized? We consider plans like the Active Transportation Plan, community feedback, road safety concerns, network gaps, anticipated use, infrastructure projects, funding, and data from partners like BC Transit. If you have a suggestion, please email engineering@csaanich.ca.
Brentwood sewer replacement nearing completion
The sewer and road work along Wallace Drive for the Brentwood Sewer Project (from Brentwood to Stelly’s Cross Road) is nearing the finish line, with road marking and safety improvements to be completed once temperatures warm, along with a reduction to the speed limit.
Localized work continues in other areas of Brentwood, and we are happy to report the project is on track to be completed this spring as expected. Thank you for your patience as we upgraded this critical infrastructure. It will pay off for decades to come! The District is grateful to the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program for its financial support.
Understanding Central Saanich's housing needs reporting and targets
Central Saanich’s Housing Needs Report, required by the Province approximately every five years, estimates we’ll need 1,117 units of new housing in the next 5 years and 3,476 units over the next 20 years. This includes a buffer to ensure a healthy supply of housing. Local governments’ Official Community Plans and Zoning Bylaws must then meet the number of housing units projected to be needed over the next 20 years. Central Saanich anticipates being able to accommodate additional units within existing land use designations.
Where do the estimates come from? Provincial regulations require the collection of approximately 50 different data indicators about past and current population, households, income and economy, and housing stock, as well as projected population, households, and housing stock to inform the Housing Needs Report.
What are the implications of the Province’s housing target of 588 units for Central Saanich (to June 2029)? This target is set as the minimal amount needed to meet the current demand. Learn more at CSaanich.ca/Housing.
Submit your building permit online
Apply for a building permit anytime, anywhere
Starting in January, we’re asking all applicants to use the District's online application system for all plumbing and building permits and property information requests, to help staff process applications in a timely manner. Residents and businesses can access the system 24/7! Just select your project type, complete the application details, and upload required documents - it's easy. For full features, create or log in to a CSOnline account.
To learn more see CSaanich.ca/OnlineServices call 250-544-4217or email building@csaanich.ca.
Centennial Park upgrades underway
Are you ready for a summer of fun?
Construction of the new splash pad is underway! It will be open in time for the kiddos to enjoy splashing and staying cool during those hot summer days.
The Capital Regional District and Peninsula Recreation Commission are replacing the existing lacrosse box at the park with a multi-sport box, also expected to open this spring. The upgrade will provide a versatile, covered space that accommodates a variety of sports and recreational activities year-round.
Climate Action
Interested in a heat pump for your home?
Cover your costs with generous provincial rebates and our Heat Pump Financing Program. The District can finance up to $12,000 at 0% interest up front and split payments over the next 10 years when you switch from fossil fuel heating to heat pumps.
5 spots left! Please email us at climate@csaanich.ca or call 250.652.4444 ext. 2224.
Community survey open now!
Over the next year, we are creating a plan to help our community prepare for acute events (like heat waves) and slow changes (like sea level rise). We are gathering community input through two surveys, pop-ups at events, focus groups, and workshops. Thanks for your helpful survey responses so far!
Take the 5-minute survey before January 31 at LetsTalkCentralSaanich.ca/ClimateAdaptation
Preparing for winter
Reminders for your home and business
During heavy rain, please clear leaves and debris away from storm drains so excess water can flow into the drain rather than pooling on streets and properties.
Sandbag materials are available at the Municipal Yard, at 1703 Keating Cross Road.
Did you know? Most water leaks occur when pipes freeze. As temperatures drop, pipes in uninsulated areas—like attics, basements, and exterior walls—are at risk of freezing.
Prevent this by:
- Installing leak detectors
- Insulating pipes
- Unhooking outdoor hoses
- Draining irrigation systems
- Keeping indoor temperatures above 10°C
Be a snow angel
After a snowfall, you are required to clear snow and ice within 24 hours of the accumulation from the sidewalk bordering your property. If you’re able, please assist elderly or physically challenged neighbours. Our resources are focused on maintaining safe access on major arterial and collector streets, with limited snow clearing on residential areas as capacity allows. CSaanich.ca/Winter
Reminders
Watermain flushing
Even our water mains need a good wash now and again. Each year we flush our water mains to wash away sediment and keep your water fresh and clean. You may notice temporary low water pressure or discoloured water—see schedule at CSaanich.ca/Notices
Attention paw-rents: Dog licences are due!
Time to renew your dog's licence. Pay before March 1 and fetch a $10 discount. CSaanich.ca/Dogs
Business licence renewals
If you remember to renew your business licence on time, there is no annual fee! It’s easy and online. However, there are late fees for those who miss the deadline to renew. CSaanich.ca/BLRenewal
Set up pre-authorized property tax withdrawal and earn interest!
Sign up for the District's property tax pre-authorized prepayment plan and we will automatically withdrawal monthly prepayments from your bank account.
ADDED BONUS – You’ll earn monthly interest on your payments. This interest is considered a tax discount by Canada Revenue Agency and is tax-free.
Learn more about it at CSaanich.ca/PayingPropertyTaxes
Community Resource Office hours - Cultural Centre, 1209 Clarke Rd
Beacon Community Services Volunteers
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.Central Saanich Police Services Volunteers
Saturdays and Mondays, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Emergency Preparedness Workshops
Join us for a series of free, practical workshops at Fire Hall 1 (1512 Keating Cross Rd). Limited space—Reserve your spot at csaanich.ca/GetPrepared.
Emergency Plans & Kits
Wednesday, February 5, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.FireSmart Your Home
Thursday, March 6, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Fall 2024
MESSAGE FROM YOUR COUNCIL
Warmer weather has hopefully meant you were able to enjoy local food and events as well as time near our beautiful shorelines and in our parks. We are also in the season of infrastructure work, and while we are thrilled to see this important work being complete, we also note it can be an inconvenience at the end of a long day to wait in traffic. We wish to thank you for your understanding and your kindness to the crews. Upgrading our infrastructure work is critical, and we’ve been planning and saving for it for many years. We are approaching it in a unified way to minimize future costs of road improvements. This means coordinating the underground work, paving, and any active transportation improvements at the same time. In the coming months and years, you will see more work as we continue to replace aging infrastructure and upgrade sidewalks, bike infrastructure, and make road safety improvements. Please visit our website and subscribe for alerts to stay up to date.
September is a busy time on the roads and we encourage you to give yourself extra time, and turn on a program you enjoy for the ride. Keep yourself and others safe.
Exploring Civic Redevelopment
Focusing on adding amenities and minimizing costs
As the District moves forward with a need to replace municipal facilities, we are looking at how to use this redevelopment to incorporate other elements, such as recreation space, housing, services, and amenities. We are also working hard to keep the project financially feasible with a very minimal impact on taxpayers. Following initial public engagement, we will be developing concepts and financial estimates to present to the community in the New Year.
Subscribe for project updates and register for the online open house at LetsTalkCentralSaanich.ca/CivicRedevelopment
We want your input! Share your ideas and help shape redevelopment.
Open Houses
Wednesday, September 11, 6-7pm – Virtual Open House
Sunday, September 15, 10am-12pm – Central Saanich Municipal Hall, 1903 Mt Newton Cross Rd
Recreation planning on the Peninsula
The Peninsula Recreation Commission will be conducting a sub-regional recreation facility planning process later this fall. More information to come!
Ground breaks on Multi Sport Box
Construction of the NEW Centennial Park Multi Sport Box begins in September, for more details on this exciting project, please visit panoramarecreation.ca
Road safety as kids head back to school
All road users should be cautious and slow down
Fall is a busy time on the roads. Here are some reminders:
- Watch for school buses. When their lights are flashing, vehicles approaching from both directions must stop.
- School zones have a 30km/h speed limit between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on school days.
- Give yourself extra time in the mornings to prevent rushing. Watch for pedestrians—some children may not understand all road rules yet.
- Put away electronic devices and other distractions.
Did you know 79% of crashes involving pedestrians in BC happen at intersections. Be vigilant.
Butterfield Park expansion
The District is thrilled to be almost doubling the size of Butterfield Park and protecting 10 acres of heavily forested land. The purchase of the 18-acre parcel of land border will be made possible by selling the approximately 8 acres of unforested, bare land. Butterfield Park, at 8000 Thomson Place off Mount Newton Cross Road, was donated to the District after the passing of Hilda Butterfield. Hilda and her family were dedicated to the preservation of the native wildflowers and plants and wanted to see them protected. Central Saanich will be working with local First Nations and consulting with the community and local environmental groups as plans are made for the park.
Public bike locker available in Saanichton Village
A new secured and covered bike locker with bike charger is available at the Municipal Hall. To use this facility, please register at CSaanich.ca/bikeparking.
Improving commercial areas
The District is seeking your input as we review zoning in the Keating Business District and three small commercial hubs: Moodyville, Turgoose and Island View at East Saanich Road. The goal is to support business opportunities and enhance the vitality of these areas. The District is also reviewing land use in Keating Business District with a focus on economic development and attracting businesses and emerging industries.
We want to hear from residents and local businesses—join us at an open house!
- Tuesday, September 17, 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Fire Station #1, 1512 Keating Cross Rd.
Register at LetsTalkCentralSaanich.ca/EconomicZoningUpdate
Housing Action Plan
Central Saanich's provincial housing targets set
The Province recently announced housing targets for the District: 588 new homes of various types over the next five years. The targets are very close to the numbers determined during our Housing Needs Assessment, which is positive, as it means we have tools in place to add those units in a manner that is appropriate for our community, including respecting that more than 60% of our land is in the Agricultural Land Reserve.
Residential zoning update
In November 2023, the Province of British Columbia introduced changes to the Local Government Act with the goal of increasing the speed and supply of new housing across BC. To achieve the requirements outlined by the province, Central Saanich’s previous neighbourhood residential zones have been replaced with two new zones inside the Urban Containment Boundary (UCB)
- The Residential Neighbourhood zone applies to the majority of lands in the urban containment boundary, and permits three or four units depending on lot size, in line with provincial requirements.
- The Residential Corridor zone aligns with the Main Corridor designation in the Official Community Plan, and permits either four, six or eight units depending on lot size.
What is a 'unit'?
It is important to note that four 'units' is not equal to four buildings nor is the number of permitted dwelling units a guarantee of achievable density. On the average residential lot, only two buildings will be permitted, but they can contain suites.What about outside the UCB?
Outside of the UCB, where residential uses are permitted and site conditions meet requirements, one secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit is permitted. On ALR land currently only secondary suites are permitted.
Visit CSaanich.ca/Housing for more information.
Making Central Saanich more age-friendly and inclusive
A community well-designed for older adults, is a community designed for all ages and abilities
Since Central Saanich adopted our first Age-Friendly Community Plan last year, many actions have been taken thanks to partnerships with local organizations;
- sponsoring the CARE Fair;
- providing funding for a local Better at Home program;
- providing more print materials and in-person opportunities to engage on District projects;
- providing local businesses with materials about how to be more age friendly; and
- applying an age-friendly lens to the built environment, (such as reviewing transportation policies, park and trail accessibility, signage, housing and more)
Community Resource Office hours - Cultural Centre, 1209 Clarke Rd
Beacon Community Services Volunteers
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.Central Saanich Police Services Volunteers
Saturdays and Mondays, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
District Sponsored free Lunch N' Learn Sessions - Centre for Active Living 50+, 1229 Clarke Rd
Emergency Preparedness
Tuesday, October 29, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.Navigating Supports and Services in the Community
Tuesday, November 26, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.Register for the free sessions: 250.652.4611
Climate Action Update
Expanded home energy savings programs offers new rebates!
- Funding and rebates are available to all homeowners for home upgrades including heat pumps, electrical service upgrades, energy-efficient windows and doors, insulation and ventilation.
- Interested in solar panels? Up to $5,000 rebate is now available from BC Hydro for gridconnected solar panels. Generate your own power and reduce energy bills!
Learn more: CSaanich.ca/homerebates
New infrastructure paves way for an active community
Many of the highest-priority Active Transportation Plan projects are getting underway in 2024 and 2025. Current projects about to kick off include:
- A path connecting the Lochside Trail and Lochside Drive is being upgraded. Construction starts in September.
- A sidewalk connecting Brentwood to Stelly's Secondary School on Wallace Drive will provide a safer route to school for students and other pedestrians.
- The District has entered into an agreement to purchase a small parcel of land to create a trail next to Stelly’s Secondary School, pending the Agricultural Land Commission's approval. A multi-use trail will connect Stelly’s Cross Road with Wallace Drive, providing an additional route for many types of users.
See a list of all updates at CSaanich.ca/Projects
Bike road markings
Our growing cycling network includes road markings to make it safer for people who are cycling, walking, and driving to share our streets and pathways.
Learn how these markings and signs work at CSaanich.ca/ActiveTransportation.
Drafting next year’s budget starts now!
Each fall, budget planning kicks off with Council’s adoption of budget guidelines for the upcoming year. Departments then review the services they provide and compile budgets while analyzing the needs and desires of the community. Staff and Council are guided by the Community Satisfaction Survey and recent plans outlining community improvements, (developed with your help through extensive public participation). Regardless of whether the District increases services, nondiscretionary increases (such as wages, insurance, technology costs, construction and more) occur every year. The budget process continues until May, when the plan is adopted by Council.
The District works to balance increases to property taxes against services provided and long term planning for infrastructure replacement. Learn more at CSaanich.ca/Budget.
What’s happenin’ around town
Jump on your bike this fall
Sunday, September 15, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Learn bike skills on a community bike ride hosted by Capital Bike. For ride information and to register see CapitalBike.ca/CentralSaanich.
Participate in Fall GoByBike week from September 23 to October 6; register at GoByBike.ca.
Tree Appreciation Day
Saturday, September 28, 2:00 p.m. Chatterton Park at 6716 Woodward Dr. Come out to plant trees, pull ivy, and meet up with your neighbours. Enjoy the playground and refreshments!Emergency preparedness starts with you!
Earthquakes are common in British Columbia—around 4,000 are recorded in the province each year. If there was a big on, are you prepared? You may already have everything you need at home! Find out more by:- Attending a workshop on October 15, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at Fire Station #1. Register at CSaanich.ca/GetPrepared
- Taking part in the annual Great ShakeOut Earthquake drill on October 17 at 10:17 a.m. Learn more at ShakeoutBC.ca
Review draft priorities for the Parks and Trails Master Plan
After collecting community input, we have drafted priorities and actions for the Parks and Trails Master Plan. Please come out and help shape the plan!- Thursday, October 24, 2:00-7:00 p.m. Municipal Hall, 1903 Mt Newton Cross Rd
- Tuesday, October 29, 4:00-7:00p.m. Fire Station #1, 1512 Keating Cross Rd
- Saturday, November 2, 2:00-4:00 p.m Centre for Active Living 50+, 1229 Clarke Rd
- Tuesday, November 5, 6:00-7:00 p.m. Virtual
- Thursday, October 24, 2:00-7:00 p.m. Municipal Hall, 1903 Mt Newton Cross Rd
Learn more and register for updates at LetsTalkCentralSaanich.ca/ParksandTrails
Halloween Bonfire & Fireworks
Thursday, October 31, 7:30 p.m. (Fireworks at 8:00 p.m.) Centennial Park, 7500 Wallace Dr.Remembrance Day
Monday, November 11, 10:55 a.m. in HEL,HILEȻ Park, West Saanich at Clarke Rd, Brentwood Bay.Agricultural actions and upcoming work
Do you own or run a farm?
Share your recent experiences with us at our second Agricultural Open House, we will have displays on housing in the ALR, drainage updates, and much more.
Thursday, November 21, 3:00-5:00 p.m., Fire Station #1,1512 Keating Cross Rd. Learn more at LetsTalkCentralSaanich.ca/AG
Connect with Council
Meetings of Council are open to the public and are conducted in a hybrid in-person and virtual format. To view meeting calendar, agendas, watch or participate in meetings, see:: CSaanich.ca/CouncilMeetings.
MESSAGE FROM YOUR COUNCIL
Welcome to the spring/summer edition of the community newsletter. This is an exciting time of year as we see infrastructure projects, community events and more ramp up. This year, we will see an unprecedented amount of activity and this edition of the newsletter is dedicated to updating you and pointing out where you can learn more.
This edition also dives into what the new Provincial housing legislation means for Central Saanich. The legislation requires Central Saanich to update what we allow to be built, streamline development processes and more (see below for details). This growth will be within Central Saanich's Urban Containment Boundary, which you can learn more about at CentralSaanich.ca/Housing.
As you may know, Central Saanich is in the process of redeveloping civic facilities. As many buildings are due for replacement, the District is carefully looking at financial models to ensure a minimal impact on residents. The District is in the process of acquiring property and is looking at the best utilization of land to provide more amenities and services for our community, such as recreation, daycare, commercial and medical space. This opportunity to re-imagine public spaces only comes around once every 50+ years.
Our Council is committed to continuing to inform and engage the community about changes in the district, and we encourage you to visit CentralSaanich.ca to learn more, view meeting information, and contact staff or Council.
A beautiful day in the neighbourhood
This spring, more than flowers will be popping up around town
Lamppost banners will be brightening the streetscape through colourful banners along the main travel corridors. The banners showcase local images and art, and helps support local businesses by revitalizing the look and feel of village cores. The work complements other recent projects like the hydro box artwork in Saanichton and Brentwood and the recent mural at the Cultural Centre.
Join a guided community bike ride
Brush up on your cycling skills and practice routes to popular destinations
The District has partnered with Capital Bike to offer six guided community rides a year for the next few years to help residents gain bike skills, such as navigating roads, and get comfortable on popular routes in Central Saanich.
Community rides are an excellent way of learning new skills in a safe environment of a small group of riders with experienced riders showing you the ropes—all while having fun and meeting new people.
To learn more about Capital Bike’s courses and programs see CapitalBike.ca.
Watch our website for upcoming rides CentralSaanich.ca/CommunityBikeRides.
Central Saanich ranks top for resiliency and lowest serious-crime rate in BC
Central Saanich was recently ranked as having BC's lowest rate of serious crime (according to the Crime Severity Index for 2021 and 2022) and was named BC’s most economically resilient city by BC Business Magazine. It's no secret we're committed to supporting a resilient local economy, working to add diverse housing options, and dedicated to the safety of our community. Thank you for making Central Saanich a great place to live, work, play, and do business!
Provincial changes encourage more diverse housing types
District plans align well with the new legislation
By June 30, 2024, properties inside the Urban Containment Boundary currently zoned for a
single-family and duplex home will be permitted to accommodate up to three or four units, depending on lot size. Central Saanich recognizes our housing options need to be more diverse, and we are working to ensure the housing we add to the community includes the types of housing units that are needed. This includes encouraging more secondary suites, rental housing, missing middle housing (carriage houses, apartments, townhomes, duplexes, etc.), below-market housing, and more.
The Province’s new housing legislation contains a number of measures to streamline the development approval process to speed up housing construction by reducing the length of time it takes for applications to go through the rezoning process. Another significant change is there cannot be public hearings where housing development applications are consistent with the Official Community Plan.
With a recently updated Official Community Plan, as well as new Residential Infill Design Guidelines, Central Saanich is well-positioned to increase housing supply in a manner consistent with our community vision.
To prepare for more infill housing, we are:
• updating our Infill & Densification guidelines
• reviewing parking standards, tree bylaw and site design guidelines to help mitigate impacts of infill development
• streamlining development processes to be consistent with legislation, our guidelines, and bylaws
• updating our bylaws concerning the fees collected from developments for community amenities and costs
Looking for more information?
If you’d like to learn more about the new housing legislation, visit the Province’s website at StrongerBC.ca/Housing
Frequently Asked Questions
How will this impact the small-town charm?
60% of Central Saanich is in the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) and we have an Urban Containment Boundary that ensures development is contained. More housing will better enable residents to stay in the community by offering a variety of housing options, which will maintain the social connections so key to Central Saanich’s character. Diverse housing options will also help our much-loved small businesses. We anticipate more housing that aligns with infill policies will maintain the character of the community. The District’s Infill and Densification Guidelines, a project we began in 2018, is paving the way for a smooth transition to ensure there is more diverse housing options in Central Saanich to support the types of housing our residents and businesses need.
What will the financial impact of new housing be?
To support municipalities, the Province has expanded the list of services municipalities can include in
their Development Cost Charges and Amenity Cost Contribution Bylaws, which developers are required to pay to help with the impacts of new growth. More housing will also help disburse the costs of running the community amongst more households, and hopefully see our commercial sector thrive, which also contributes financially.
Can the public have input into these changes? Although these changes are not optional for municipalities, there will be an opportunity to view them this spring when the draft Zoning Bylaw is shared with the public. The Planning Department has also been working on a broader Zoning Bylaw update following the recent adoption of a new Official Community Plan. The community will be invited to provide feedback on the new bylaw.
What can I do with my property?
You can check the size of your property by using the online application at CentralSaanich.ca/Maps. To make an appointment to talk to one of our planners, please email planning@csaanich.ca or stop by the Municipal Hall.
Protect your home from wildfire
Book an assessment today
Homes and neighbourhoods within Central Saanich are set amongst a patchwork of areas at risk of wildfire. Your risk can be reduced by following simple, preventative steps like adding a few FireSmart actions to your yard work routine.
The District’s FireSmart Coordinator, Ryan Vantreight, is a certified Wildfire Mitigation Specialist and is performing free, confidential assessments. We are also developing a Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan, which will help educate the community and enhance its readiness
for wildfires by taking a comprehensive approach to towards wildfires. This plan will include risk reduction and resilience strategies
Email ryan.vantreight@csaanich.ca or call 250.415.8066.
Volunteer Spotlight
A community is as strong as its residents, and we are fortunate to have active and supportive residents dedicating their time. Ginny Alger has been a devoted volunteer for over 25 years with the Brentwood Community Association. She has been instrumental in pulling residents and businesses together to create the successful Brentwood Festival; was a part of the team to lead fundraising efforts to construct the Brentwood Performance Stage in HEL,HILEȻ Park; and she also helps coordinate Music in the Park every summer.
The Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce awarded Ginny the Hearts of Community Award in 2002 and Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015 for her volunteerism on the board.
Interested in volunteering?
Find the right role for you at CentralSaanich.ca/Volunteer.
District funds new and returning community programs
The District recently finalized several multi-year agreements with local organizations to provide valuable services to local community groups, such
as environmental research, cycling education, youth cooking classes, art and senior programs. If you’re interested in learning more about these initiatives, visit CentralSaanich.ca/CommunityPrograms
Climate Action Update
Our fleet is going electric
The District’s Electric Vehicle and Electric-Bike Strategy outlines ways to help achieve our goal of seeing more low-emission transportation within the District. We currently have nine electric vehicles (25% of our light duty vehicles) in our fleet, and this year we’ll be adding four more.
Cut down a little to save a lot
Improve your health and greenhouse gas emissions by taking fewer trips by vehicle. By making choices like walking, biking and going electric, we can bring down our #1 contributor (more than 60%!) of the community’s greenhouse gas emissions.
What you can do:
1. Think of one regular trip you make each week by car—commit to walking, rolling or taking the bus.
2. Go together—ask neighbours and friends if they want to commute together.
3. Mix walking or biking into your commute. To build endurance, drive to work, but stop short of your workplace (walkers, try a half-mile; bikers, try two miles). Then bike or walk the rest of the way, gradually increasing the distance each week.
4. Challenge your friends and family to reduce their carbon footprint.
5. Join us at a Celebration Station during Go By Bike week (details in What’s Happenin’).
Find more information on climate action at CentralSaanich.ca/ClimateAction
Updating the Zoning Bylaw to support the local economy
The District is reviewing permitted commercial uses and other regulations to support economic activity. The key opportunities to be addressed are child care facilities, home-based businesses, and industrial lands. The goal is to support business opportunities in the Keating Business District and small commercial nodes in the Verdier, Island View, and Turgoose commercial areas.
Stay tuned as we will be seeking public input later this Spring for proposed changes to the Zoning Bylaw and other regulations. To find out more, visit LetsTalkCentralSaanich.ca/CommercialZoningUpdate.
Project Updates
Brentwood sewer replacement
Construction has started on one of the largest capital projects the District has undertaken. It is expected that work along Wallace Drive at Centennial Park will take place over the next several months. During construction, there will be minor detours and traffic impacts. Impacted property owners will receive notification.
Stay up to date at CentralSaanich.ca/BrentwoodSewer
Active Transportation projects
The District was awarded $400,000 from the BC Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant to upgrade a critical road crossing that will provide better access to the Lochside Trail and a safe route between Saanichton Village and SȾÁUT ̱W
(Tsawout) First Nation. Phase 1 will create new bike lanes at Mount Newton Cross Road and Lochside Drive. Construction is expected in 2024. Phase
2 will create a separated multi-use trail along Mount Newton from the highway up to Saanichton Village—Construction is expected to begin in 2025.
See all updates: CentralSaanich.ca/Projects
Reminders
Property tax deadline
Property owners: Pay by July 2
Please expect your tax notice by mail around the end of May; if you have not received it by early June, contact us at 250.544.4206. To learn more about ways to pay, the property tax deferment program and how to claim your home owners grant, visit CentralSaanich.ca/PropertyTax or visit the Municipal Hall.
What's happening around town
Brentwood Festival - June 1
Lions pancake breakfast, a parade, stage entertainment, display booths and vendors throughout HEL,HILEȻ Park.
Visit BrentwoodBay.info for more information!
Music in the Park - July & August
Wednesday nights in HEL,HILEȻ Park.
Visit BrentwoodBay.info for the schedule!
Peninsula Country Market - Starts June 1
Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm, at the Saanich Fairgrounds. peninsulacountrymarket.ca
C.A.R.E Fair - Seniors Expo June 6
Mary Winspear Centre, Sponsored by the District of Central Saanich.
GoByBike Celebration Station - June 8
Newman Beach Park, 8000 block Lochside Drive
Join us from 11am-1pm along the trail!
Spring go by bike week is June 3 -9. Be sure to register and track your kms at GoByBikeBC.ca
Backyard composting workshop - June 19
Interested in learning how to make compost for your garden and reduce waste? See letstalkcentralsaanich.ca/events/composting-basics-workshop for details and how to sign up.