To learn more about this project visit : LetsTalkCentralSaanich/CivicRevelopment
Background
To address aging municipal facilities requiring replacement, the District is looking to redevelop property and better use land to not only address the needed replacement, but benefit the community by creating new housing, services and amenities. The facilities include the Municipal Hall, Police Station, Fire Station 2 and Municipal Yard.
This is an opportunity that only comes around once every 50+ years to reimagine public spaces and design multifunctional sites that enable us to provide more amenities and integrate space for needed services in our community.
Plans for replacement
The new municipal facilities will be built on Hovey Road across from Centennial Park with plans to include a recreation centre operated by the Peninsula Recreation Commission (PRC). The three-storey building will house Central Saanich’s police station, fire station 2, municipal hall and the recreation centre. Designed by HCMA, the building’s architecture was well received by the community.
Council selected the Hovey Road concept after considering a range of options, financial plans, community feedback, and how the project complements the District’s Official Community Plan and Saanichton Village Design Plan. There was strong community support for replacing the municipal facilities, and the Hovey Road concept was the most popular of the four options. Residents valued the inclusion of recreation amenities, gathering spaces, and the preservation of village and rural character.
The District anticipates beginning construction by Fall 2026 and the facility taking approximately two years to build.
What about 1903 Mt Newton Cross Road? The 4-acre site on the corner of Mt. Newton Cross Road and Wallace Drive, the current site of the municipal building, will be reimagined with a mix of commercial spaces, housing and community amenities. The priorities for the site identified by residents include: housing with a focus on families and seniors, greenspaces, a plaza, eateries and small-scale commercial, medical/dental and childcare. The District will publish a public call for proposals for development of 1903 Mt Newton seeking medical offices and other amenities to be included. The proposals will be evaluated by Council for fit with the community.