The District of Central Saanich's 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 PRC is exploring a 10,000 square foot dry space recreation centre, which would be located on the first floor, and could potentially include a weight room, an arts studio, and flexible multi-purpose spaces for programs ranging from children’s activities to fitness classes. The cost of building and operating the centre would be funded by the PRC, pending approval by the Capital Regional District (CRD) Board. The PRC, which operates the Panorama Recreation Centre in North Saanich and Greenglade Community Centre in Sidney, has been looking for a dedicated space in Central Saanich to accommodate a growing need for more recreation spaces and programs.
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.
Quotes
Ryan Windsor, Mayor of Central Saanich
“This isn’t just a facility, it’s revitalizing our community for generations to come. I would like to thank those who shared their time and input on the concepts that were before Council. We listened to the community and I am really pleased with what we are able to accomplish in terms of bringing more services and housing to the Village core and finding a financial model that is going to benefit residents.”
Niall Paltiel, Chair of the Peninsula Recreation Commission
“We’re excited to work with the District of Central Saanich on the possibility of bringing a new recreation centre to the community. This project would help us reach more people across the peninsula and provide programs where they’re needed most. With new spaces for fitness, arts, and community activities, we hope to offer residents of Central Saanich more opportunities to stay active, connect, and have fun.”