The District of Central Saanich is inviting residents to take part in a series of community focus group sessions to support the next stage of planning for the redevelopment of 1903 Mount Newton Cross Road.
The focus groups will provide an opportunity for deeper, facilitated conversations in a small‑group setting with Engage Delaney, an independent third‑party engagement consultant. Input from these sessions will help inform Council’s preferences before a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the site is issued.
Participants will be asked to discuss priorities within Council’s existing direction related to amenities, reducing the impact of building height to adjacent homes, public space and greenspace, traffic and parking management, and the active transportation environment.
The focus groups were in response to a motion of Central Saanich Council to gather feedback from a group of residents that represent the community broadly.
“These focus groups will help Council better understand community priorities and what trade-offs would look like in terms of the balance of amenities, financing and the look and feel of the site,” said Central Saanich Mayor Ryan Windsor.
Residents and local business representatives interested in participating can complete a registration form online by noon on March 25. Participants will be randomly selected based on their neighbourhood; additional spots are available for Saanichton residents as they are most impacted by the development. The focus groups will be held Tuesday, March 31 and Wednesday, April 1, in person and virtually, and a fourth focus group may be added if demand is high.
More information about the redevelopment project and the registration form are available at LetsTalkCentralSaanich.ca.