The much-anticipated options for the new municipal facilities in Central Saanich are being shared this week, and they do not call for new tax increases. The project, which includes a new police station, fire hall, and municipal offices, with the option of including a recreation facility, will be fully funded through a combination of land sales, existing reserves and prudent debt management.
"We are extremely fortunate to be in a position where we can make this critical investment without placing further financial strain on taxpayers," said Central Saanich Mayor Ryan Windsor. "Thanks to planning going back more than a decade, this project is not only possible, it can bring needed amenities and tax revenue to the District to deliver long-term value to residents."
The urgency to move forward is driven by rising construction costs, which are projected to outpace the District’s financial capacity if action is delayed. For example, when the project was considered in 2009, it was estimated to cost $15 million. The cost has quadrupled since 2009, a reflection of industry-wide inflation.
The net cost estimate of $45-50 million for all concepts, including a 30% contingency, is considered good value for multiple modernized emergency services and civic facilities thanks in part to the potential to offset costs through a partial or whole land sale of 1903 Mount Newton Cross Road, which is anticipated to be valued at more than $20 million.
In addition to required public safety enhancements, the redevelopment may also introduce new recreational spaces, opportunities for indoor and outdoor community meeting spaces, beautified streetscapes and amenities.
"This is an investment in the future of Central Saanich," Mayor Windsor added. "If we delay further, it’s very likely these facilities will never be replaced, and we will be throwing good money after bad year over year for costly repairs and upgrades.”
The municipality is unveiling three concepts, one on Hovey Road and two on Mt Newton Cross Road, this Thursday, June 12, from 3:00-7:00 p.m., at a project open house at Central Saanich Cultural Centre, 1909 Clarke Road. More open houses take place through June with other events to follow into the summer. An Alternative Approval Process or Referendum is anticipated this fall to enable residents to vote on whether the District should borrow $33.5 million to finance the project. See LetsTalkCentralSaanich.ca/CivicRedevelopment for background reports and more information.
