You're invited to comment on the Saanichton Village Design Plan
The District of Central Saanich is reaching out to the community to comment on a 30-year design plan for Saanichton Village. The plan details how the village can be enhanced over the long term through the design of buildings, public spaces, and transportation routes for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles.
The District began consultation and work on the plan more than a year ago and has been working closely with stakeholders to provide a blueprint for the look, feel, and function of the village.
Highlights of the Saanichton Village Design Plan
- The plan provides a 30-year vision for the Saanichton Village core.
- The plan’s proposed policies and guidelines will guide private and public investment and redevelopment.
- The plan envisions a compact, people-focused Village with more green spaces, public gathering spaces and pedestrian-oriented design. The village at the moment is characterized by car-centric development.
- The plan calls for a range of multi-use, multi-storey buildings (three to five storeys) with an emphasis on street-level storefronts and a residential units above.
- Off-street parking (underground or at the rear of buildings) would minimize impacts on the pedestrian realm.
- Incorporate permeable surfacing and trees to manage rainwater, provide shade and provide urban habitat.
Residents, business operators, and those who spend time in the Village are encouraged to view the plan at LetsTalkCentralSaanich.ca/Saanichton.
Providing Input
You are invited to provide input to staff and Council. Due to COVID-19 our typical procedures for input have been modified. Please email comments by September 30, 2020, to: planning@csaanich.ca, or send by mail: Planning Department, District of Central Saanich, 1903 Mt Newton Cross Road, Saanichton, BC V8M 1N3.
FAQs
What is the purpose of the plan?
A design plan for Saanichton will help guide future developments and investments in the area to support a well-planned neighbourhood envisioned by the community. It will include guidelines and policy that help shape the design of buildings, public spaces, and transportation routes for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles.
Is there a timeline for improvements to the village?
Improvements in Saanichton Village will not happen all at once; it will be over the long term as new buildings are constructed in the community and as municipal improvements are made.
What changes will I see in my neighbourhood?
Over time, you may see more people living, walking and biking in the core; you may notice an improvement in driving through the village, too. The new buildings will complement the Village’s charm, and hopefully you will be able to enjoy more trees and public space enhancements.
What will implementing the plan cost?
The implementation will not happen all at once. The vision will be realized incrementally and over the long term, as new buildings are constructed on private property and as municipal improvements are undertaken, which could be funded in a variety of ways, such as regular capital budgeting, through grant opportunities, or as specially-funded projects.