Central Saanich celebrates 2021 accomplishments
Last year, our community faced adversity alongside others in the province as we dealt with the pandemic, the heat dome and flooding. Throughout it all, we heard stories of how residents looked for ways to support one another, and we saw how various governments and volunteer organizations worked together. As we look back on 2021, we see that even in challenging times, we can make great progress as a community.
Official Community Plan (OCP) Review made big strides
Our new OCP is shaping up well, and will provide clear direction for our community over the next 20 plus years, helping us to preserve the community character that we all enjoy, but also providing leadership and direction on the challenges that lie ahead, including issues such as climate change and truth and reconciliation, as well as housing, food security and the economy of our community. Based on feedback from the community, OCP Advisory Committee and stakeholders, our team has been busy drafting new OCP policy and mapping. In early 2022, the draft OCP will be presented to the community for review and feedback. Learn more: LetsTalkCentralSaanich.ca/OCP
Active Transportation Plan adopted and grant funding received
Council adopted Central Saanich's first Active Transportation Plan in June. We are thrilled to receive another major grant for active transportation work from the Province of BC. In addition to the $300,000 Benvenuto trail grant we received, Central Saanich has also been granted $500,000 for school zones improvements! Watch for updates at: CSaanich.ca/ActiveTransportation
Received budgeting and financial reporting awards
The District of Central Saanich has once again received a Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for the 2021 Financial Plan. This award represents a significant achievement by the District and reflects the commitment by Council and staff to meeting the highest principles of government budgeting.
Oil-to-heat program announced
Is your house heated by oil? You may be eligible for a 0% interest financing to replace it with an electric heat pump. Our new program (to launch in 2022) enables Central Saanich homeowners to fund the up-front cost of getting off oil heating through an interest free loan repaid on property tax bills over 10 years. Plus, you can take advantage of the rebates available right now. The program is one of the first in the province. For more information contact Central Saanich at climate@csaanich.ca or see CentralSaanich.ca/homerebates.
Welcomed new Fire Chief
The District is pleased to welcome Kenn Mount as the new Fire Chief. Chief Mount served as the Fire Chief and Director of Community Safety for the District of Sooke and was the Regional Fire Chief at the Columbia Shuswap Regional District where he oversaw the management and administration of 13 fire departments.
Police launch a community education campaign
Central Saanich Police’s new Community Engagement Officer Cst. Tristan Gentile launched Strength Through Community Video series to highlight important public safety topics.
Tree bylaw updated to protect tree canopy
Central Saanich’s Tree Management Bylaw was updated this year. The District has been noting significant tree canopy loss since the year 2000; coupled with the fact a significant amount of land in Central Saanich is cleared for farming, the new bylaw aims to slow down tree loss and increase tree canopy coverage over time.
Community economic recovery
The District of Central Saanich has been reaching out to the community and businesses to hear about impacts of the pandemic. In 2021, the District launched a Community Economic Development Task Force focused on supporting the people and businesses in our community. Follow the work at LetsTalkCentralSaanich.ca/Economic-Recovery
Saanich Peninsula Harbours and Waterways Initiative created
The Saanich Peninsula Harbours & Waterways initiative was created by the Capital Regional District in 2021 to coordinate and implement initiatives in local waters, including monitoring, public education, collaboration with residents, rehabilitation and improvement of the marine and shore area environments, and more. Boats have been identified as a priority area for this service, including waste discharge, litter, abandoned and derelict boats, private mooring buoys, navigation safety, water quality and environmental degradation. Follow the work at: crd.bc.ca/project/saanich-peninsula-harbours-waterways-initiative
Council Chambers receives accessibility upgrades
During the pandemic, the District relocated Council Chambers to a larger room in Municipal Hall to enable physical distancing. The new Chambers is being made permanent over the summer as the municipality is investing in physical and technical upgrades to the room to improve the accessibility of meetings. The new Chambers will provide the room necessary for larger meetings, such as public hearings
Tanner Park got a playground
After asking the community’s youngest residents to vote for their favourite playground design. The winner: a treehouse themed playground, which was added to the previously vacant Tanner Park. “With the last couple years marked with uncertainty for these kids, it’s such a gift to be able to see their faces light up to do what they do best— play,” said Central Saanich resident Emily Holfeld.
Pickleball Pilot a success
Council endorsed a pilot project to add two pickleball courts to the lacrosse box at Centennial Park to bridge a gap until a Parks Master Plan (expected in 2023/24) can more thoroughly look at community park uses and needs.
Community planted orchard
Thanks to all of the community members who came out to Tree Day in November! We planted 12 fruit trees, 4 malus trees and a variety of native plants at Centennial Park. A special thank you to Earl Claxton Jr, the Central Saanich Lions, and Tree Canada.
Central Saanich sponsors school program about climate action
The District congratulates the 138 students and their teachers who completed the Cool It! Climate Leadership Training Program this year. From January to June, students from seven classes at Bayside Middle School and Keating Elementary participated in the environmental workshop and challenge to build knowledge – and inspire action – about climate change.
First annual Seed Giveaway
To celebrate Earth Day, we launched an annual Seed Giveaway for residents, who were invited to come pick up some vegetable, herb, and local native wildflower seeds.
McLeans named Central Saanich 22 in Canada’s top 25 communities to live and work remotely in 2021
Central Saanich was included on Maclean’s Best Communities list again this year; the District was listed as 22nd overall top communities to live and work remotely in Canada.
Newman Farm opened for public tours during summer
Newman Farm is a gem tucked away in Saanichton - a farm from 1897 in much its original state. We opened the gates for the community to have picnics and visit this summer! The site is only open for special events and to those who volunteer on the farm with Farmlands Trust Society. Learn more: www.centralsaanich.ca/our-community/history-heritage-sites/heritage-sites
Community Garden took root
The District has approved 1223 Clarke Rd for use by the Central Saanich Community Garden Society to establish a community garden. The society intends to work closely with the BGC program and schools, and involve the community in educational opportunities. They are now fundraising and seeking material donations for construction in March/April. www.csgardens.org
Keating Flyover engagement
Construction of the Keating flyover is targeted to start in 2022. Follow the project: BC Transportation Projects
New bus shelters added
Three new bus shelters with solar powered lighting were just installed in Central Saanich. Pictured, is at Marchant and Hagan, there is another in front of the Fire Station on Keating, and the third is at West Saanich and Dignan. Thank you to BC Transit for partnering and helping make active transportation an easy choice.
Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season!
