The following principles provide the foundation for the objectives and policies of this plan. The principles are not presented in any particular order and each are important to consider for the future of Central Saanich.
Our rural character is defined by an expansive rural landscape bound by two coastal shorelines and spectacular vistas where agricultural activity is abundant. Our small-town character is defined by its friendly residents, safe neighbourhoods, and welcoming charm that celebrates a diversity of people and cultures. A confined Urban Containment Boundary, shown on Schedule F, includes the Villages of Brentwood Bay and Saanichton, which are compact, walkable centres where the day-today commercial needs of the community are met; and the Keating Business District that includes a range of industrial and serviceoriented businesses that serve the broader region and provide diverse employment opportunities. The District will continue to protect the agricultural and rural landscape alongside compact villages and nearby residential neighbourhoods.
Our farmland is preserved, farmers are supported, and both residents and visitors continue to access fresh, healthy foods. The District recognizes agriculture as an important contributor to its rural and smalltown character, to the local and regional economy, and to local food security. Central Saanich’s agricultural land base remains protected and sustainable agricultural production is supported.
Our growth is focused within the Urban Containment Boundary, shown on Schedule F, in a way that enhances the village centres and business district, while protecting rural and agricultural areas. The District experiences a slow and steady growth rate of approximately 1% per year. The District supports new development that is sensitive to its surrounding neighbourhood while providing the amenities and services needed in the community. New development occurs in a sustainable manner and supports a healthy, active community. Proposals that advance identified housing or community needs are encouraged. The District recognizes municipal infrastructure as capital investments that are provided for the benefit of the community and are managed in a cost-effective manner. Avoiding urban sprawl and focusing new infrastructure projects where there is highest demand ensures sustainable services to the community.
Our local initiatives continue to address climate action in a progressive manner. Regional and provincial collaboration ensures we remain aligned with best practices and that our residents are enabled to make climate-wise choices. While climate change is a global issue, Central Saanich recognizes that buildings and transportation are significant sources of greenhouse gas emissions that we can directly influence. Furthermore, by protecting or restoring natural systems that buffer the impacts of climate change, the District will improve climate resiliency in addition to providing a myriad of environmental benefits. The District will demonstrate leadership by taking strong action to address the causes and impacts of climate change and planning for changing conditions in order to be a resilient community.
Our natural areas are accessible and flourishing across the Saanich Peninsula, with great care given to biodiversity, ecological function, and resilience. Residents value our diverse natural environment and biodiversity, and support the protection of our natural greenspace, waterways, and marine environment. Central Saanich acknowledges that the natural environment is not contained within our boundaries. Through collaboration with our neighbours, the District will protect and enhance the peninsula’s biodiversity and natural habitats, significant environmental features, and water and air quality to ensure a sustainable long-term future.
Our community supports advancing the Calls to Action under the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, as well as the 5-year action plan outlined in the Provincial Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act). Central Saanich acknowledges that we are located within the traditional territory of the W̱SÁNEĆ First Nations, including the SȾÁUTW̱ (Tsawout) and W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip) Nations. W̱SÁNEĆ refers to the people as well as the land and is where the English derivation of “Saanich” comes from, which means “the emerging people” or “the rising up people”. Central Saanich recognizes that we can learn much from the W̱SÁNEĆ people who have inhabited the peninsula since time immemorial, and that we must hear their truth to build strong, trusting relationships for the future. Through enhanced collaboration and support, the District will continue to forge strong connections with the W̱SÁNEĆ Nations, to promote awareness of W̱SÁNEĆ culture through education, public art, signage and community events, and to consider when it can incorporate Traditional Ecological Knowledge into environmental protection initiatives.
Our housing stock is diverse, with accessible homes, supportive housing options, and improved affordability to serve the broad range of ages, incomes, and abilities of residents that form our community. The District supports a wide range of housing types within the Urban Containment Boundary, and supports increased density that is sensitive to existing neighbourhoods within walking distance to existing or planned public transit services and the village centres. Proposals that advance identified housing needs are encouraged.
Our local economy is diverse and thriving. Economic development improves our community’s quality of life by way of economic activity, vitality, and employment opportunities. The business sector contributes to creating a unique sense of place that builds community character and enhances our tourism attraction. The District’s core commercial areas include the Villages of Brentwood Bay and Saanichton and the lands designated Service Commercial in the Keating Business District. These core commercial areas contain most of the District’s retail and service commercial businesses that serve daily needs for residents. The Keating Business District is a key economic driver that includes both Service Commercial and Industrial lands, with a range of industrial and trades-related businesses that serve the South Island region. Four small historic commercial nodes at Turgoose, Moodyville, Island View and West Keating have their own unique history and commercial flavour that contribute to creating walkable neighbourhoods.
Our transportation networks are safe and efficient for all, thereby promoting active transportation, reducing car dependency, and improving connectivity both within our community and to surrounding areas. Residents benefit from a network that allows them to work, live, and play by active transportation with connectivity throughout the community. The District acknowledges that personal mobility is a crucial component to overall livability and long-term sustainability and will undertake infrastructure improvements to promote alternative transportation options for residents of all ages and abilities. The delivery of public transit is a regional function and the District will continue to advocate for improved services, while also supporting development patterns that ensure improved public transit is feasible. Regional cooperation will continue to improve local connectivity of our trail and road networks, both within and beyond our boundaries.
Our residents of all ages and abilities are embraced by the community and encouraged to partake in Central Saanich’s strong and vibrant community spirit. There is a strong sense of belonging and neighbourliness, supported by placemaking and high-quality urban design. The District celebrates and protects its diverse heritage, including the cultural richness of the W̱SÁNEĆ Nations, and utilizes our local history to create a unique sense of place through signage, art and community events. The District will continually improve access to local parks, open spaces, and recreation facilities and to develop public amenities and programming that help to build an inclusive community
Our community members have access to the range of services and support systems needed to ensure they can flourish to their fullest potential. A strong history of volunteerism and active community organizations continue to play an integral role in delivering the range of services needed to support all residents, from children to seniors across the peninsula. The District supports organizations and agencies that provide social services for our residents, and collaborates across the peninsula to provide inclusive and accessible recreational facilities that promote a healthy community. The District has a direct role in delivering fire, police, and emergency response services and will continue to ensure they remain adequately resourced and able to address public safety.