On behalf of Central Saanich council, I would like to address questions from some members of the community about the necessity of the civic redevelopment project to replace our district facilities. 

We have known for many years that replacing the existing municipal hall, police station, fire station 2, and municipal yard is essential for the long-term health and sustainability of our community. Our current facilities have reached the end of their useful lives. The buildings have safety, seismic and accessibility deficiencies and consistently require expensive repairs while being inefficient to operate and not fully meeting the needs of our operations and residents.  

Preliminary analysis has shown that developing new facilities will be both a better return on investment and less disruptive to operations than a renovation/expansion. Based on community feedback, we are seeking costing on options including redevelopment at Hovey (options with and without recreation space) and at Mount Newton Cross Road, as well as a comprehensive study of our current building. The district has studied various scenarios, consulted with residents, and been fiscally responsible over many years to ensure this project will not be a burden on taxpayers and will make the best use of community assets. A new building will ensure uninterrupted essential services and support to the community during emergencies, while being accessible, customer-service oriented, energy efficient, and meet post-seismic standards. New facilities will also create more space for community amenities, such as housing, recreation spaces, daycare facilities, and commercial or medical offices.  

One important goal of this project is ensuring that 1903 Mount Newton Cross Rd., the largest site in Saanichton Village and current home to our municipal building, becomes a cornerstone of our community. The vision of mixed-use development in the village has been established over many years and through significant community consultation. This site provides an incredible opportunity to help achieve that vision, creating community connection with a place for residents to live, attend local shops and services, and enjoy public outdoor space thatB次元官网网址檚 accessible and welcoming.  

I appreciate the patience residents have shown as we navigate the complexities and land matters of this project, including the purchase of a Hovey Road lot through expropriation. This was a difficult council decision that we made after significant analysis. Now that this and other important project milestones are complete, detailed project concepts and the comprehensive study of our existing building will help council and the community work together to ensure we are on the right track as we finalize our plans to redevelop these facilities.  

Council and our staff are committed to being transparent, open and available to you. On Feb. 28, the district published our 2025 Financial Plan, including our approach to financing the project. We are pleased to share the civic redevelopment financing envisions no additional increases to property taxes, as it is included in our current asset management plan, and we look forward to sharing the concepts and detailed financials in May.  

Please take the time to learn more and share your thoughts as we make progress on this project and continue engagement opportunities. Significant information and an ability to subscribe to project updates is available at LetsTalkCentralSaanich.ca/CivicRedevelopment. Together, we can build a community that meets our needs today and for future generations. 

Mayor Ryan Windsor 

On behalf of Central Saanich council