Posts Tagged ‘Central Saanich strategic plan’

Central Saanich is planning for steady, managed growth that supports housing diversity, community services, and sustainable infrastructure. It's recent planning initiatives outline how the district will evolve over the next decade, guided by community input and provincial policy. The focus on future growth in Central Saanich centres on housing supply, village-core development, active transportation, and community amenities. Updated Official Community Plan Sets the Vision In 2023, Central Saanich adopted a new Official Community Plan (OCP) to guide long-term land use and growth. The OCP emphasizes protecting rural and agricultural lands while identifying select areas for gradual multi-unit development to support more housing options and workforce housing. The OCP also underscores climate action, collaboration with First Nations, and an urban containment boundary that directs most growth to established village nodes rather than rural areas. Housing Targets and Supply Expansion Central Saanich has been assigned provincial housing targets as part of British Columbia’s broader plan to increase housing supply. The district has taken steps to diversify its housing stock through updated infill and densification guidelines. A recent housing report shows the district needs to accommodate over 1,100 new units by 2029 to meet demand and provincial targets. Municipal efforts to streamline development approvals and adjust zoning aim to help meet this growth. Strategic Infrastructure and Community Projects Central Saanich’s 2024–2027 Strategic Plan includes investments that align with future growth priorities. This plan earmarks significant funding for active transportation improvements, such as new bike lanes, multi-use pathways, and infrastructure upgrades that support a growing population. One notable community project in planning is the district’s new municipal facilities building on Hovey Road, which will combine municipal hall, policing, fire services and a recreation centre. It is designed to be a community hub and is scheduled to start construction in late 2026. Village Core and Mixed-Use Development Central Saanich is engaging residents on the future of village core sites, including the four-acre municipal hall property on Mt. Newton Cross Road. Council envisions a walkable, mixed-use centre with housing, commercial space, community amenities and green space that supports local needs while maintaining village character. Balancing Growth with Rural Character While planning for future growth in Central Saanich, the district maintains strong protections for agricultural lands and rural areas. With over 60 per cent of land in the Agricultural Land Reserve, housing and commercial development are focused inside designated urban areas to preserve farming and natural spaces. What This Means for Residents and Investors As future growth in Central Saanich unfolds, residents can expect more housing variety, including infill, townhomes and multi-unit developments in established village cores and along key corridors. Investments in active transportation and community facilities will improve connectivity and local services. At the same time, the district’s planning framework aims to balance growth with environmental stewardship and agricultural preservation. For buyers, renters and investors monitoring Central Saanich, understanding changes to zoning, housing targets and community plans early can inform decisions and help identify emerging opportunities. Mark G., 5-Star Review, via Google “One of the best experiences I’ve had with a realtor. . Above all, it seems that i have gained a great relationship and i appreciate that more than feeling like just a transaction.. I will definitely be going back for my next big purchase!” Faber Real Estate Group Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty 📞 250-244-3430 📧[email protected] ℹ️ Scott Faber Personal Real Estate Corporation ℹ️ Cal Faber Personal Real Estate Corporation Vanessa Wood, Zachary Parsons, and Sophie Taylor “Building Lasting Relationships, One Home at a Time.”