Background

Since 2006, the District of Central Saanich has been exploring the feasibility of redeveloping its Saanichton Village property at 1903 Mt Newton Cross Road where the Municipal Hall, Police Service office and Fire Station 2 are located. The site is located in the heart of Saanichton Village and is used solely for civic functions. It is a significant and underutilized community asset with redevelopment potential due to the aging building, which was built in 1965, almost 60 years ago.

Municipal Yard, at 1703 Keating Cross Road, is also past its useful life; the building was built in 1973 and no longer functions efficiently. The site is zoned as ‘industrial’ land, which is currently in high demand. The property has more land than required and therefore unused market potential.

Timeline:

In 2006, the District began to review options for the Municipal Hall redevelopment, which included the Fire and Police Stations.
In 2009, the Fire Station was selected as the priority and Fire Station #1 was built at the new location at 1512 Keating Cross Road; it was completed in 2012. (Fire Station #1 debt will be repaid in 2025.)
In 2012, an open house was held to present redevelopment plans for 1903 Mt Newton.
In 2014, Council considered options for 1903 Mt Newton Cross Road, including the sale of approximately 3 acres for market residential and mixed-use commercial. Council directed that staff plan to expedite repayment of Fire Station #1 debt and postpone any further work on redevelopment of the Municipal Hall site until the Fire Hall debt was closer to being paid off.
In 2021, a feasibility study for replacement or renewal was identified in the District’s 2021-2022 Strategic Priorities.
In 2023, the District of Central Saanich feasibility began a study for the replacement or renewal of key municipal facilities: the Municipal Hall including Police Services and Fire Hall #2 and the Municipal Works Yard.

These facilities are identified in the District’s Facilities Long-term Asset Management Plan (FLAMP) as requiring major rehabilitation or replacement in the next five years.