Thursday September 11, 2025 | SAANICH, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
The District of Saanich has charted a new course for the Saanich Operations Centre (SOC) Redevelopment Project.
Following the Alternative Approval Process earlier this year which did not result in borrowing approval, Saanich Council has asked staff to report back with a revised project scope and timeline.
Council decided to not put a current borrowing plan to referendum due to the significant impact it would have on the project’s budget.
Staff projected that inflationary escalation costs for the project would be about $400,000 for every month that the project is delayed.
Those costs — when combining the time required to hold a referendum with the period necessary to re-establish procurement processes and other project elements — were seen to be prohibitive.
What is the Saanich Operations Centre:
Located at 1040 McKenzie Avenue was built about 60 years ago. Time for a refresh of the facilities the organization of the site.
Current facilities are over twenty years beyond what they were designed for, expensive to maintain and require significant yearly investment to meet minimum operational standards, says the District of Saanich.
The quality of life that Saanich residents and businesses depends on the following services, all of which are supported by staff who work out of the Operations Centre:
- WATER, SEWER, DRAINAGE: The maintenance of the water resources and delivery system that brings drinking water to our homes and businesses as well as the pipes that take away storm water and waste for treatment.
- TRANSPORTATION: Design, management and maintenance of our streets, roads, intersections, sidewalks and bicycle paths that allow us to get to where we need to go as safely and efficiently as possible.
- PARKS: Design, management and maintenance of our boulevards, parks, beaches and natural areas.
- SOLID WASTE: Removal of residential garbage and organics.
- SUPPORTING SERVICES: Administrative support, fleet maintenance, and storage of equipment and materials, play a significant role in providing efficient and effective services for the community.
What is the challenge:
Population growth and modern operational requirements are putting significant pressure on the facility and present risks to continued service delivery.
Saanich is expected to grow in population by 15,000 people in the next 20 years, bringing the total number of residents in the District to just under 130,000.
Next steps:
Later this fall, Saanich staff will present Council with more details, including budget projections, to seek approval of a revised scope and timeline for the SOC Redevelopment Project.
It is anticipated that the phased approach with a reduced scope will result in the initial work being delivered at an immediately reduced cost. However, the overall budget needed for the redevelopment of the site could be higher over time, due to the loss of efficiencies derived from a coordinated project.
Project focus:
The redevelopment is proposed as benefitting the Saanich community in various ways:
- The co-location of public and private interests on municipal property will support growth in the Quadra McKenzie neighbourhood by creating additional commercial and retail lease spaces along McKenzie.
- The facility’s design will support climate change resilience and the District’s target to achieve net-zero emissions within 15 years.
- The Public Works Creek restoration will be enjoyed and appreciated by residents as an amenity reflecting the District’s commitment to a healthy natural environment.
Phased approach:
In opting for a phased approach, the initial focus will be on the requirements of core operations, including the redevelopment of key facilities directly involved in operational service delivery and the retention of the onsite yard and garden waste drop-off.
Project objectives beyond the facility revitalization, including residential components, will be delayed to a later phase and subject to future budget allocation and decision-making.
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NEWS SECTIONS: GREATER VICTORIA/CRD | MUNICIPAL & CIVIC