The District of Saanich (District) has begun the process to replace the Nellie McClung Branch of the Greater Victoria Public Library (GVPL) located at 3950 Cedar Hill Road, by partnering with the Capital Region Housing Corporation (CRHC), to redevelop the site with a new 25,000 to 30,000 square foot library and 200 or more affordable rental housing units.

Following public engagement, the preparation of a preliminary development concept plan and the submission of Building BC: Community Housing Fund grant application, a grant to support the project was announced on March 21, 2024. Nearly 870 new homes coming to Vancouver Island | BC Gov News

The project will proceed as a partnership between the District and the CRHC. The CRHC will develop the project and will manage the affordable housing units with funding support from BC Housing, and the District will contribute the land and fund the library project under long term lease and lease back agreements with CRHC.  The District’s Housing Strategy and Strategic Plan supports this project and partnerships to increase the supply of affordable housing in Saanich.

The participants of the GVPL, including the District, provide library space to the GVPL and fund the operating costs; the library branches are managed and operated by the GVPL. The GVPL identified the priority to replace Nellie McClung Library as included in the District’s Strategic Plan. An interim space will be located to minimize disruption to library services during the project.

The Municipal Council for the District will consider rezoning the site immediately following the adoption of proposed updates to the Official Community Plan, with design proceeding to allow for development permit and building permits to be submitted for an anticipated construction start by the summer of 2025.

Questions?

For project inquiries please contact the District’s Land Agent, Janet Racz, 250-216-4375 or janet.racz@saanich.ca

For development and operation of the Affordable Housing component of the project please submit questions to the CRHC at developmentservices@crd.bc.ca