Background
Saanich purchased Panama Flats in 2011 and developed a Concept Plan in 2014 to reflect the interests and values of that time, primarily: agriculture, flood plain management, environmental values, and public space and trails. For the purpose of the Concept Plan, ‘Panama Flats’ refers to Colquitz Park between Hyacinth Park and Roy Road, Panama Hill Park, and the flats themselves.
Learn more about the purchase and 2014 Concept Plan.
Concept Plan Update
Saanich Council directed staff to update the 2014 Concept Plan to reflect current interest and values. A public consultation process was conducted from late 2024 through the summer of 2025, and an updated Concept Plan was presented to Council and endorsed on October 20, 2025.
Learn more about the concept plan updating process.
Saanich Council - October 20, 2025
Council endorsed the Updated Concept Plan on October 20. View related reports below:
The Concept Plan will be implemented as funding permits.
See the Upated Concept Plan for Panama Flats.
Zoning
Saanich Council - January 12, 2026
Council endorsed P-4N (Natural Park) and P-5 (Conservation) zoning for Panama Flats to reflect the approved Updated Concept Plan at their meeting on January 12. See the report from that meeting here.
Amendments to the Animals Bylaw to regulate dogs on the flats will be considered at the January 26, 2026 Council meeting.
Animals Bylaw Amendment Options
Saanich Council - January 26, 2026
Council considered options to regulate dogs at Panama Flats at their meeting on January 26, 2026. View the meeting report.
Dogs at Panama Flats
Council ratified changes to the Animals Bylaw on February 9, 2026 to require dogs to be on-leash on select trails only.
Dogs are prohibited elsewhere in Panama Flats at all times, other than a future enclosed off-leash area for dogs that will be constructed near Roy Road.
View permitted on-leash trails map. Trails will be formalized and improved over the coming years.