Background
The Shelbourne Valley Plan (2026) is an updated version of the Shelbourne Valley Action Plan (2017). The 2017 Plan served as a critical tool in guiding land use and transportation decisions in the Shelbourne Valley since its adoption. Key outcomes of the 2017 Plan include implementation of the Shelbourne Street Improvements Project and approval of over 1,700 new housing units in the Shelbourne Valley area.
In 2024, Saanich Council adopted a new Official Community Plan (OCP); the new OCP land use framework is designed to accommodate the majority of the District of Saanich’s new residential development and employment within the Primary Growth Areas (PGAs). These areas will be supported with higher levels of infrastructure investments, community services, parks, recreation facilities, and public spaces. The planning area of the Shelbourne Valley accounts for about 27% of the District of Saanich’s PGAs and 7% of the area within the District of Saanich’s Urban Containment Boundary. As a result, updating the 2017 Plan became necessary to align with the OCP framework.
The 2024-2026 update focused on revising the land use framework in the 2017 Plan to align with the current OCP and other Council-approved plans and policies adopted in recent years. It also reflects changing demographics, market conditions, and community needs, with a stronger focus on climate resilience.
The 2026 Plan builds on years of planning, technical work, and community engagement. It is intended to guide coordinated decision-making over the long term and support growth that benefits current and future residents. In doing so, it advances the OCP vision of a compact mix of developments where all households have access to housing, transportation options and services and amenities within easy walking distance.