West Saanich Road Development Project

4500 Block West Saanich Development Concept & Rezoning

A Public Open House was held on April 3, 2025 to provide an opportunity to learn more about future plans for District-owned property located in the 4500-block of West Saanich Road, in conjunction with the Royal Oak Community Association’s public meeting.

View the West Saanich Road Preliminary Design Concept [PDF - 21 MB] and Open House Display Board [PDF - 20 MB]

A rezoning application is proposed to be submitted in mid-May 2025 to pre-zone the property to attract a suitable proposal for mixed-use commercial and residential development by a request for proposals (RFP) process.

The processing of this application could see the rezoning considered by Council at their regular meeting in August/September 2025 and a public hearing is not permitted pursuant to Provincial legislation.

If the rezoning is approved, Council will consider proceeding with an RFP process in the fall of 2025 that will include evaluation criteria aimed at achieving the best community value proposition.

The successful proposal will be subject to a Development Agreement and will require a Development Permit (DP) pursuant to the applicable DP Area guidelines.

Project Overview

The purpose of the 4500 Block West Saanich Development Concept & Rezoning initiative is to pre-zone District owned lands in a manner consistent with the Royal Oak Centre Designation in the Official Community Plan and provide more certainty for development proposals allowing the District to achieve the best community value proposition.

Royal Oak Centre and Broadmead Village proximity to designated Transit Exchange

The subject properties include five parcels adjacent to Highway 17 (Patricia Bay Highway) with four parcels fronting West Saanich Road. The group of four parcels have a consolidated area of 1.1 hectares (2.7 acres) and will be the primary site for development. The remnant parcel, 0.2 hectares (0.5 acres), to the north, owned by Saanich and part of the original assembly, will not be considered for development, but will be considered as part of the concept plan, as it holds significant ecological value that will offer benefit to the overall development scheme and community. The owners of adjacent lands and agencies such as BC Transit and the Ministry of Transportation may also participate in bringing plans and proposals forward as part of the process. The District may consider entering letters of understanding to facilitate collaboration and planning.

The intention is to market the lands for sale and/or lease by way of a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEOI) process, evaluate proposals against criteria approved by Council, with a preferred proposal placed under contract subject to the municipal real property disposition policy.

The preferred proposal will be selected according to the approved evaluation criteria by a staff lead evaluation team with non-disclosure of all negotiations and agreements by all parties until final approval.

Subject Properties - 4500 Block West Saanich Road

The preferred proposal will be subject to a development agreement, including development timelines.

Public Engagement

The intent is to prepare a development concept plan and provide an opportunity for public input and comment to inform a District led rezoning application.

The development concept plan will address issues such as:

The initiative provides an opportunity to engage with the community, adjacent and local businesses and landowners as well as various agencies including BC Transit and the Ministry of Transportation to realize the best use and economic return from the property.

It is expected that engagement sessions will be held in early 2025.

Contact Us

Real Estate Services Division
realestate@saanich.ca

Bob Lapham
Strategic Advisor - Housing Supply

Janet Racz
Manager of Real Estate Services