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The Saanich Operations Centre – located at 1040 McKenzie Avenue – has served our community for more than 60 years. It is the hub of the vast infrastructure network serving the District of Saanich.
While we continue to deliver services from this bustling hub, we are going to be redeveloping the site through a phased approach over the coming years. By replacing old facilities with new ones, we are ensuring operations will function well into the future allowing us to continue to provide services that support our high quality of life in Saanich.
Project background
Through comprehensive analysis (see Strategic Facilities Master Plan), significant shortcomings have been identified that make the redevelopment of the facility a high priority. The current facility was designed and built when Saanich's population was half of what it currently is.
Population growth and modern operational requirements are putting significant pressure on the facility and present risks to continued service delivery. Staff who work on-site are confronted with challenges presented by facilities that do not support growth and change, nor meet building codes.
The quality of life that we often take for granted 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.
Project timeline
June 2022: Council approved the Business Case, directing staff to develop the operations centre plans and to work with the private sector development community to understand the opportunities to involve external investment and other uses on the site. The District intends to engage a private sector partner to assist with the redevelopment and plan for commercial and perhaps residential opportunities that are in alignment with the District’s newly-adopted OCP and current Council lead initiatives and priorities. Read the Report.
February 2024: We acquired a property near the operations centre site that will become the new Parks Operations Centre. This will allow us to continue to make progress on the redevelopment project, reduce overall project costs and plan for smooth operations into the future. Read more about this update.
October 2024: Staff provided a project update to Council on October 7. Read the Report and the Development and Transaction Options Analysis.
Summer - Fall 2025: AAP was unsuccessful and staff then presented options to Council for next steps for the Project.
November 2025: Council approved a phased approach for the redevelopment.
January 2026: Council approved the borrowing bylaw.
Redeveloping the Saanich Operations Centre will put the District in a strong position to accommodate the District’s growth over the next 50 years. It will support the continuous delivery of high-quality core services and contribute significant improvements to community vitality through the provision of additional housing and opportunities for private businesses.
Redevelopment will contribute positively to an improved shared future for Saanich residents by addressing many key priorities highlighted by residents.
This project is guided by the Strategic Facilities Master Plan, which provides a framework that helps us to prioritize strategic investment in our facilities and to see projects such as this one planned and implemented in a robust and transparent manner. The process strives to deliver value and accountability for taxpayer dollars while ensuring that the primary goal of services delivery is being met.
