Alternative Approval Process to begin as part of Saanich Operations Centre Redevelopment Project

News release
For immediate release

Saanich, BC – The Alternative Approval Process (AAP) for the Saanich Operations Centre (SOC) Redevelopment Project opens on Wednesday, May 21 and will be open until June 25. The AAP is needed to confirm public assent to fund the project through borrowing. 

“The Alternative Approval Process is a fiscally responsible and efficient tool that will help the District ensure that the community has a voice in the future of the Saanich Operations Centre,” says Chief Administrative Officer Brent Reems. “We invite all residents to participate actively and share their perspectives as we move forward together to continue to deliver resilient and capable infrastructure for Saanich.”

Qualified electors may register opposition by submitting an Elector Response Form before June 25, 2025. Forms are accepted in any one of the following ways:

• Delivered in person at the Municipal Hall, 770 Vernon Ave, during regular office hours, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, excluding statutory holidays, or after hours if deposited into the 24-hour secure drop box at the entrance of the Municipal Hall.
• By mail to: Corporate Officer, The District of Saanich, 770 Vernon Ave, Victoria BC, V8X 2W7.
• By emailing a legible scanned copy to aap@saanich.ca.

Elector Response Forms cannot be submitted through a digital form due to legislative requirements. This is consistent with all Alternative Approval Processes carried out in B.C. and other processes with legislative requirements such as elections.

Project impacts

This redevelopment will not only prevent service disruptions but also stimulate local economic growth by creating jobs during construction and enhancing regional infrastructure. This initiative will ensure reliable, uninterrupted services for the next 80 years, aligning with Saanich’s commitment to resilience and environmental sustainability.

“The Saanich Operations Centre supports many key district-wide services that ensure public health, safety and community well-being,” says Director of Engineering Harley Machielse. “A redeveloped SOC will support service reliability and continuity, create a resilient infrastructure that will support Saanich for the next 80 years and will ensure that the District has sufficient capacity far into the future to manage growth and change.”

If approved, residents will see a 0.85% tax increase on average per year for four years and is included in the previously approved debt servicing funding strategy.

In addition, the average homeowner will experience:

• a $3.60 per year increase over four years to their water utility bill;
• a $4.00 per year increase over four years to their sewer utility bill, and;
• a $1.70 per year increase over four years to their solid waste services utility bill.

Drop-in public information event

This week, there will be opportunities for residents to engage with Council and the project team to learn more and have questions answered.

• Date: Saturday, May 24 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Location: Saanich Operations Centre Bucket Shed (1040 McKenzie Avenue)
• Learn more about the redevelopment project and the benefits it will provide for the District and residents. Staff will be on-site to explain details about the borrowing process, as well as to provide in-depth project information.

Learn more

For additional information on this AAP, please contact the District of Saanich’s Legislative Services department at aap@saanich.ca or 250-475-5501.

For more details on the Saanich Operations Centre Redevelopment Project and the AAP process, visit saanich.ca/socplan or HelloSaanich. 

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Media contact:
Saanich Communications
media@saanich.ca