More collaborative approach proposed for Saanich sports fields, lacrosse boxes

Information bulletin
For immediate release

Saanich, BC – Local outdoor sports groups bring a lot of value to the Saanich community, and the District is committed to supporting active living and community sport as Saanich continues to grow. The wide range of sport participation options available to Saanich residents today is the result of the efforts of individuals, organizations, and Home User Groups (HUGs), all dedicated to promoting local sport.

After assessing current operations and future needs, and gathering feedback from local sports organisations, Saanich is suggesting a change in its strategy regarding sports fields and lacrosse boxes to continue supporting local sport groups. The proposed changes include improving processes, evolving partnership definitions, and continuing investment to sustain local sport now and into the future.

As part of a Draft Outdoor Sports Field Strategy, which is available for public review and feedback, the District would, over time, assume a larger role in sports field and lacrosse box planning, allocation, maintenance, and funding, which is a “best practice” approach used by the majority of B.C. municipalities. Sports groups could then focus on what they do best – bringing people together to enjoy the activities they love, helping them to build teamwork and camaraderie, and supporting their pursuit of excellence.

Challenges with the current model
Home User Groups were instrumental in the initial development of sports fields and associated infrastructure in Saanich and historically assumed responsibility for their maintenance. However, factors such as reduced volunteer engagement and capacity has resulted in Saanich Parks assuming more maintenance responsibilities for infrastructure initially developed by HUGs.

The strategy also notes that the fundraising and installation of infrastructure by HUGs on Saanich’s public land creates confusion around asset ownership, and may expose the District and HUGs to liability risk when accidents or injuries occur. The current model also limits equity between existing HUGs and emerging groups who are seeking more access to sports fields and lacrosse boxes.

What’s being proposed
Working with consultants LEES + Associates, the District engaged with local sports groups, municipalities, and school districts to identify current challenges and develop a draft strategy that is now available to the broader public for further feedback.

The draft strategy proposes that Saanich:

• Transition from its current Home User Group (HUG) model to a new Collaborative Governance Model.
  • This will foster greater equity, transparency and responsible asset management, ultimately benefiting all members of the Saanich community.
  • It will enable user groups to focus their volunteer capacity on delivering high-quality community sport programs, rather than building and maintaining infrastructure – relieving them of administration and paperwork related to managing the facilities.

• Develop a new sports field and lacrosse box allocation policy.
  • This will better balance broad community demand with access and equity, ensuring optimum use of facilities.

• Develop a sports field classification system that defines maintenance responsibilities for the District and user groups, and establish a permit fee structure to apply uniformly across all user groups.
  • This will help to mitigate potential liability and asset management risks, enhance fairness and transparency and reflect service levels for all.

• Continue to invest in sports fields and lacrosse boxes through asset renewals.
  • A plan will be established for sustainable, phased investment in sports fields and lacrosse boxes to be informed by data on demand and field use.

Saanich residents, sports groups, community groups, and anyone with an interest in local sport can review the Draft Outdoor Sports Strategy along with the accompanying Discussion Guide, and provide their feedback through a HelloSaanich questionnaire running through November 22, 2025.

Community input will be considered as staff refine the draft strategy before bringing it to Council for endorsement in Winter 2026.

Learn More
To read more about the Outdoor Sports Field Strategy process, including Frequently Asked Questions, please visit Saanich.ca/OSFS.

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Media contact:
Saanich Communications
media@saanich.ca