Saanich proceeds with phased approach for Operations Centre redevelopment

Information bulletin                                                                          
For immediate release

Saanich, BC – The Saanich Operations Centre Redevelopment Project will proceed in a phased approach with a reduced scope and budget.

The phased approach to redevelopment will allow the District to maintain service delivery, while addressing the highest priority facilities. The initial phase will involve replacing the 65-year-old administrative and workshops building, with construction of the new building happening while the current one is in use.

The fleet and stores building and resident garden waste drop‑off will remain on site at their current locations through phase I.

Phase 1 budget

Through phasing and scope reduction, the near‑term phase I budget has been lowered by up to 45% compared with the previously published $172M total project budget. This substantially reduces borrowing needs over the next five years while allowing the District to maintain essential services during construction. This approach, however, may increase total long‑term costs of redevelopment.

Phase I of the project will cost approximately $93.35M, inclusive of escalation to December 2028. This budget includes construction, design, utilities/site servicing, contingencies, furnishings and equipment, project management office costs, and a $12 million risk reserve to responsibly manage uncertainties typical of early‑stage capital projects.

Next steps

Over the next few months, staff will work towards completing pre‑design and funding activities. Subsequently, detailed design, permitting (environmental, development variance, building and utilities) and procurement will begin in the spring and run through Q2 2028.

Construction of the new administrative and workshops building is planned to begin in late 2027, with occupancy targeted for 2029 alongside the demolition of the existing building.

Throughout this period, core services will continue uninterrupted, with large portions of the site remaining unchanged to manage costs and minimize operational impacts.

Learn more

For more details on the SOC Redevelopment Project and its next steps, please visit saanich.ca/socplan or HelloSaanich. 

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Media contact:
Saanich Communications
media@saanich.ca