BC Hydro fast chargers coming to G. R. Pearkes Recreation Centre

January 19, 2026

Information Bulletin
For immediate release 

Saanich, BC – This month, BC Hydro is installing eight new DC Fast Charging (DCFC) ports at the G.R. Pearkes Recreation Centre (3100 Tillicum Road).

Construction will take place in two phases over approximately five weeks, starting Monday, January 19 through Friday, February 20, 2026. Pedestrian access to G.R. Pearkes Recreation Centre entrances and the Tillicum Centre will be maintained throughout the duration of the project.

Crews will be active at areas marked for construction on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.  At the end of each workday, all travel lanes, sidewalks and crosswalks will be restored to normal traffic patterns. Please follow directions from traffic control personnel and signage.

During construction, visitors to the area can expect:

Phase 1: January 19 to 22 – work on Bodega Road and Arena Road to excavate and install underground duct and structures.

    • Road closure: Bodega Road will close between Ker Avenue and Arena Road.
    • Sidewalk and bike lane impacts:
      • The sidewalk and bike lane on the West side of Bodega Road will be closed.
      • Both the north and south sidewalk on Arena Road will be closed
      • Traffic impacts: single lane alternating traffic will be in place on Arena Road.

Phase 2:  January 26 to February 20 – DC Fast Charging Station installation at the G.R. Pearkes Recreation Parking lot.

    • Construction barriers: the affected area will be fenced off. The travel lane on the northwest end of the site (adjacent to the GVPL Saanich Centennial Branch) will remain open.

BC Hydro will complete the construction and installation as part of a licence agreement with the District of Saanich and will retain ownership and operational responsibilities for this public charging site. Please contact BC Hydro with any additional questions about their public charging network.


Advancing Saanich’s priorities

Access to faster charging stations close to recreation and shopping makes it easier for residents to choose electric, supporting Saanich’s Climate Plan and Electric Mobility Strategy to expand public EV charging and accelerate adoption. 

There have been 38 new public Level 2 chargers (a 42% increase) in the District of Saanich since the CRD’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Roadmap was released in 2021, but DCFC port availability has remained static at 26. These eight new ports directly address that gap and improve service availability to residents.

Stay informed

Project updates will be posted on the District of Saanich’s Facebook page as construction progresses. Thank you for your patience during these short-term impacts that enable long-term climate and mobility improvements.

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Media contact:
Saanich Communications
media@saanich.ca