Saanich acquires property for future parkland

News Release
For immediate release 

Saanich, BC – The District of Saanich has finalized the purchase of 1539 Church Avenue in the heart of the Shelbourne Valley, with a long-term goal of turning it into park space for the community.

“Acquiring this property for future green space for people to enjoy is a huge win,” says Saanich Mayor Dean Murdock. “As Saanich works to support the creation of homes, improve transportation and mobility and increase access to services and amenities, we are also working to improve access to the parks and public spaces that bring us all together. That’s what a livable, complete community is all about.”

The property aligns with the future Bowker Creek Greenway, providing the opportunity to have a park space along a future neighbourhood active transportation route. The closest existing park is Gore Peace Memorial Park near the intersection of Shelbourne Street and Cedar Hill Cross Road, and acquiring this new property allows for the development of a linkage between the two sites.

The area is currently home to a number of higher-density apartment buildings, with more growth expected in the coming years. Many residents will benefit from this future neighbourhood park and the increased social and community connections it will bring, in particular seniors who make up a high proportion of the population in this area.

It’s expected to take about ten years for the park to fully come to fruition. Staff are exploring renting out the property at market value in the short-term as park planning, design and development work is carried out over the coming years.

The property acquisition was made with funds from the District's Development Cost Charge (DCC) program, with no need for borrowing and no impact on property taxation.

Learn more

For more information about the work of Saanich’s Real Estate Services Division, please visit Saanich.ca/realestate.

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Media contact:
Saanich Communications
media@saanich.ca