The District of Saanich is developing an Outdoor Sports Field Strategy as we invest in people and neighbourhoods to foster community health and a sense of belonging. This is an important objective of our Council Strategic Plan to further enhance community well-being.
The strategy will evaluate our existing outdoor sports fields and lacrosse boxes to review current and future demand and trends to ensure the needs of our growing population and the community’s access to sports are met. This includes review of current use, regional assessment and benchmarking against other municipalities, and review of existing policies and asset management practices.
Local outdoor sports field and lacrosse box groups bring a lot of value to our community, helping people of all ages to play the games they love, enjoy the teamwork and camaraderie of the field and pursue excellence. We’re fortunate to have investments from long standing sports user groups in our parks and we value the programs they offer to support active living and community sport.
A key part of the strategy is engagement with these organizations. We’ll be asking the outdoor community sports groups to take part in this important opportunity to voice their thoughts and needs regarding outdoor sports fields and lacrosse boxes. The end result will be a thoughtful, modern, and sustainable plan to guide future planning, management and investment in outdoor sports fields and lacrosse boxes.
Please check back here for project updates.
Engagement
Virtual Open House Presentation - October 22, 2025
The District of Saanich is developing an Outdoor Sports Field Strategy to guide the maintenance, management, and development of Saanich's outdoor sports fields and lacrosse boxes over the next 10 years. The virtual open house presentation is an opportunity to learn about the background, findings, and recommendations of the draft strategy and ask questions.
Date: Wednesday, October 22, 2025 from 6:30 to 8:00pm
Register to attend.
After the open house, an online questionnaire will be available to gather feedback on the draft strategy.
Project Timeline
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FAQ
Saanich Parks, Recreation and Community Services Outdoor Sports Field Strategy
1. Why are you undertaking this strategy?
Saanich is undertaking this strategy to provide a snapshot of current conditions and use of the community’s sport fields and to plan for future needs. Consultants will evaluate:
- Current and anticipated demand levels;
- Availability and condition of sport fields;
- Required infrastructure and amenities to support future demand,
In essence, this strategy will aim to ensure Saanich’s sport fields meet the community's needs now and in the future. It will provide a path for the District and sports groups to create opportunities for fundraising for improved infrastructure, stronger partnerships, and point to new opportunities.
2. What is in the scope of the strategy?
The strategy will consider existing outdoor sports fields including grass playing fields, artificial turf and lacrosse boxes.
Saanich has:
- 35 baseball fields
- 18 rectangular grass soccer fields
- 1 grass football field
- 6 artificial turf fields
- 2 lacrosse boxes
Regional assessments of municipal facilities, schools, and other facilities accessible to the public, including facilities offered by other municipalities will be included in the strategy along with an evaluation on opportunities to expand the use and/or programming of existing assets and partner with other jurisdictions.
3. How can we have our say?
The consultant conducted interviews with sports user groups and organizations in Fall/Winter 2024.
The consultant has provided Key Findings Workshops for sports organizations in Summer 2025.
An opportunity for the public to participate will be provided in Fall 2025 with a Draft Strategy virtual open house presentation and questionnaire scheduled for Wednesday, October 22, from 6:30 to 8pm. Please see the engagement details above to register.
4. How will feedback be used?
The consultants will gather information from user groups on access, programs, membership, fees, charges, seasons, trends and program priorities. They will also seek feedback on areas of concern and opportunities for improvement related to field conditions and access, helping to shape the final recommendations and strategic planning for Saanich’s sport fields.
5. When will the strategy be finalized?
The draft of the Outdoor Sports Field Strategy will be available online prior to our virtual open house presentation on October 22. Feedback collected from the virtual open house and online questionnaire will be used to refine the strategy. The Final Strategy is anticipated to be available for public viewing Winter 2026.
6. Does this mean Saanich will be investing in more sports fields throughout the District?
The strategy will aim to assess current facilities, identify future needs and provide recommendations based on demand, field conditions and community requirements. Decisions on investing in more sports fields will be informed by the findings and recommendations of this strategy, subsequent community discussions and budget considerations.
7. What about sports groups who have invested in the current fields – do they get a say in what happens?
The consultant contacted 54 sports organizations and facilitated workshops with 14 sports organizations in late 2024. Twenty-four questionnaires from sports organizations were completed and have been captured as part of the strategy’s public engagement.
Key Findings Workshops have been provided to the sports organizations to share an update on the Strategy’s development.
The Draft Strategy virtual open house presentation will be an opportunity for the public to provide feedback on the draft Outdoor Sports Field Strategy. This presentation accompanied by a questionnaire is scheduled for Wednesday October 22 from 6:30 to 8pm. Please see Engagement details above to register to attend.
8. Will this strategy include artificial turf fields?
Yes, the strategy will evaluate the current and anticipated demand for artificial turf fields.
9. How will this strategy impact current field usage?
There will be no changes to field usage as the strategy is developed. The strategy may recommend changes along with an implementation plan for any changes.
10. Will there be improvements to existing facilities?
The strategy will assess the condition of existing facilities and may recommend improvements based on the community’s needs and future demand forecasts. Buildings are not included in the project scope of the Outdoor Sports Field Strategy.
11. How will the strategy impact field rental fees?
The strategy may recommend changes along with an implementation plan for any changes.
12. Is there a possibility of introducing new types of sport facilities?
Based on the community’s demand and future trends identified in the strategy, recommendations for new types of sport facilities may be made.
13. How will the strategy address accessibility and inclusion for marginalized and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) groups?
The strategy will evaluate and recommend improvements to ensure sports fields are accessible and inclusive for marginalized and DEI groups. This includes gathering information from existing user groups about their participants and programs to identify and address any barriers to participation.