The Tillicum Burnside Plan will guide future changes in the area over the short, medium, and long term (20 years) to build a livable, vibrant, and transit-connected community. The long-term vision for the area will be influenced by the Official Community Plan’s direction of One Planet Living and the 15-Minute Community.
This is an opportune time to address the unique challenges of this neighbourhood and develop a more compact built environment to accommodate future residential and employment growth near the core of Saanich. Over time, it is anticipated that the Plan will influence growth and transformation in the area, shaping the homes we build, the roads we travel, the parks we enjoy, and the neighbourhoods we call home.
Purpose
The purpose of this work is to develop a comprehensive Centre, Corridor and Village (CCV) Plan for the Tillicum Burnside area (see the study area map, below) and will include a new framework for land use changes and transportation and mobility improvements.
The Plan area includes a large portion of the Tillicum local area, notably those areas closer to established amenities and frequent transit service. The study area boundary for the Tillicum Burnside Plan includes the following four Official Community Plan CCV geographies:
- Centre: Tillicum Burnside
- Corridors: Tillicum Road and Burnside Road
- Village: Gorge Village
Plan Development
To develop the Tillicum Burnside Plan, work will involve analysis of a wide range of topics and considerations, guided by existing and in-progress policy documents, data, research and best practices, and input collected through engagement with the public and stakeholders.
We are in Phase 3: Plan Development in July. During Phase 3, we will continue to do some informal and targeted engagement activities throughout July, in tandem with the Plan Development phase. A robust 'What We Heard' report will be brought forward to Council by the end of July.
Public Engagement
Several pop-ups, community workshops, and webinars were offered in May, June and July to gather input and ideas from community members and stakeholders. These sessions explored ways for introducing more housing options, providing amenities and safe connections, and designing corridors to support sustainable transportation.
A survey was also available until July 22, 2025. We appreciate the input you’ve provided to date.
Please follow on HelloSaanich to stay involved and receive additional updates about future engagement opportunities and project status.
View a recording of the June 11th Overview Webinar below.
View a recording of the July 8th Wrap-Up Webinar below:
Planning Context
- Tillicum Burnside Neighbourhood Snapshot
The current neighbourhood characteristics for the Tillicum Burnside (TB) area are presented in a snapshot below. Seeking to highlight key aspects and current conditions that exist within the study area, this data will inform policy development throughout the TB planning process.
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Plan Goals
Four goals have been developed, each with corresponding objectives intended to provide clarity at the outset of the project and reflect the focused scope of the work, as follows:
- Land Use
Implement the Centre, Corridor and Village growth management framework to build complete communities that foster sustainable, walkable, vibrant, and connected places.
- Transportation and Mobility
Deliver complete streets in the Tillicum Burnside area and improve connections for all modes with an emphasis on car-light living, safety, enjoyment, and efficiency.
- Housing Diversity, Affordability and Supply
Provide opportunity for new housing within well-serviced areas with a focus on meeting the needs of the community and providing a diversity of housing options.
- Public Realm and Open Space
Enhance overall livability through providing community amenities, a safe and connected network of open spaces and distinct public realm areas.
Background
A Terms of Reference for the Tillicum Burnside Plan was endorsed by Council on November 25th, 2024, that defines the scope of work and planning process to undertake a comprehensive land use and transportation study for the Tillicum Burnside area in alignment with the Official Community Plan’s Centre, Corridor and Village growth management framework.
Centre, Corridor and Village Planning Growth management strategies and policies in the Official Community Plan (OCP) promote compact and sustainable land use, focusing the vast majority of new development inside the Urban Containment Boundary and within well designed Centres, Villages and Corridors (CCVs). CCV geographies are intended to act as hubs of the community where more services and amenities are found, along with higher density housing and more diverse employment, commercial, and public spaces.
Check out the video below for a quick explainer on Centre, Corridor and Village Plans.
The CCV planning approach intends to take broader direction in the OCP and provide detailed planning guidance at the local level for all CCV areas. The Tillicum Burnside CCV Plan will provide guidance for new development and capital investments.
The Tillicum Local Area Plan was adopted by the Council in 2000, and the Tillicum Burnside Action Plan was endorsed by the Council in 2005. The Action Plan from 2005 includes streetscape plans and urban design concepts to inform a mix of redevelopment along Tillicum Road and Burnside Road. Through the development of the Tillicum Burnside CCV Plan, these concepts will be reassessed, and content will be integrated into the new Plan, where appropriate.
The process to develop the Tillicum Burnside CCV Plan will take place over a period of 18 months and is expected to be brought before the Council for adoption in Spring 2026.