Saanich
Saanich has more.
More people than any other municipality or city within the Capital Regional District, or southern Vancouver Island, for that matter. The 2006 Census puts it at just over 108,000 souls, but more recent municipal figures suggest about 114,000.
And more land. The District of Saanich stretches from the salt water to the east, the borders of Oak Bay, Victoria, Esquimalt and View Royal on the south to the Highlands in the west to Central Saanich to the north.
It’s bigger than the total area of Oak Bay, Victoria, Esquimalt, View Royal, Central Saanich and the City of Sidney combined!
And more university students. The University of Victoria isn’t in Victoria – it’s largely in … well, you know (about half part is in Oak Bay). Just like the Interurban campus of Camosun College, in Saanich.
And more high tech, as home to the Vancouver Island Technology Park (VITP. The VITP is the largest concentration of technology companies within Vancouver Island’s burgeoning high tech industry.
And more farm land. The the early 80’s the BC government took a huge step toward preservation of the most limited resource in British Columbia – arable agricultural land. As a result, much of Saanich’s farmlands which otherwise would have been developed have been preserved.
With today’s increasing urgency and awareness of issues around sustainability, that decision takes on even added significance. Not to mention that it’s a sensory treat to hike or bike through Saanich.
Which leads to ‘more parks’ and more ‘trails’. Add about two thirds of the size of Victoria plus all of Oak Bay, and you will arrive at the total area of Saanich’s park lands. And more miles of trails than some local municipalities have roads. Trails criss cross the whole municipal district.
All in all, Saanich is a beautiful place to live. It will continue to attract new residents.
In a recent speech to the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Leonard suggested the biggest challenge ahead for Saanich is how to accommodate growth without destroying the ambiance that draws people to Saanich in the first place. He used the ‘D’ word.
Densify.
This means a couple of things.
First, it means a new willingness to allow secondary suites. In a region with a near-zero vacancy rate on the one hand and real home ownership ownership afford ability issues on the other hand, legalization of secondary suites is long overdue.
Second, it means a greater willingness to consider the merits of development proposals for taller buildings. With the proposed new Offical Community Plan talking in terms of 8 stories in some areas and 18 in another, look for new construction of the typical four story wood frame condo to become a thing of the past in Saanich. As with many municipalities, going ‘up’ instead of out is the
only realistic way to accommodate growth.
And it just makes good sense from a sustainability point of view. Saanich plans to be at the forefront in terms of ‘green’ and sustainability. Look for various energy conserving measures and features to become requirements for approval of new development permits within Saanich.
It looks like Saanich will remain a great place to be on Vancouver Island for a long time to come.
