Project Update
Saanich’s new Library and Affordable Housing Project has marked another significant milestone, as a development permit has now been issued to move the project forward.
Project Overview
The District of Saanich (District) is in the process of replacing the Greater Victoria Public Library (GVPL) branch located at 3950 Cedar Hill Road, by partnering with the Capital Region Housing Corporation (CRHC), to redevelop the site with a new 29,000 square foot library and 210 affordable rental housing units.
Following public engagement, the preparation of a preliminary development concept plan and the submission of Building BC: Community Housing Fund grant application, a grant to support the project was announced on March 21, 2024. Nearly 870 new homes coming to Vancouver Island | BC Gov News
The project is a partnership between the District and the CRHC. The CRHC will develop the project and will manage the affordable housing units with funding support from BC Housing, and the District will contribute the land and fund the library project under long term lease and lease back agreements with CRHC. The District’s Housing Strategy and Strategic Plan supports this project and partnerships to increase the supply of affordable housing in Saanich.
The participants of the GVPL, including the District, provide library space to the GVPL and fund the operating costs; the library branches are managed and operated by the GVPL. The GVPL identified the priority to replace the library as included in the District’s Strategic Plan. A temporary library space at 3561 Shelbourne Street is open to the public, ensuring continued access to essential library resources in a compact format.
Recent timeline and next steps
- March 26, 2025: Temporary library site at 3561 Shelbourne Street opened to the public.
- March 31, 2025: Development Permit approved and issued for the project.
- Summer 2025 – 2029: Demolition of current building and construction of new project.
Questions?
For project inquiries, please submit questions to the District of Saanich Real Estate Division at realestate@saanich.ca
For development and operation of the Affordable Housing component of the project, please submit questions to the CRHC at developmentservices@crd.bc.ca.
The Greater Victoria Public Library builds community and supports literacy and lifelong learning by providing free access to information, space, tools, and expertise. There are 12 branch locations within 10 local municipalities serving more than 380,000 residents. GVPL is your place to connect, discover and imagine.
To learn more about the GVPL, please contact Kelly Ridgway, Coordinator Marketing and Development, GVPL at kridgway@gvpl.ca.