The District of Saanich (District) has begun the process to replace 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 25,000 to 30,000 square foot library and 200 or more 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 will proceed as 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. An interim space has been acquired and will be prepared for use to minimize disruption to library services during the project.

Saanich Municipal Council approved the rezoning of the site on June 17, 2024 with design proceeding to allow for a development permit and building permit.

Next steps for the project

• September 9, 2024: Development Variance Permit application presented to Council.
• Fall 2024: Design phase for the redevelopment project continues. Renovations begin on temporary library space.
• December 14, 2024: Last day of library services at 3950 Cedar Hill Road.
• Mid-February 2025: Temporary library site at 3561 Shelbourne Street expected to open to the public.
• Summer 2025 – 2028: Demolition of current building and construction of new building.

Questions?

For project inquiries, please contact the District’s Manager of Real Estate Services Janet Racz at 250-216-4375 or janet.racz@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.