News release

For immediate release

Saanich supports flexible options to stay connected

Saanich, BC – Saanich is thinking ahead to the colder months and providing flexible options for businesses to create additional spaces for the community to remain socially connected and still be physically distant from one another.

 “During the summer months, Saanich residents have been able to remain comfortable and safe using expanded outdoor public spaces at shopping malls, cafes, and bars, as well as our parks, yards and other commercial areas,” said Mayor Fred Haynes. “As our west coast seasons change into autumn and winter, adverse weather will make it more challenging to access these spaces. That’s why we are doing our part to provide flexible options for our local shopping malls and centres to create temporary and/or permanent sheltered spaces to keep the community together and give them an option to continue supporting local.”

Supporting businesses that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic is a priority for Saanich. In June, Council suspended enforcing the bylaw that outlines the minimum number of off-street parking spaces, allowing restaurants, cafes and pubs to temporarily use their parking space for patio space. Saanich is taking this one step further by allowing for additional spaces at shopping malls and centres that can be weather-proofed for patrons to access in the colder months.

Saanich Council will continue to look at ways to support the community to stay connected, while also following the direction of the Provincial Health Officer

Learn more

Business owners who are interested in creating temporary and/or permanent sheltered space may contact Saanich’s Inspections Services staff who are available to assist with guiding them through the application process at 250-475-5457.

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Media contact:
Saanich Communications
media@saanich.ca
250-475-7638