News release

For immediate release

A vibrant regional centre balancing diverse housing, employment and recreation opportunities is envisioned for the Uptown Douglas area

Saanich, BC – District of Saanich Council endorsed the Uptown-Douglas Plan at a public hearing on February 15, 2022.

The Uptown-Douglas Plan (UDP) is a comprehensive strategy to guide land use and transportation changes over the next 20 to 30 years in the Uptown Douglas area. Stretching from the City of Victoria border to just north of the Saanich Municipal Hall, the area represents a critical regional hub expected to see significant growth and change.

Providing clear objectives and actions to implement the goals and policies of Saanich’s Official Community Plan, the UDP focuses on affordable and diverse housing, active transportation, employment opportunities, urban design, sustainable development and climate change mitigation and resilience.

“The Uptown Douglas area is increasingly recognized as the heart of Saanich, and I couldn’t be more excited about the approval of a long-term plan for this area,” said Saanich Mayor Fred Haynes. “The area is also uniquely positioned as the geographic centre of the Capital Regional District, and I’m looking forward to seeing an increase in diverse housing, employment, transit, green spaces and amenities for pedestrians and many other opportunities come to life around this hub over the next 20 to 30 years.”

One of the key objectives of the UDP is to expand opportunities for higher density development and increase housing possibilities while retaining a focus on employment options. The plan sets out to retain and strengthen the area’s current employment role while focusing new growth in mid to high rise mixed-use and residential buildings that will expand housing opportunities in an area with abundant transportation options. The plan also provides a clear vision to transform streets and public spaces to better support walkability and a vibrant public realm.

The UDP was developed through a comprehensive multi-year process that involved diverse engagement with residents, the business community, property owners and stakeholders such as BC Transit and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.

Saanich continues to work internally and with partners to implement complete street designs, improve the public realm and address housing needs. The UDP is a living document and will continue to adapt to keep pace with evolving trends and best practices.

Plan highlights

• Accommodating diverse housing options over the next 20 years in a location with convenient access to transportation options, services and amenities.

• Developing a walkable network of parks and open spaces highlighted by a central civic space.

• Re-designing major roads into complete streets that comfortably accommodate all modes of travel.

• Providing opportunities for industrial properties to expand and diversify their operations through additional density.

• Supporting the development of a multi-modal transit hub near the Uptown Shopping Centre that serves as a central nexus for regional transit routes, incorporating a mix of uses and public amenities and serving as a gateway to the area.

• Incorporating a range of housing opportunities to accommodate a variety of lifestyles and socio-economic needs.

• Enhancing the Galloping Goose Trail as a central feature, by widening the trail, providing better connections and encouraging adjacent land uses to animate this public space.

• Redeveloping larger commercial sites into mixed-use developments with a variety of housing and employment options.

• Enhancing and expanding green spaces to build green corridors and improve the area’s livability, biodiversity and ecological performance.

Quick facts

• Over 10,000 people are employed in the Uptown-Douglas Corridor area
• 4,400 residents call the Uptown-Douglas Corridor home
• Population in this area has grown by over 4% annually in recent years
• Approximately 30,000 transit riders travel through the area daily
• 30% of Saanich’s industrially zoned land is located in Uptown-Douglas Corridor area

Learn more

To view the plan visit saanich.ca/udcp.

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Media contact:
Erika Schade
Communications Manager
erika.schade@saanich.ca
250-812-0952