News release

For immediate release

Saanich looks to redevelop Operations Centre

Saanich, BC – The need to redevelop the Saanich Operations Centre and the first conceptual site plan are ready to share with residents through an information campaign as the first important milestone for this multi-year redevelopment project.

“The Saanich Operations Centre is the lively hub for our incredible operations staff who deliver services we all depend on and is our highest priority for capital investment,” said Mayor Fred Haynes. “A new facility will be a tremendous asset for our staff and community, and I’m delighted it will ensure continued service delivery into the future while improving working conditions for our dedicated staff.”

The Operations Centre, located at 1040 McKenzie Avenue, houses all of Saanich’s parks and public works operations. Residents and businesses rely on the municipal services provided by these teams every day. Services such as water for drinking and waste removal; transportation, including roads, traffic control and pathways for active transportation; parks, boulevards, waterways, and shorelines; and solid waste removal all support the high quality of life in Saanich.

The facilities at the site reflect almost seven decades of heavy use despite continued maintenance. In addition to being beyond their useful and designed life extents, the facilities are outdated, pose health and safety concerns and are undersized when it comes to building code requirements, operational practices, and future growth needs. As Saanich’s delivery of critical services is essential to the quality of life and well-being residents depend upon, the growing risk to effective and sustainable delivery of services requires urgent planning and preparation.

Next steps

Staff will prepare a business case for Council’s review and decision in late spring 2022. The business case will outline the project options, proposed schedule and costs. Input from the upcoming public engagement will be incorporated into the report for Council. Opportunities for public engagement at future stages of the project will be outlined in the business case.

If Council approves the business case, the project will move into a detailed design phase. Funding for implementation and construction will require further approval processes in future.

Quick facts

• The Strategic Facilities Master Plan, adopted by Council in 2018, provides a framework to help prioritize investment in municipal facilities.
• More than 300 parks and public works staff currently work at or report out of the Operations Centre.
• The Operations Centre was formerly known as the Parks and Public Works Yard and occupies approximately 13 acres.
• Most of the buildings were constructed between the late 1950s and mid 1970s

Learn more

Find more information about the project, including, plans and detailed information, FAQs and a video, and details about public information sessions at saanich.ca/socplan.  

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Media contact:
Megan Catalano
Communications Manager
megan.catalano@saanich.ca
250-475-7639