News release

For immediate release

There was a large group on hand to break ground on the Royal Oak property today.

Saanich, BC – Saanich’s existing Fire Station #2 has served the District well for 40 years. Today, Saanich Mayor Dean Murdock and Saanich Fire Chief Michael Burgess broke ground on the redevelopment of this important site, ensuring continued industry-leading emergency and non-emergency services to the community for decades to come.

“I am profoundly honoured to witness this significant milestone,” said Fire Chief Michael Burgess. “This day symbolizes far more than breaking ground; it symbolizes the District’s continuous commitment to the safety and well-being of our community and ensuring the highest standard of emergency response services.”

“This redevelopment project signifies our dedication to investing in the infrastructure that supports our first responders, who bravely put their lives on the line day in and day out,” said Saanich Mayor Dean Murdock. “The enhancement and modernization of this fire station will equip our firefighters with the necessary resources to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies, ensuring the continued safety and well-being of the people in Saanich.”

“Saanich residents want to know that their firefighters are best equipped to deal with emergencies when they occur, and are set up for success,” said Lana Popham, MLA for Saanich South. “This new firehall will support our firefighters, and I’m so pleased Saanich was able to utilize provincial grant funding to help this project succeed.”

Fire Station #2 will be located at the corner of Elk Lake Drive and Royal Oak Drive, adjacent to the existing building, which will be removed. The new station will be 23,476 square feet, up from 3,800, and accommodate up to 10 fire fighters, up from the current 4, and 8 vehicles rather than the current 2. A fire fighter training facility will be part of the development.

Facilities Master Plan

In spring 2018, Council adopted the Strategic Facilities Master Plan. The Plan outlines the need for capital investment and prioritization among the District's facilities. Fire Station #2 was ranked one of the highest priorities.

The plan looks at the strategic management of the District's publicly owned assets over the next twenty years with the goal of maintaining and improving services that residents rely on. The plan considers the District's anticipated population first and demographic growth trends along with changes in services, standards, and practices, building codes, and the wear-and-tear that the facilities experience on a daily basis.

Quick facts

• Public engagement has been a large component of this process – both throughout the development of the Strategic Facilities Master Plan and during the development of the business case for fire station #2.
• Staff in the Saanich Fire and Engineering Departments are working with a team of architects, engineers, landscape architects, arborists, and surveyors.
• This facility will be constructed to LEED Gold level and Step Code Level 2 Commercial, playing a significant role in helping Saanich achieve its 2050 reduction targets.

Learn more

For more information about the Facilities Master Plan, please visit saanich.ca/facilityplan. For more information on the redevelopment, please visit saanich.ca/fh2plan.

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Media contact:

Adam Flint
Saanich Communications
media@saanich.ca