Panama Flats

Purchase

Panama Flats has been transformed from its natural state by a variety of agricultural activities over many decades. The District of Saanich purchased the Flats in 2011 in order to:

  • Establish the site as public open space to provide flood plain management,
  • Optimize environmental values,
  • Create new park and trails,
  • Enhance food security.

2014 Concept Plan

Following its purchase, the District developed a Concept Plan to reflect the uses, concerns, and interests of the

 time. Endorsed in 2014, the plan reflected Council’s agricultural priority; storm water management, recreational opportunities, enhancing the Colquitz River, fish and bird habitat, and rare plant communities were also important considerations.

The plan earmarked much of the flats for future farming, and after it was endorsed the District applied unsuccessfully to the Agricultural Land Commission to add more land to the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR). Upon further investigation, it was revealed that costly drainage infrastructure work would be needed to make large-scale farming feasible. For these reasons the agricultural aspect of the 2014 plan has not been pursued.

You can access the 2014 Concept Plan via ‘RELATED LINKS’ on this page.

2024 Concept Plan Update

Since its purchase visitors continue to use and enjoy Panama Flats. Given that large scale agriculture, a dominant feature of the 2014 plan, has proven unfeasible, Parks is reconnecting with the community to learn how the flats are currently being used, and to identify community interests and ideas for Panama Flats.

Specific topics that will be explored include:

  • First Nations – What and where are the culturally important areas and traditional uses, and are there opportunities to incorporate traditional practices and uses in the future?
  • Biodiversity and Conservation – How will the Colquitz River and fish habitat, wildlife and migratory bird habitat, and rare plant habitat (Garry oak ecosystems and Vancouver Island Beggarticks) be protected? Are there opportunities to strengthen the urban forest, and how will invasive plants be managed?
  • Stormwater Management – The flats hold excess rainwater and overflow from the Colquitz River and are a critical component of Saanich’s Stormwater Management system. How does Saanich ensure this important function is maintained?
  • Recreational Opportunities – Has the way the community uses the flats changed? Can recreational opportunities be improved? How can visitors be accommodated in balance with other important site functions?
  • Small-Scale Agriculture – Are there localized opportunities for small-scale farming / gardening?
  • Neighbourhood Impact – How will the flats be managed to prevent the odours that have resulted from the accumulation of organic debris in the past?  What other management practices need to be implemented to facilitate use and enjoyment of the site?

Community Involvement

Learning how the community is using Panama Flats and building a vision with the community for the future is key to refreshing the concept plan. The Parks Division will be holding several meetings and events to ensure that everyone who is interested has an opportunity to contribute their voice.

Anticipated Process and Timeline