A new chapter is being written in what Saanich Mayor Dean Murdock has called a “long time coming” as the district moves forward to rebuild its aging operations centre.
At the May 5 committee of the whole meeting, council voted, with only Coun. Nathalie Chambers opposed, to launch an alternative approval process (AAP) this spring. The process will ask residents for permission to borrow up to $150 million to fund the redevelopment of its 13.2-acre site.
The Saanich Operations Centre (SOC), located at 1040 McKenzie Ave., is the primary hub for key services including water, sewer, roads, parks, solid waste collection, and fleet maintenance.
Built between the 1950s and '70s, the buildings are now in need of replacement. A staff report noted that signs of aging are now evident, with seismic safety falling below current building codes, a lack of fire sprinklers in some buildings, and staff still working out of trailers brought in during the '80s.
In the wake of these findings, the project was identified as “the municipality’s highest-priority site for redevelopment,” according to the staff report.
“This is an issue that has been around this council chamber for decades,” said Murdock. “There are folks who've worked their entire careers in temporary buildings waiting for this project to move forward, and kicking it down the road further is not the responsible way to address this project.
“This is the responsible and transparent way to address the project.”
District staff previously described the AAP as a method of seeking electoral approval for a local government initiative. The process includes public notification followed by an opportunity for qualified electors to register written opposition.
If more than 10 per cent of electors – which amounts to 8,735 residents – submit a valid response between May 21 and June 25, the initiative will not proceed and may require a referendum. Alternatively, if fewer than 10 per cent of electors are opposed, the initiative will receive elector approval and proceed.
The total cost of the SOC redevelopment is expected to range between $142 million and $150 million, stated the staff report.
To pay off the loan, council previously approved property tax increases amounting 0.65 per cent annually from 2024 to 2027 and one per cent annually from 2028 to 2031 and back to 0.65 per cent in subsequent years.
While some residents voiced concerns about the AAP at the meeting, Coun. Karen Harper said it was the best approach for the municipality to secure funding.
“We basically now need to ask permission when we want to do most of our borrowing,” she said. “This is a more transparent process… than we had previously, and I think it does engage the public more.”
A public information meeting will be held at the SOC on May 24, from 1 to 5 p.m. at 1040 McKenzie Ave. The session will include presentations, a Q&A, and guided tours of the facility.
Residents can submit their vote to the District of Saanich, in person at the municipal hall (770 Vernon Ave.), from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Forms can also be submitted by using the secure drop box after hours, by mail, or by sending a scanned copy via email.
More information, including background documents and response forms, is available at saanich.ca and the district’s public engagement site, hellosaanich.ca.
