Plans for a large-scale transformation along Quadra Street and McKenzie Avenue – two of Saanich's busiest roads – aim to turn these main arteries into lively urban corridors.
The project seeks to create "15-minute communities" by connecting designated hubs with nearby amenities and services, guiding growth and change in the area over the next 20 years.
With the municipality approving the Quadra McKenzie Plan to advance to its third phase at the latest committee of the whole meeting (Oct. 21), the district is now looking to inform the public and gather feedback through an online survey, webinars and open houses.
This input will shape the draft’s final version, set to be presented to the council this spring.
The first online session, held Wednesday (Oct. 30) and led by community planning manager Cameron Scott, highlighted the essential points from the 148-page document. Scott noted that the area was chosen as a strategic focal point for the district's development.
“The Quadra Mackenzie plan area contains 40 per cent of what we call our primary growth areas,” said Scott. “It really is an area where we're looking to address a lot of our future housing and employment growth.”
The draft centres around two main axis: the McKenzie corridor, spanning from the Pat Bay Highway in the west to the University of Victoria in the east, and the Quadra corridor, stretching from Pat Bay Highway in the north to Tolmie Avenue in the south.
The plan for Quadra Street aims to boost active transportation infrastructure by adding bike paths, improving bus routes, and increasing trees along the road. Meanwhile, McKenzie Avenue will be divided into three main urban hubs, featuring a mix of residential and commercial buildings.
At its core, the project seeks to increase neighbourhood walkability, enhance public transportation, expand, densify, and diversify the housing stock, and bring essential amenities and social services closer to residents.
The plan also proposes rethinking the area's land use while respecting its boundaries with nearby areas such as the agricultural land reserve and environmentally sensitive habitats.
Rubbing residents the wrong way
During the webinar, Scott emphasized the importance of public input as the draft takes shape before becoming a reality.
“One of the key priorities of earlier engagement was really to get a sense of key issues and opportunities in the study area and then get some initial feedback on land use and transportation concepts,” said Scott.
However, since the draft plan has been released to the public, one major point of contention with Saanich residents and road users revolves around the makeover proposed for McKenzie Avenue.
The new road layout for McKenzie Avenue includes dedicated high-frequency bus lanes between Saanich Road and Cedar Hill Cross Road, as well as Oakwoods Street to Gordon Head Road, reducing car travel to one lane in each direction. Dedicated cycling lanes will also be added. In other areas, buses will share lanes with private vehicles.
Various social media user shared their discontent with the draft’s proposal.
“As someone who has to drive this [road] often, between multiple campuses and clinics, this is already a nightmare especially when school is let out,” said Facebook user Shiallandria Britswayne. “Even getting onto HWY 1. OMG what a crazy plan.”
“Completely unnecessary,” commented Lindsay Bragg McLean. “It's currently a nightmare at multiple times a day to drive, and now to cut down traffic to one lane is absolutely ludicrous! This is a main thoroughfare and emergency route out of town if a disaster happens.”
Others noted that beyond impacting their professional schedules, this potential change could disrupt their home life.
“I think it’s absolute B.S.,” added Emily Ratcliffe. “I am required to have a vehicle for work to serve the community’s most vulnerable population. Now I will need to leave earlier taking me away from my kids.
“As a single mom, this is a perpetual issue due to traffic constraints already happening. I literally see a handful of bikes in the lanes during my 40-minute commute.”
To provide feedback on the Quadra McKenzie Plan, complete the survey at shorturl.at/k0xbT. Saanich residents are also invited to two open houses on Nov. 2 and 5, starting at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. respectively, at the Saanich Centre (#105 - 3995 Quadra St.). For more details, visit shorturl.at/mjlvT.
