The final days of 2024 are fast approaching, and Central Saanich Mayor Ryan Windsor reflects on a year of “successes” as well as “challenges” in the district and his hopes for the next 365 days.
Popular community engagement
Of all the many district engagements in 2024, the one involving a new parks and trails master plan draft resonated with the community the most, the mayor says.
“This year we drafted a new Parks and Trails Master Plan for the first time since 1996, and it, of course, really hit home with people of all ages and interests. It was nice to see youth get excited about their community and see how they can get involved. What they told us is included in the draft plan – well, for the most part – they dream big. Everyone agreed that protecting our natural environment is a priority, and there is an eagerness by all ages to help.”
The district shared the draft master plan with the public on Oct. 21.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the final plan come back to council in the new year.”
District successes and challenges
Windsor calls the district’s strategic plan – touching on housing, climate, inclusion, and supporting the agricultural and business community – a “success”.
“They are not just isolated successes, they are interconnected and mean our community is becoming more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient and also respecting our rural character and independent farms and businesses.”
The mayor tells Peninsula News Review that working to balance the needs of all residents in the community is not easy.
“But it’s worth it. Some of the biggest challenges we are facing are housing and infrastructure. They’re key issues everywhere, we are not unique, but what is unique is that we have 60 per cent of our land in the Agricultural Land Reserve. Our residents in the community’s 2023 Satisfaction Survey raised affordable housing as a real challenge.”
The district has faced criticisms on its civic redevelopment plans and proposed affordable housing development at 1934 Hovey Rd., with both stakeholders and residents voicing their concerns to the council.
Windsor stated that as a rural community, Central Saanich is working out how to provide the range of housing people seek in a way that respects their community.
From council meetings to casual coffee meetings
One “significant” change the district aims to make in 2025 is to meet with residents outside the council chambers.
“In 2024, with the number of major projects underway and the change in the way zoning and housing are being addressed provincially, we obviously saw some concern from residents and many good questions about where the district is headed. We are looking forward to our second annual Open House on Jan. 2025 and our first Coffee with Council on Feb. 22 to be able to meet with residents in a more casual manner than council meetings allow. I think both the community and council are looking for that dialogue.”
District priorities for 2025
Windsor says Central Saanich will continue focusing on infrastructure replacement in 2025, like many other municipalities across Canada.
He said the district still needs roads, sewers, buildings and other infrastructure to support the services the community's residents depend on to continue operating long into the future, just as it did when it was first incorporated in the early 1950s.
“Next year, the district will bring forth concepts and financial models to replace the municipal yard, the Police Service, Fire Station 2 and the Municipal Hall. This has been a project on the mind of many previous Central Saanich Councils and this is the time to address it.”
The mayor explained that the debt capacity has been established and the necessary funds are available to proceed with this project as soon as possible with the least amount of negative impact on taxpayers.
“We don’t have the tax base other municipalities have so we are very careful in how we approach infrastructure renewal, and although it puts some pressure on taxpayers, I am proud of our approach and ability to limit tax impacts for that work to around 1.5 per cent a year. I think we are as well positioned as we could be and have strong plans in place.”
Windsor added the district is aware that the need to address these buildings will not go away and that construction costs will only increase.
“I’m looking forward to this spring when council and the community can really sink our teeth into the options and hopefully also realize it as a way to revitalize Saanichton Village and bring more amenities, including hopefully recreation space, into the community.”
The mayor also shared plans to invest in road safety, which he says is a priority for the district and Police Service.
“We are taking a multi-pronged approach of enforcement, new infrastructure for vulnerable road users, traffic calming measures and speed reduction. Many improvements are underway and many more are expected in the next few years.”
Message to Central Saanich
Mayor Windsor expresses gratitude to businesses and residents for their collaborative efforts to maintain Central Saanich's welcoming atmosphere.
“I hope that you can see yourself reflected in our community, whether it be that you attended community events, volunteered, provided input into a district project, or helped out a neighbour. Many of the highlights I can think of this year are the result of community volunteers and resident’s involvement. I wish everyone a healthy and happy 2025.”
