Author: Elijah Brooks

Tensions are rising in Central Saanich as residents prepare to protest plans for new municipal facilities expected to cost between $45 and $50 million. The protest will take place outside the municipal hall on Sunday, coinciding with a public open house organized by the district to showcase design proposals for the new civic complex. The open house, scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m. at the municipal hall on Mount Newton Cross Road, will allow residents to view proposed designs for a new police station, fire hall, and municipal offices. However, at 3 p.m., a citizens’ group opposed to the project…

The Tripleshot Cycling Club has cancelled its 10th annual CrossFondo cycling event in Central Saanich. The decision comes after new traffic safety requirements made the race financially unfeasible. Club officials said updated rules require professional traffic control at every intersection, even where cyclists have the right of way. This change could quadruple costs compared to last year. Club president Erin Jalilian said the cancellation is disappointing. She noted the event began nine years ago to raise funds for the club’s youth program and grew into one of the province’s most popular cycling events. Course director Lister Farrar added that rerouting…

A major debate is unfolding in Central Saanich as plans for new municipal facilities come under fire from local residents. On Sunday, June 22, an open house will take place at the municipal hall, 1903 Mount Newton Cross Road, where the public can view the proposed designs. The project includes a new police station, fire hall, and updated municipal offices. While officials promote the plan as a much-needed investment, many residents are preparing to stage a protest against it. The proposed development carries an estimated cost of $45 to $50 million. A citizens group has organized a rally outside the…

Police are asking for the public’s help to locate a missing teenager from Central Saanich. Seventeen-year-old Gabriel Jones was last seen on August 4 at his family’s home. His disappearance has raised growing concern among both his family and local authorities. According to information released by the Sidney North Saanich RCMP, Gabriel Jones was reported missing on the same day he was last seen. Despite ongoing efforts, his current whereabouts remain unknown. Authorities continue to appeal to the community for assistance as every lead could play an important role in finding him. Jones is described as an Indigenous male, 17…

Central Saanich’s young athlete Rayah Underwood earned a silver medal in her national debut, impressing at the Legion Nationals in Calgary. The 14-year-old, who trains with the Peninsula Track and Field Club and Speed Mechanics, finished second in the U16 girls’ pentathlon. The event took place at Foothills Athletic Park from August 8 to 10. Underwood completed five challenging events in a single day: 80-metre hurdles, high jump, shot put, long jump, and the 800 metres. She achieved a total score of 3,051 points, securing her spot on the podium. The teenager delivered outstanding performances, setting personal bests in four…

Central Saanich athlete Rayah Underwood made a memorable national debut by winning silver in the U16 girls’ pentathlon at the Legion Nationals. The three-day event ran from August 8 to 10 at Foothills Athletic Park in Calgary, Alberta. The 14-year-old, who trains with the Peninsula Track and Field Club and Speed Mechanics, posted a total score of 3,051 points in five demanding events held in a single day: 80-metre hurdles, high jump, shot put, long jump, and 800 metres. Underwood set personal bests in four events. She reached 10.65 metres in shot put, 4.91 metres in long jump, 12.77 seconds…

Central Saanich has approved its five-year financial plan for 2025 to 2029, setting a $71.9 million budget that focuses on renewing infrastructure, supporting police services, and funding the local library. The new budget lowers the planned tax hike from 7.8% to 7.2%, easing the impact on homeowners. The budget followed public consultation that began with the release of a draft on February 28. Residents shared their views in meetings on March 31 and April 7, helping shape the final plan. The initial proposal had suggested an average annual tax increase of $199 per household, or 7.8%. Now, with the adjustments,…

The 24th annual Vancouver Island Feast of Fields returns to Heritage Acres in Saanichton, offering food lovers a chance to enjoy fresh local flavors and a glimpse at the relaunch of a beloved Victoria restaurant. This year’s festival celebrates the renewed Brass Monkey, formerly known as Moon Under Water. Clay Potter, along with his new partners Morgan Watson, a hospitality director, and executive chef Jason Clifford, are giving the Bay Street restaurant a fresh start. The reopening and new menu launch coincide with the festival on August 24. Potter explained the motivation for the change: “We just thought it was…

The Sidney/North Saanich police are asking for help to find Gabriel Jones, a 17-year-old who went missing from his home in Central Saanich on Monday. Gabriel is Indigenous, about five feet seven inches tall, with black hair and brown eyes. At the time he was last seen, he was wearing navy-blue shorts and a black T-shirt with ducks on it. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact Sidney/North Saanich police at 250-656-3931 or their local police station. Tips can also be shared anonymously with Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

The District of Central Saanich is taking clear steps to make its council meetings more open and easy to attend for all residents. The district has introduced new tools and features to help people with hearing or mobility issues feel more included and informed. This move follows a $25,000 grant from the Social Planning and Research Council of British Columbia (SPARC BC). On top of that, the local council added another $20,000 to further support the accessibility plan. As part of these upgrades, eight hearing loop systems and four headphone hearing devices are now available at every council meeting. These…