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 municipal hall, scheduled to begin at 3 p.m., one hour after the open house starts. Their aim is to voice concerns about the financial and social impact of the project on the community of around 17,000 people. Residents leading the protest argue that the project involves selling all or part of the current municipal hall property to private developers. They are also upset about moving civic facilities to a smaller expropriated site on Hovey Road, which is currently farmland. Critics believe this plan has been advanced with little public input and could reshape the community in ways not fully understood.
For many residents, the price tag is the central issue. A $50 million investment represents a significant financial burden for a relatively small district. Opponents claim that such a large expense could strain local resources and increase future debt. The proposal includes borrowing $33.5 million to finance the project, a move that may require voter approval through either an alternative approval process or a referendum this fall. Beyond the financial aspects, some citizens are worried about the potential loss of land that is both historic and practical. The existing municipal hall site has long served as the hub of local government. Selling this land to private developers, they argue, risks eroding a sense of shared community space. Moving municipal services to a hayfield on Hovey Road also raises environmental and planning concerns.
Central Saanich officials maintain that the project represents good value and essential modernization. They emphasize that updated emergency services are crucial to meet current safety standards and population growth. The district also points to the anticipated revenue from selling the current municipal hall site. The land is valued at more than $20 million, which they believe will offset a substantial part of the construction costs. According to supporters of the plan, the long-term benefits will outweigh the short-term challenges. They argue that new facilities will not only improve the delivery of emergency and civic services but also create more efficient use of space and resources. For many in local government, this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring infrastructure in line with the needs of the community.
The open house event will run from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the municipal hall, giving residents a chance to view architectural plans and ask questions. However, the rally at 3 p.m. will serve as a public demonstration of growing opposition. The overlap of the two events underscores how deeply divided the community is on the issue. For those who oppose the project, the rally is not only about financial responsibility but also about having a voice in shaping the future of Central Saanich. They see the process as moving too quickly without enough consultation. For supporters, the event is an opportunity to clarify the benefits and explain how the investment can strengthen community services for decades to come.
As the debate intensifies, the decision may ultimately rest in the hands of local voters. Whether through a referendum or another approval process, the fall could bring a decisive moment for Central Saanich’s future. The outcome will determine not just the location of municipal facilities but also how the community balances tradition, growth, and fiscal responsibility.
