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Welcome to Central Saanich
Citizen Voices We believe that our voices matter. We believe that Municipal Council is accountable to us - residents and taxpayers. We believe that our Official Community Plan must be respected. We believe in building senior and affordable housing, that is consistent with the Plan. |
Daffodils on Wallace Drive Central Saanich
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Be Informed and Act - even in a small way.
Hovey Road UPDATE
June 19, 2025
The 2-night massive Public Hearing was held in early March. People said they had never seen anything like it for years. Many of you attended and many of you spoke, with strong messages of respect for the Official Community Plan (OCP) and the duty of Council to listen to the people and its LOCAL residents. That was over 3 months ago.
The last thing on their mind is Hovey Road...except for the people who live there and face at least 3 years of demolition, destruction, construction, unbearable noise, heavy machinery, and pollution. There will be the terrible loss with the removal of 70 trees and a stripped away rural street for a development that is too high, too dense - and in the wrong location i.e. away from the core.
The development completely disregards the major negative impacts on the remaining affected immediate neighbours. It has been now 2 years since the first letter was disrespectfully stuck in the neighbours' door by Aryze. Remember the developer doesn’t live in this community. We do.
June 19, 2025
The 2-night massive Public Hearing was held in early March. People said they had never seen anything like it for years. Many of you attended and many of you spoke, with strong messages of respect for the Official Community Plan (OCP) and the duty of Council to listen to the people and its LOCAL residents. That was over 3 months ago.
- At a Council meeting in March when we expected a decision, Mayor Ryan Windsor said he needed more time to reach his decision.
- Then we were told that Housing Agreements (between the Developer and Central Saanich) were being drafted and registered with Land Titles, and that was causing a delay.
- Then this past week, Hovey Road residents saw lines painted on their roadway for sewer, water and related services - all without any explanation. Was this for the new development?
The last thing on their mind is Hovey Road...except for the people who live there and face at least 3 years of demolition, destruction, construction, unbearable noise, heavy machinery, and pollution. There will be the terrible loss with the removal of 70 trees and a stripped away rural street for a development that is too high, too dense - and in the wrong location i.e. away from the core.
The development completely disregards the major negative impacts on the remaining affected immediate neighbours. It has been now 2 years since the first letter was disrespectfully stuck in the neighbours' door by Aryze. Remember the developer doesn’t live in this community. We do.
7840 Lochside Drive: Another Proposed Development next to the Marigold Lands
Architectural Drawing of Proposed building at 7840 Lochside Drive.
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A development application for a 6 story building at 7840 Lochside Drive is before District Council in Central Saanich. The approved Marigold lands development already has 361 units with approximately 722 people and 1000 vehicles. The proposed 6 story rental building will add another 131 units with approximately 262 people and 300 vehicles. That would mean doubling the population of this community with a total estimated 1000 new residents and 1300 vehicles added. Do we need more housing in Central Saanich? In fact, we have exceeded our provincially-mandated Housing Targets. (Report presented to Council in Jan. 27, 2025) Does this development add Affordable Housing Units? Very few. Only 10% i.e. 13, affordable housing units are provided and only for a period of 10 years. The regular rents will be comparable to the newest rental building, the Buena Vista, just completed on the Marigold Lands. A small, one bedroom unit rents for approximately $2,500 per month. Parking is additional - up to $120 month. So this does not address the Affordable Housing crisis. Lack of Infrastructure This community (Turgoose-Lower Lochside) has virtually no infrastructure to support further development. There are no grocery stores, banks or commercial services available - other than by driving. Where is the equity in this increased density, as opposed to the major corridors of Brentwood Bay and Saanichton? The community has been asked to carry the majority of the new development in the recent 5-year housing plan for Central Saanich. Who is the Developer? Starlight Investments is the developer with $30 Billion of assets under management and 70,000 residential suites. (Source: Company website). It is Canada's largest landlord. (Source: CBC News) They also purchased the 3 story apartment building on Lochside. Will this be the next to be redeveloped into a higher density building? Recreation With a doubling of population there should be additional parks/recreation spaces. There are no plans for this. Variances Requested by Developer There is a long list of variances requested by the developer including: Building height Setbacks - numerous Parking - reducing the amount of parking provided (will mean more people parking on the street) Isn't this a red flag that this development does not belong in this small lot? >> READ MORE about 6840 Lochside Drive >> Can YOU make a difference? Yes! If you oppose this, please send an email to Council ASAP. Note: In the Subject Line indicate the Development Address: 7840 Lochside Drive
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