Quadra Cedar Hill Community Association

Quadra Cedar Hill Community Association

Connecting neighbours and building a vibrant community

Local News

Virtual Open Houses for 816 Cloverdale Avenue & 3311 Oak Street

By

Heads up about a development outside, but close to the boundaries of our community association. We have committed to assist the Mount View Community Association in engaging with residents.
 
The proposal is early in the development process for 816 Cloverdale and 3311 Oak Street. These are currently zoned C-6UD (Uptown Douglas Highway Commercial). There are several commercial businesses currently operating on these two properties.
 
There are 2 virtual open houses planned:
Dates: December 9 and December 11, 2025
Time: 5pm to 7pm
Venue: over Zoom
 
Registration is required at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/oak-cloverdale-redevelopment-online-open-house-tickets-1975055130061
 
The proposal is for two buildings, one of 21 storeys (facing Oak) and one of 24 storeys (facing Blanshard), multi-use buildings with 459 housing units.
 
The housing mix will feature:
Studio Units: 40 (9%)
Junior 1-Bedroom: 168 (37%)
1-Bedroom: 109 (24%)
2-Bedroom: 91 (20%)
3-Bedroom: 51 (11%)

Community Benefits & Amenities – Over $3 Million in Public Value
Community Amenity Space: 4,800 sq. ft. on-site
Neighbourhood Institutional Space: Below-market lease (10-year value: $680,000) for non-profit, childcare, or community services
Public Plaza at Blanshard & Cloverdale: High-quality pedestrian space with seating and hardscaping ($74,000)
Coast Salish Public Art: Significant installation in collaboration with Songhees and Esquimalt Nations ($150,000)
Affordable Housing Fund Contribution: Direct cash contribution ($100,000)
Regional Storm Infrastructure Upgrade: Full replacement west of property line ($2,085,000)
Total Community Amenity Package Value: $3,089,000+ (exceeds District minimum requirement by over $2.5 million)

Commercial & Streetscape Activation
Commercial Space: 10,400 sq. ft. of ground-floor retail/commercial units
Enhanced Oak Street frontage with extended active commercial uses
Pedestrian-friendly design with accessible pathways (minimum 1.5m width)
Reduced surface parking to prioritize public realm and active uses

Parking & Transportation – Supporting Active & Sustainable Mobility
Vehicle Parking: 262 stalls (primarily underground to maximize public space)
Bike Parking: 645 secure bike stalls across multiple rooms
Accessible parking, loading spaces, and car-share vehicle prioritized at surface level
Transportation Demand Management (TDM) measures align with District’s evolving parking policies
Direct pedestrian and cycling connections through the site

You can follow along the permit process on Saanich’s website at https://online.saanich.ca/Tempest/OurCity/Prospero/Details.aspx?folderNumber=DPR01084

Lambrick Park Campus Renewal Project

By

Have you heard that there’s a Lambrick Park Renewal Project?
 
While not in our neighbourhood, we do know that many people use the facilities at Lambrick Park (like the Gordon Head Rec Centre).
 
Planning started earlier this year and Saanich is looking for public input focusing on long term visions, goals, and needs for the site.
 
Saanich Parks, Recreation & Community Services is leading this work, Lambrick Park and the Gordon Head Rec Centre draws community members from a wide geographical area Saanich is look for input from the broader community.
 
Find out more about the project at https://hello.saanich.ca/en/projects/lambrick-park-campus-renewal-project
 
Take the survey at https://hello.saanich.ca/en/projects/lambrick-park-campus-renewal-project/surveys/new?phase_id=8b2e76a2-f060-4b58-ab1b-4b270469847a

Saanich Tree Protection Bylaw

By

Saanich Parks is updating the Tree Protection Bylaw. Updating the Bylaw will help the Parks Division align tree management across Saanich with the goal of achieving 44% canopy cover by 2064.

The project aims to:
🌳 Align the Bylaw with Saanich’s Urban Forest Strategy and Official Community Plan
🌳 Simplify and clarify Bylaw administration
🌳 Sustain the urban forest and retain high-value trees

🌳 Address gaps not covered by current regulations

How can you contribute to the updating the plan? Find out more information and register for Virtual Open House (on Zoom) at https://www.saanich.ca/…/trees/tree-protection-bylaw.html

Have your say – complete the survey at https://hello.saanich.ca/en/projects/saanich-tree-protection-bylaw-updates

Bikeways Identification and Prioritization Project

By

Saanich is looking for input on its Neighbourhood Bikeways Identification and Prioritization Project. This is part of Saanich’s ongoing efforts to enhance its long-term bike network.
 
The next step is to identify which streets should be developed as neighbourhood bikeways and which should be designed as other types of cycling facilities. In addition to deciding which routes are neighbourhood bikeways, it will also create a clear and fair process to prioritize which neighbourhood bikeways get built first.
 
Your input is vital in this process and throughout November and December 2025, Saanich will be running in-person events and a survey as part of the first round of public engagement.
 

Pop-up engagement opportunities:

1️⃣ Commonwealth Place: Sunday, November 23 from Noon to 2pm
 
2️⃣ Rec Centre: Saturday, November 29 from 10an to Noon
 
3️⃣ Gordon Head Rec Centre: Thursday, December 4 from 5pm to 7pm
 
Take the survey – before December 14, 2025 – and find more information at https://hello.saanich.ca/en/projects/neighbourhood-bikeways-identification-and-prioritization
 
Read more about Saanich‘s Active Transportation Plan at https://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/community/getting-around/active-transportation-plan.html

Saanich Operations Centre Redevelopment

By

QCHCA has been notified by Saanich that Council will consider the Saanich Operations Centre Redevelopment – Phased Project at a Council meeting to be held on Monday, November 17, 2025, in Council Chambers, Saanich Municipal Hall, 770 Vernon Avenue, commencing at 6:30 p.m. 

 To speak at the meeting, you may register to speak in person or via video on MS Teams.  Please register by:

  • Emailing the meeting date, agenda item you wish to speak to, and your phone number to council@saanich.ca; or
  • By calling 250-475-5501 and specifying which meeting date and agenda item you wish to speak to.

Deadline for registration is 12:00 p.m., noon, on the day of the meeting. An opportunity to speak during the meeting will be available, please watch the webstream for details. All meetings are streamed live on Saanich.ca

Instructions will be emailed to all registrants on the afternoon of the meeting.

Written correspondence received up to 12:00 p.m., noon, on the day of the meeting will be copied to Council for their consideration.  All correspondence submitted will form part of the public record and may be published in a meeting agenda.

  • Send your comments to Council by emailing council@saanich.ca
  • Mail your comments by post to Legislative Services, District of Saanich, 770 Vernon Avenue, Victoria, BC V8X 2W7.
  • Leave your written comments in the dropbox by the main door at Municipal Hall, 770 Vernon Avenue.

The agenda package is available online, the Thursday before the meeting at Saanich.ca/agenda .

Calling all young artists!

By

Yule never believe it – it’s that time of year already!  Saanich‘s Mayor and Council are calling all young artists to submit a drawing for the 2025 Holiday Card contest.
 
Young artists in Saanich are once again invited to share their creative designs, showing what they love most about the holidays. One winner will be chosen to have their artwork featured in Mayor and Council’s annual holiday card – and win a special grand prize to serve as Mayor for the Morning.
 
Contest details
 
✨ The contest is open to Saanich students in grades K-5.
✨ The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, November 26, 2025, and they can be sent to media@saanich.ca
✨ Parents and educators are encouraged to help children scan their design in the largest size possible, at a resolution of 300 ppi or higher.
✨ Don’t forget to include the artist’s name and grade in your email!
 
Find more information at https://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/news-events/news-archives/2025-news/calling-all-creatives-help-design-mayor-and-council-s-2025-holiday-card.html

New Saanich Draft Outdoor Sport Strategy

By

More collaborative approach proposed for Saanich sports fields, lacrosse boxes

 

Local outdoor sports groups bring a lot of value to the Saanich community, and the District is committed to supporting active living and community sport as Saanich continues to grow. The wide range of sport participation options available to Saanich residents today is the result of the efforts of individuals, organizations, and Home User Groups (HUGs), all dedicated to promoting local sport.

After assessing current operations and future needs, and gathering feedback from local sports organisations, Saanich is suggesting a change in its strategy regarding sports fields and lacrosse boxes to continue supporting local sport groups. The proposed changes include improving processes, evolving partnership definitions, and continuing investment to sustain local sport now and into the future.

As part of a Draft Outdoor Sports Field Strategy, which is available for public review and feedback, the District would, over time, assume a larger role in sports field and lacrosse box planning, allocation, maintenance, and funding, which is a “best practice” approach used by the majority of B.C. municipalities. Sports groups could then focus on what they do best – bringing people together to enjoy the activities they love, helping them to build teamwork and camaraderie, and supporting their pursuit of excellence.

Challenges with the current model

Home User Groups were instrumental in the initial development of sports fields and associated infrastructure in Saanich and historically assumed responsibility for their maintenance. However, factors such as reduced volunteer engagement and capacity has resulted in Saanich Parks assuming more maintenance responsibilities for infrastructure initially developed by HUGs.

The strategy also notes that the fundraising and installation of infrastructure by HUGs on Saanich’s public land creates confusion around asset ownership, and may expose the District and HUGs to liability risk when accidents or injuries occur. The current model also limits equity between existing HUGs and emerging groups who are seeking more access to sports fields and lacrosse boxes.

What’s being proposed

Working with consultants LEES + Associates, the District engaged with local sports groups, municipalities, and school districts to identify current challenges and develop a draft strategy that is now available to the broader public for further feedback.

The draft strategy proposes that Saanich:

  • Transition from its current Home User Group (HUG) model to a new Collaborative Governance Model.
    • This will foster greater equity, transparency and responsible asset management, ultimately benefiting all members of the Saanich community.
    • It will enable user groups to focus their volunteer capacity on delivering high-quality community sport programs, rather than building and maintaining infrastructure – relieving them of administration and paperwork related to managing the facilities.
  • Develop a new sports field and lacrosse box allocation policy.
    • This will better balance broad community demand with access and equity, ensuring optimum use of facilities.
  • Develop a sports field classification system that defines maintenance responsibilities for the District and user groups, and establish a permit fee structure to apply uniformly across all user groups.
    • This will help to mitigate potential liability and asset management risks, enhance fairness and transparency and reflect service levels for all.
  • Continue to invest in sports fields and lacrosse boxes through asset renewals.
    • A plan will be established for sustainable, phased investment in sports fields and lacrosse boxes to be informed by data on demand and field use.

Saanich residents, sports groups, community groups, and anyone with an interest in local sport can review the Draft Outdoor Sports Strategy along with the accompanying Discussion Guide, and provide their feedback through a HelloSaanich questionnaire running through November 22, 2025.

Community input will be considered as staff refine the draft strategy before bringing it to Council for endorsement in Winter 2026.

Learn More

To read more about the Outdoor Sports Field Strategy process, including Frequently Asked Questions, please visit Saanich.ca/OSFS.

Climate Plan Update Open Houses

By

Share your ideas, ask questions and contribute to Saanich’s Climate Plan update.

There are two opportunities to learn more and share your thoughts:

Open House #1

Saturday, October 18 (12:00 – 4:00 PM) at 4139 Torquay Dr.

• Climate adaptation workshops, e-bike test rides, sustainable building tours, information booths and more!

Open House #2

Wednesday, October 29 (3:00 – 7:00 PM) at 4648 Elk Lake Dr.

• Climate adaptation workshops, DIY air filtration demonstrations, information booths and more!

Free childcare and refreshments provided.

Please RSVP at saanich.ca/climateplan or call 250-812-7429

Your feedback invited on draft Shelbourne Valley Plan update

By

Saanich is inviting feedback on the Shelbourne Valley Plan Update.  Community engagement will take place from August to October 2025 to obtain input on the updated draft plan.

 

Phase 4 engagement activities will include:

Sign up on HelloSaanich and follow the project to stay informed and receive updates on opportunities to participate.

Feedback on the plan and requests for interactive sessions can also be sent to svp@saanich.ca.

Draft Shelbourne Valley Plan available for review

By

The Shelbourne Valley Plan is now available for review, with dates, times and locations of public engagement activities to come in August and run through into October.  Saanich staff have presented council with the draft update to the Shelbourne Valley Plan, outlining progress and key changes ahead of the next round of public consultation scheduled for fall 2025.
The updates focus on:
– aligning with the Official Community Plan, notably the updated land use framework
– integrating recently adopted Saanich plans and strategies
– reflecting up-to-date census data, community needs, and District-wide priorities
Public engagement activities includes:
– public open houses (in-person)
– webinars (online)
– community pop-ups (in-person)
– meeting with Community Associations and other stakeholder groups
– surveys
 You can find the draft plan on the July 21st Council agenda here.  Click on Attachment A under D1. Shelbourne Valley Action Plan Update to download and view the draft document.

Quadra Cedar Hill Community Association