The District of Central Saanich has announced that their new municipal facilities building will include a recreation centre and is to be built on Hovey Road across from Centennial Park
The building is being planned as a three-storey facility that will not only include a rec centre for the community, but will also house the region’s police station, municipal hall and will provide space for a second fire station.
According to the District, the building was designed by HCMA, who have been behind some of BC’s most modern and contemporary buildings. Their work ranges from work with universities, K-12 schools, rec centres, community spaces, libraries and much more.
The District says that the building’s architectural design was well received by the community when released to the public.
As for the building’s location, the Central Saanich municipal council selected the Hovey Road location after considering a range of options, financial plans, community feedback and how the project complements the District’s Official Community Plan and Saanichton Village Design Plan.
The Hovey Road concept was reportedly the most popular of the four options that had been detailed during the project’s public engagement phase.
Among the project’s scope, residents wanted to see the inclusion of recreation amenities, gathering spaces and the preservation of village and rural character in the region.
“This isn’t just a facility, it’s revitalizing our community for generations to come. I would like to thank those who shared their time and input on the concepts that were before Council,” said Ryan Windsor, Mayor of Central Saanich.
“We listened to the community and I am really pleased with what we are able to accomplish in terms of bringing more services and housing to the Village core and finding a financial model that is going to benefit residents.”
The Peninsula Recreation Commission (PRC), who will be operating the recreation centre, are exploring a 10,000 square foot dry space recreation centre, which would be located on the first floor.
This space could potentially include a weight room, an arts studio, and flexible multi-purpose spaces for community programming.
“We’re excited to work with the District of Central Saanich on the possibility of bringing a new recreation centre to the community,” said Niall Paltiel, Chair of the Peninsula Recreation Commission.
“This project would help us reach more people across the peninsula and provide programs where they’re needed most. With new spaces for fitness, arts, and community activities, we hope to offer residents of Central Saanich more opportunities to stay active, connect, and have fun.”
The District of Central Saanich does not plan on including a pool or space for indoor sports, such as hockey, indoor soccer or lacrosse, to be played.
The cost of building and operating the recreation centre within the building would be funded by the PRC, pending approval by the Capital Regional District (CRD) Board.
The four-acre site of the current municipal building, on the corner of Mt. Newton Cross Road and Wallace Drive, will be reimagined with a mix of commercial spaces, housing and community amenities once construction is complete on the new building.
According to the District, the priorities for the future of the site include housing with a focus on families and seniors, green spaces, a plaza, eateries, small-scale commercial spaces, medical/dental practices and childcare.
The District previously announced that the new municipal building will only cost between $45 and $50 million, and should not require a tax increase to residents of Central Saanich.
Construction is set to begin in fall of 2026, and the building is predicted to be completed in just two years.
