Sidney votes against borrowing for new Peninsula rec centre project

A proposed new recreation facility on the Saanich Peninsula has hit a major roadblock after Sidney council voted against supporting millions in borrowing tied to the project.

In a narrow 4-3 decision, Sidney council declined to support a request to authorize a Capital Regional District (CRD) loan of up to $14.2 million that would help fund a proposed indoor recreation facility in Central Saanich.

The proposed 10,000-square-foot recreation facility would be part of Central Saanich’s larger municipal facilities project planned for 1882 Hovey Road across from Centennial Park.

The planned three-storey building would also house a new municipal hall, police station and space for a second fire station.

The project was designed by HCMA, an architecture firm known for designing modern recreation centres, schools, libraries and community spaces across BC.

The District of Central Saanich previously said the architectural concept was well received by the public during community engagement sessions.

Central Saanich council selected the Hovey Road site after reviewing several options, financial plans, public feedback and how the project aligned with the municipality’s Official Community Plan and Saanichton Village Design Plan.

The Hovey Road proposal was reportedly the most popular of four concepts presented during the public engagement process.

Residents who participated in consultations said they wanted to see recreation amenities, gathering spaces and preservation of the Peninsula’s village and rural character included in the project.

“This isn’t just a facility, it’s revitalizing our community for generations to come,” said Central Saanich Mayor Ryan Windsor in a previous statement.

“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 recreation centre component would be operated by the Peninsula Recreation Commission and is proposed as a dry-floor recreation space located on the building’s first floor.

Potential amenities include a weight room, arts studio and flexible multi-purpose programming spaces.

“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, who also serves as a Central Saanich councillor.

“This project would help us reach more people across the peninsula and provide programs where they’re needed most.”

Central Saanich has previously stated the facility would not include a pool or indoor sports spaces for activities such as hockey, lacrosse or indoor soccer.

The recreation centre portion would be funded and operated through the Peninsula Recreation Commission pending approval from the CRD board and participating municipalities.

According to a report presented to the Peninsula Recreation Commission, the estimated annual household cost tied to the borrowing would be approximately $61.66 in Central Saanich, $73.19 in North Saanich and $47.36 in Sidney.

Councillors Scott Garnett and Steve Duck, Terri O’Keefe and Scott Garnett voted against the proposal in Sidney. Meanwhile, Mayor Cliff McNeil-Smith, Chad Rintoul and Sara Duncan voted in favour of adopting the borrowing bylaw.

The borrowing bylaw requires approval from Central Saanich, North Saanich and Sidney in order to proceed.

While Sidney has now rejected the proposal, North Saanich council voted 4-3 earlier this week to defer its decision until it receives additional public feedback.

The CRD board approved the loan authorization bylaw in April before sending the question to the three municipalities for consideration.

Construction on the larger municipal facilities project is currently expected to begin in fall 2026 and be completed within two years.

If the project finds a way to move ahead, the current municipal hall property at Mt. Newton Cross Road and Wallace Drive is planned to be redeveloped into a mixed-use area featuring housing, commercial spaces, green space, childcare and community amenities.