Victoria, BC– The Capital Regional District (CRD) Board has advanced Bylaw No. 4782 for participating area approval to authorize long-term borrowing of up to $9.114 million to support construction of a recreation facility in Central Saanich. The Peninsula Recreation Facility is a key capital project identified in the 2026–2030 Financial Plan, designed to expand indoor recreation opportunities for residents across Central Saanich, North Saanich and Sidney.
The new bylaw reflects a scaled-back approach after a previous borrowing bylaw for $14.2 million for a 10,000 sq. ft. (929 sq. m.) recreation facility did not receive municipal consent. The current proposed 7,500 sq. ft. (697 sq. m.) ground-level accessible recreation facility is planned as part of the broader redevelopment of District of Central Saanich municipal facilities to be located at the corner of Hovey Road and Wallace Drive. Planned amenities include flexible spaces for fitness, weight training, arts programming, and children’s activities. The facility aims to improve access to recreation for residents, especially those currently underserved by existing facilities.
Participating area approval for Bylaw No. 4782 is required through municipal consent on behalf of electors for Central Saanich, North Saanich, and Sidney. The Board further supported entering into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Peninsula Recreation Commission (PRC) and the District of Central Saanich to clearly define roles and responsibilities related to the design, construction, and ongoing operations of the facility. Subject to successful approval, the bylaw will be referred to the Inspector of Municipalities for final approval.
The proposed facility responds directly to longstanding community priorities identified in several key documents, including the 2019 Central Saanich Recreation Needs Assessment and the 2025 Peninsula Recreation Facility Needs Assessment.
To learn more, please visit the Central Saanich Recreation Facility web page at crd.ca/recfacility.
The Peninsula Recreation Commission is proud to provide an extensive offering of programs, activities, and events to the residents of Central Saanich, North Saanich, Town of Sidney, and the W̱SÁNEĆ Nations W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip), BOḰEĆEN (Pauquachin), SȾÁUTW̱ (Tsawout) and W̱SIKEM (Tseycum). Visit us online.
The CRD delivers regional, sub-regional and local services to 13 municipalities and three electoral areas on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Governed by a 24-member Board of Directors, the CRD works collaboratively with First Nations and government partners to enable sustainable growth, foster community well-being, and develop cost-effective infrastructure while continuing to provide core services to residents throughout the region. Visit us online at www.crd.ca.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Sudha Krishna, Manager, Social Marketing
CRD Corporate Communications & Engagement
Tel: 250.360.5679
Cell: 236.638.2866
For proposal inquiries, please contact:
Niall Paltiel, Chair, Peninsula Recreation Commission
Email: Npaltiel@crd.bc.ca
