What is being proposed?
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 new recreation facility in Central Saanich.
To proceed, participating area approval is required through municipal consent on behalf of electors in the three partner municipalities. The CRD Board has also supported the development of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Peninsula Recreation Commission (PRC) and the District of Central Saanich to clearly define responsibilities related to design, construction, operations, and maintenance.
Subject to successful approval, the bylaw will be submitted to the Inspector of Municipalities for final approval.
About the proposed facility
The proposed Peninsula Recreation Facility is a key capital project identified in the 2026–2030 Financial Plan and will serve residents of Central Saanich, North Saanich, and Sidney and help address growing demand by providing additional indoor recreation space, expanding program opportunities, and improving access to recreation services for residents of all ages and abilities.
The Peninsula Recreation Commission (PRC), the Capital Regional District (CRD) and the District of Central Saanich (DCS) have worked closely together since 2024 to explore options for expanding recreation opportunities on the Saanich Peninsula. Through ongoing planning, community needs assessments, and financial review, the project has evolved into a proposed community recreation facility designed to provide flexible and accessible recreation space for residents of Central Saanich, North Saanich, and Sidney.
Planned Facility Features
The facility is being designed to provide an accessible and flexible recreation space that can adapt to changing community needs over time. Features currently being considered include:
- A weight room to support fitness, wellness and rehabilitation.
- Flexible multipurpose spaces to support group fitness programs, community gatherings, camps, recreation programs and licensed for after school care.
- Dedicated space for pottery, arts and cultural programming.
- Washrooms and change rooms.
- Staff offices and reception are
The proposed location on Hovey Road improves accessibility and service delivery for residents in the southern peninsula.
- Significantly reduced travel times for residents in Brentwood Bay and Keating.
- Improved transit access with fewer transfers required.
- Supports Panorama Recreation's operations at the nearby Centennial Park multi sport box.
- Creates a recreation hub supported by full-time Panorama Recreation staff.
- Enhances and expands programming and services already operating in the area.
- Provides an additional recreation option for residents across the peninsula, helping distribute participation and visits across multiple facilities.
- By expanding available recreation space, the facility will support improved access to programs and amenities for both new and existing users of Panorama Recreation services.
Anticipated Cost
The figures below represent the estimated maximum annual cost per household if the full loan amount of $9.114 million is utilized. These costs would not take effect until the project is completed, which is currently anticipated for 2029–2030.
- Central Saanich: Estimated increase of $39.72/year (current PRC service tax: $335.92)
- North Saanich: Estimated increase of $47.15/year (current PRC service tax: $373.31)
- Sidney: Estimated increase of $30.50/year (current PRC service tax: $257.66)
For more information about this project and proposed bylaw, please read our Frequently Asked Questions [PDF/143KB].
