SAANICH – As Saanich continues to explore innovative ways to use District-owned property to benefit the community, the District will be moving forward with the proposed pre-zoning and eventual sale or lease of the 1.1-hectare (2.7 acre) property situated between West Saanich Road and Highway 17, across from the Royal Oak Centre Shopping Centre.
Royal Oak Centre and Broadmead Village proximity to designated Transit Exchange
The District will prepare a draft concept plan that outlines possibilities for developing the block based on new Official Community Plan and Design Guidelines, before advancing proposed amendments to the Zoning Bylaw. The draft concept plan will be made available for public input, and will help identify opportunities and constraints that need to be considered to ensure any future development is feasible and meets the community’s needs.
Suggestions and comments will be considered as part of the preparation of a rezoning application by District staff, and a comprehensive development zone will be proposed to rezone the property and set out the requirements for development, including specific design and servicing considerations.
Once the property is rezoned, Saanich intends to offer the lands for sale and/or partial lease, or a combination thereof, through a Request for Proposals process. The evaluation criteria will reflect community and municipal interests, and an agreement will be negotiated with the successful proponent. The District will reserve the right to reject all proposals.
The preferred proposal will be subject to a development agreement, including provisions for development timelines that if not achieved, could result in the property ownership reverting back to the District.
The subject properties include five parcels adjacent to Highway 17 (Patricia Bay Highway) with four parcels fronting West Saanich Road. The group of four parcels have a consolidated area of 1.1 hectares (2.7 acres) and will be the primary site for development. The remnant parcel, 0.2 hectares (0.5 acres), to the north, owned by Saanich and part of the original assembly, will not be considered for development, but will be considered as part of the concept plan, as it holds significant ecological value that will offer benefit to the overall development scheme and community. The owners of adjacent lands and agencies such as BC Transit and the Ministry of Transportation may also participate in bringing plans and proposals forward as part of the process. The District may consider entering letters of understanding to facilitate collaboration and planning.
The intention is to market the lands for sale and/or lease by way of a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEOI) process, evaluate proposals against criteria approved by Council, with a preferred proposal placed under contract subject to the municipal real property disposition policy.
The preferred proposal will be selected according to the approved evaluation criteria by a staff lead evaluation team with non-disclosure of all negotiations and agreements by all parties until final approval.
Subject Properties – 4500 Block West Saanich Road
The preferred proposal will be subject to a development agreement, including development timelines.
It is expected that engagement sessions will be held in early 2025.
Source: Saanich.ca
