1 OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN BYLAW, 2023, AMENDMENT BYLAW, 2026, NO. 10298 — PROPOSED ADOPTION OF THE QUADRA MCKENZIE PLAN
Staff presented the Quadra McKenzie Plan as a 20-year policy framework for housing, land use, transport and public spaces across about 40% of Saanich’s primary growth area. It identifies centres, corridors and hubs around Quadra Street and McKenzie Avenue, supports a mix of housing and local services, and sets direction for transit, walking, cycling, parks and natural areas. Staff said the plan does not rezone properties: future proposals would still need review and Council approval. The public hearing drew 42 speakers, including representatives of Songhees Nation and community groups. Some supported the plan as a way to add housing and improve transit and safer walking and cycling; many others objected to density, expected traffic effects, loss of trees and neighbourhood change. Songhees Nation representatives called for meaningful consultation and stronger protection for Garry oak and camas food systems. Staff described recent meetings with the Nation and proposed additional policy language. Council added that language unanimously, then approved the amendment and gave the bylaw second and third readings, each by a 7–2 vote. A later final reading is still required.
- The plan is intended to guide growth over the long term, rather than immediately changing land use or rezoning properties.
- Speakers and Council acknowledged the importance of protecting natural features and improving access to housing, services and transportation, though they differed sharply on how the plan would achieve those aims.
- Council agreed unanimously to add policy language responding to Songhees Nation concerns and to maintain ongoing engagement.
- Supporters argued that more housing near services and transit could help young people, families and workers remain in Saanich, and that better walking, cycling and transit options are needed. Opponents argued that the proposed growth was excessive, would not necessarily produce affordable homes, and could increase congestion and pressure on infrastructure.
- Several residents of Craigmiller Avenue objected to the three-to-six-storey designation near their homes, citing the narrow, winding street, heritage features, children walking to Playfair Park and local Garry oak habitat. Staff said the plan’s designations could not be changed at this hearing without another public hearing.
- Speakers disagreed about transport changes on Quadra Street and McKenzie Avenue. Some opposed narrower roads, bike lanes and added pedestrian signals; transit and active-transportation advocates said the current streets are unsafe or unreliable and need improvement. Staff clarified that the plan shows eight proposed signal locations on Quadra, mostly pedestrian half-signals, not eight full intersections with new traffic lights.
- Songhees Nation representatives and other speakers said the plan did not provide meaningful consultation or adequate protection for culturally important Garry oak and camas food systems. Staff said engagement had taken place more directly in recent months and identified future planning and implementation processes as further opportunities.
- Residents differed over the engagement process. Some described it as extensive, while others—including a resident with limited vision—said online surveys and webinars were inaccessible or did not provide meaningful opportunities to take part.
- Councillors Brownhoff and Chambers opposed the plan, citing concerns about community support, environmental protection and consultation. Other councillors supported moving ahead, describing the plan as a workable long-term guide that could be revised in future.
Routine: continue the meeting after 10 p.m. so Council can keep working.
Add two policies to the Quadra McKenzie Plan: a goal to protect and restore ecosystems, including Garry oak habitat and Indigenous stewardship and knowledge; and a policy to work with Indigenous communities to use Indigenous knowledge in Garry oak restoration, monitoring, and park and trail interpretation and education.
Approve the Quadra McKenzie Plan changes to the Official Community Plan, including the two new ecosystem and Indigenous-knowledge policies, and update the OCP land-use framework to match the plan, along with administrative updates.
Give the Official Community Plan amendment for the Quadra McKenzie Plan its second formal reading, advancing it through the bylaw process.
Give the Official Community Plan amendment for the Quadra McKenzie Plan its third formal reading, moving it another step through the bylaw process.
Send the questions about accessibility and the District’s public-engagement process to the Accessibility Administrative Technical Committee for review.