Saanich council votes ‘yes’ to downtown core pre-zoning

On Monday night, Saanich set the groundwork for creating the district’s new urban core.

“What came forward last night, that was supported unanimously by council, was getting underway with the process to what we call pre-zone or set the land use for the Uptown Douglas corridor,” said Saanich Mayor Dean Murdock.

The proposal is a key step in the implementation of the long-term vision of the Uptown Douglas Plan.

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Source: SaanichSource: Saanich

It involves pre-zoning lands that will be designated as Urban Mixed-Use, Core, and Mixed Employment.

Urban-Mixed Use zone will have multi-family residential units and services as well as public spaces to make it a more people-centered place.

The core is a combination of the Urban-Mixed Use zone and light industrial areas to the west of Douglas Street.

Mixed Employment zone is envisioned to continue as a commercial center where a number of employers in the area are also supported by new residential units.

The pre-zoning project aligns with the district’s 2023-2027 Strategic Plans goals.

The proposed massive development would increase density by creating more homes, including multiple towers of more than 20 stories, and amenities like parks, shopping and commercial activity.

Saanich Councillor Colin Plant says, “If we are giving significant densification to people who own these properties, that should benefit the district and its residents primarily.”

The goal is to also make the area a high-density, transit-oriented development and regional transit hub.

Monday’s vote is the first step in a long process that will include public consultations planned for this fall.

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