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Communities of Greater Victoria
Central Saanich
Situated centrally on the Saanich Peninsula (of course!), the District of Central Saanich is largely rural; farming utilizes almost two thirds of the municipality. The main communities of Brentwood Bay and Saanichton offer a blend of rural atmosphere with urban conveniences which contributes to a very desirable lifestyle.There is quick access to the city, the Victoria International Airport, and theSwartz Bay Ferry Terminal The municipality has experienced steady growth and population levels are approximately 16,700 (2009).
Brentwood Bay is a charming village nestled on the western slopes of the Saanich Peninsula overlooking the Saanich Inlet. From here, you can take the Brentwood Bay-Mill Bay Ferry, a short (25 min) scenic cruise across the inlet that bypasses Victoria and the Malahat, providing a shortcut to points north on Vancouver Island.
The town of Saanichton is located west of the Pat Bay Highway (Hwy 17), at the junction of Mount Newton Cross Road and East Saanich Road. Saanichton is a friendly community containing the Saanich Peninsula Hospital and the Prairie Inn, an historic local watering hole.
These are largely residential/ small business communities, in contrast to the Keating X Road area which has grown to support commercial/light industrial use. This area boasts the largest business park in the region, and business activities are varied, including tourism, agriculture, technology, retail, and light industry.
Surrounding these villages is agricultural land, hobby farms and country residences. Because much of the land outside of these communities and two first nation reserves is zoned agricultural, the resulting farmlands create a pastoral atmosphere that is highly sought after. This also means a good supply of locally grown produce which benefits the locavore! Extremely desirable waterfront and waterview properties abound on both the east and west coasts of Central Saanich.
Much of the housing is serviced with municipal water and sewer, but rural properties may rely on wells and septic fields. Generally ground water quality is excellent, and supply reliable, but if you are buying a country property it’s certainly something you should investigate before committing to purchase!
On a more practical note for potential residents of Central Saanich, the municipality doesn’t offer garbage pickup service; you will need to arrange this with a private company. The Capital Regional District (CRD) does provide regular recyclable pickup, check the CRD website for schedules and accepted materials.
Central Saanich does have its own police service; the CSPS, and volunteer Fire Dept. Emergency 911 services are provided by the CRD.
The municipality is also home to the world famous Butchart Gardens, created in a worked out limestone quarry on the Saanich Inlet. Begun in 1904 by the wife of R.P. Butchart, who wanted to beautify what she considered an eyesore, Butchart Gardens has grown to encompass 50 acres of gardens offering beautiful displays throughout the year. Both locals and tourists can visit in spring for the beautiful bulbs, flowering shrubs and trees, return for the glories of summer annuals and the fragrant rose garden, as well as the Saturday night fireworks, revisit in the fall to enjoy the dazzling colours of the season, and even come again in winter – the gardens are decked out in an impressive light display for the holiday season.
The historical Saanich Fair has been held in Central Saanich on Labour Day weekend for the past 143 years! This old-fashioned agricultural fair features competitions that showcase the best of country living. You can take in one of the many equine competitions, from showjumping to draft horses skidding logs, to a miniature horse obstacle drive. There are cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens and bunnies to admire, and even such exotics as llamas and alpacas. You may enter your produce, flowers, baked goods, crafts and artwork to be judged by experts and viewed by throngs of families. Of course, there is the midway complete with hair-raising rides, games of chance and the smell of cotton candy and hot dogs with onions wafting on the summer breeze.
Other Central Saanich attractions include:
If you enjoy getting outdoors to hike bike, kayak or play sports, Central Saanich is home to numerous beautiful parks like:
There are at this time 11 recognized heritage sites within the municipality, consisting of the following:
Central Saanich is a municipality which strives to provide a balance of preserving history and promoting progress, delivering rural beauty and relaxed attitude with urban conveniences. It’s a great place to call – home!