How will you be affected by plans to transform the Uptown neighbourhood through transit-oriented development? Find out and have your say as the first round of public engagement for the area is underway and will continue until Sept. 18.

Your feedback will help set the vision for the area, including a potential transit exchange connected to proposed new homes next to the Lochside and Galloping Goose regional trails. With connections to downtown Victoria, Gordon Head, the West Shore and the Saanich Peninsula, Uptown will become a hub for active transportation and transit in the region.

“BC Transit supports developments built close to transit hubs and corridors as more people will see public transit as a viable and accessible option and can live and work without complete reliance on vehicles,” BC Transit CEO Erinn Pinkerton said. “A transit exchange in this location would support improved regional connectivity, future increases in transit service levels, more direct bus routing and reliable, faster transit service.”

A -specific timeline for development will be available after preliminary planning work is completed.

“The District of Saanich welcomes this opportunity for people to provide feedback on this proposed development from the Province and BC Transit — a project that will help us implement our exciting vision for the Uptown-Douglas area,” Saanich Mayor Dean Murdock said. “We look forward to integrating housing, public transportation, convenient amenities and vibrant public spaces into what could become the heart or downtown of Saanich.”