Province announces Uptown as transit hub development

The District of Saanich‘s plan for the area around Uptown received a boost on Monday as the province announced it has secured land for a new transit-oriented development.

“Our communities are growing quickly, and people need affordable homes close to public transit, so they can get to where they need to go – and get ahead in life,” said BC Premier David Eby, who will be speaking to Chamber members on April 30. “This new development in Saanich will create a vibrant, connected community where people can find everything they need at their doorstep.”

The land was bought by the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure’s $394-million property acquisition fund.

Early plans for the area in Saanich include hundreds of new homes, public spaces and active-transportation connections. There will also be new retail and commercial spaces. Other suggested services include child care, community health and educational facilities.

The development will integrate the Lochside and Galloping Goose regional trails to make it a hub for active transportation and BC Transit services, with connections to downtown Victoria, the University of Victoria, the Westshore and the Saanich Peninsula.

“The Uptown-Douglas area is the perfect location for a high-density, transit-oriented development and regional transit hub that will no doubt be transformative for this community,” Saanich Mayor Dean Murdock said in the news release.

Luke Mari, principal of Aryze Developments commented on the announcement, saying
“The best transportation plan is a land-use plan. When we put the right homes in the right places – near existing services amenities and transit – we can reduce our dependence on private car use.”