Parks Master Plan

*March 6, 2024 Update *

The District of North Saanich is preparing a Parks Master Plan to meet the needs of our community and we want your input!

We encourage you to read the State of the Parks Report. It provides a comprehensive overview of the current condition of parks and trails within the District of North Saanich. It offers insights into the District's natural assets, demographics, and environmental considerations that collectively shape the management and planning of its outdoor recreation spaces.

Additionally, the Parks Master Plan Phase 1 Engagement Summary outlines the engagement process to date and provides detailed information about key themes and findings.

ABOUT THE PLAN:

The purpose of the Parks Master Plan is to strategically guide staff and Council decisions on parks policy, planning, capital improvements, and management over the next 10 years (2024-2034). The plan will guide the future planning, design, and protection and maintenance of new and existing park infrastructure and amenities in both the natural and built environments.

BACKGROUND:

The 2022 District of North Saanich Strategic Plan identified a review and update of the 2010 Parks Master Plan. In 2022 staff created a Terms of Reference and consultant scope, engaged appropriate stakeholder in order to obtain feedback prior to issuing a Request for Proposals, . The Terms of Reference and the Consultant Scope were presented to the following stakeholders:

• Community Stewardship Commission at the September 27, 2022 meeting
• Friends of North Saanich Parks via email on October 17, 2022, and at a meeting on November 3, 2022
• Friends of Dominion Brook Park via email on October 17, 2022

At each of the meetings the Terms of Reference and Consultant Scope were generally discussed, feedback received, and revisions incorporated. At the Regular Meeting of Council held on December 5, 2022, Council approved the Terms of Reference and Consultant scope and directed staff to proceed with a Request for Proposals.

At the Regular Meeting of Council held on May 15, 2023, Council authorized the award of consulting services for the Parks Master Plan to Urban Systems.

STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT:

The project began in spring 2023 with a project initiation and site visit to key parks, trails, and beach accesses in the District. Preliminary findings were highlighted in a State of the Parks report. The report provides a comprehensive overview of the current condition of parks and trails with the District of North Saanich. It offers insight’s into the Districts natural assets, demographics, and environmental considerations that collectively shape the management and planning of its outdoor recreation spaces.

The North Saanich park system boasts a wealth of unique natural features and amenities. These parks serve as vital hubs for social interaction and engagement. However, the challenges of aging infrastructure, limited maintenance resources, and environmental pressures require attention. In this report, we delve into these critical issues to help set the stage for a fulsome community engagement process.

Download The State of the Parks Report

PHASE ONE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:

The Parks Master Plan is being informed through a multi-phased engagement process to ensure the plan reflects the community's vision and meets local interests and needs.

Phase 1 of Engagement began in fall 2023. Opportunities for engagement included:

• Visioning Workshops with Staff, Mayor & Council, First Nations and Community Stakeholders
• Pop Ups
• Community Survey
• Public Open House #1

Download the Phase One Engagement Summary

NEXT STEPS:

Draft Parks Master Plan

Phase Two Community Engagement: This will take place in Spring 2024. The draft Parks Master Plan will be made available on the project website for the community to review. Opportunities for engagement in Phase 2 include:

• Public Open House #2 (date to be determined) A second public open house will be provided to allow community members to provide input on the draft Parks Master Plan.
• A short survey for any additional input to the Parks Master Plan will be provided.

Finalize Parks Master Plan

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?

Email: parksplan@northsaanich.ca