Parks Master Plan

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

UPCOMING ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Online Survey

Please take our online survey to share your experiences with North Saanich parks and what is important to you for the future.

  • Share your thoughts and perspectives on how you currently use North Saanich parks, trails and beach accesses.
  • Tell us what opportunities should be considered and challenges you’re experiencing for improvements and upgrades.
  • Help us set the direction and guiding principles for the Master Plan.

Residents can also fill out a hard copy at Municipal Hall, at one of our upcoming pop-ups, or at the Open House on Nov. 21st. We require registration for the online version to 1) authenticate the process, 2) give us reliable data, and 3) help us grow our database online. It also prevents people from taking the survey multiple times or skewing the data.

Open House

Attend our upcoming Open House to discuss North Saanich parks, trails and beach accesses. North Saanich staff and our project team will be on hand to speak to you and answer any questions:

  • Tuesday, November 21, 2023, 3-8pm (drop-in)
  • North Saanich Municipal Hall, 1620 Mills Road.

Prior to attending, we encourage you to read the State of the Parks Report. The State of the Parks Report provides a comprehensive overview of the current condition of parks and trails with 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.

Community Pop-ups

We will be present in the community to help inform the public, advertise our Open House, and be available to discuss aspects of the project. We will be providing community pop-ups at the following locations and times:

  • November 16: 10:30am-12:30 pm Fickle Fig Farm Market 1780 Mills Road
  • November 17: 10:30am-12:30 pm Deep Cove Market 10940 W. Saanich Road
  • November 18: 10am-12 pm Panorama Recreation Centre 1885 Forest Park Drive

ABOUT THE PLAN:

The purpose of the Parks Master Plan is to strategically guide staff work 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 and engaged appropriate stakeholders, prior to issuing a Request for Proposals, in order to obtain feedback and stakeholder buy-in. 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.

PARKS MASTER PLAN PROJECT OVERVIEW

The project was initiated in the Spring of 2023 and is scheduled to be completed within 1 year. Below are dates depicting the major project milestones.

Spring 2023 Project Kick-off

Summer 2023 State of the Parks System Review

Fall 2023 State of the Parks Report Community Engagement Phase 1

Winter 2024 Draft Parks Master Plan Community Engagement Phase 2

Spring 2024 Finalize Parks Master Plan Council Adoption

STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

The State of the Parks 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 report.

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 is taking place this Fall and Winter. Opportunities for engagement in Phase 1 include:

  • Visioning Workshops (ongoing) Facilitated workshop with Mayor & Council, the District project working group, and consultant focusing on identifying strengths and challenges of existing parks and gathering input for the vision and objectives for the master plan.
  • Stakeholder Interviews (ongoing)
  • First Nation Consultation
  • Community Survey - open now
  • Public Open House - November 21, 2023, 3pm-8pm (drop-in) at North Saanich Municipal Hall An opportunity for community members to become more informed on the Parks Master Plan effort and to engage them in sharing their ideas and visions.

Phase 2 of Engagement is taking place in early 2024. Following the initial community engagement phase the consultant team will develop the draft Parks Master Plan. 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:

  • Community Survey #2 (dates to be determined) A second community survey will be available tailored to receiving additional feedback on the draft Parks Master Plan
  • 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.

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?

Email: parksplan@northsaanich.ca



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

UPCOMING ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Online Survey

Please take our online survey to share your experiences with North Saanich parks and what is important to you for the future.

  • Share your thoughts and perspectives on how you currently use North Saanich parks, trails and beach accesses.
  • Tell us what opportunities should be considered and challenges you’re experiencing for improvements and upgrades.
  • Help us set the direction and guiding principles for the Master Plan.

Residents can also fill out a hard copy at Municipal Hall, at one of our upcoming pop-ups, or at the Open House on Nov. 21st. We require registration for the online version to 1) authenticate the process, 2) give us reliable data, and 3) help us grow our database online. It also prevents people from taking the survey multiple times or skewing the data.

Open House

Attend our upcoming Open House to discuss North Saanich parks, trails and beach accesses. North Saanich staff and our project team will be on hand to speak to you and answer any questions:

  • Tuesday, November 21, 2023, 3-8pm (drop-in)
  • North Saanich Municipal Hall, 1620 Mills Road.

Prior to attending, we encourage you to read the State of the Parks Report. The State of the Parks Report provides a comprehensive overview of the current condition of parks and trails with 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.

Community Pop-ups

We will be present in the community to help inform the public, advertise our Open House, and be available to discuss aspects of the project. We will be providing community pop-ups at the following locations and times:

  • November 16: 10:30am-12:30 pm Fickle Fig Farm Market 1780 Mills Road
  • November 17: 10:30am-12:30 pm Deep Cove Market 10940 W. Saanich Road
  • November 18: 10am-12 pm Panorama Recreation Centre 1885 Forest Park Drive

ABOUT THE PLAN:

The purpose of the Parks Master Plan is to strategically guide staff work 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 and engaged appropriate stakeholders, prior to issuing a Request for Proposals, in order to obtain feedback and stakeholder buy-in. 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.

PARKS MASTER PLAN PROJECT OVERVIEW

The project was initiated in the Spring of 2023 and is scheduled to be completed within 1 year. Below are dates depicting the major project milestones.

Spring 2023 Project Kick-off

Summer 2023 State of the Parks System Review

Fall 2023 State of the Parks Report Community Engagement Phase 1

Winter 2024 Draft Parks Master Plan Community Engagement Phase 2

Spring 2024 Finalize Parks Master Plan Council Adoption

STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT

The State of the Parks 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 report.

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 is taking place this Fall and Winter. Opportunities for engagement in Phase 1 include:

  • Visioning Workshops (ongoing) Facilitated workshop with Mayor & Council, the District project working group, and consultant focusing on identifying strengths and challenges of existing parks and gathering input for the vision and objectives for the master plan.
  • Stakeholder Interviews (ongoing)
  • First Nation Consultation
  • Community Survey - open now
  • Public Open House - November 21, 2023, 3pm-8pm (drop-in) at North Saanich Municipal Hall An opportunity for community members to become more informed on the Parks Master Plan effort and to engage them in sharing their ideas and visions.

Phase 2 of Engagement is taking place in early 2024. Following the initial community engagement phase the consultant team will develop the draft Parks Master Plan. 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:

  • Community Survey #2 (dates to be determined) A second community survey will be available tailored to receiving additional feedback on the draft Parks Master Plan
  • 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.

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?

Email: parksplan@northsaanich.ca



  • District of North Saanich Parks Master Plan

    The District of North Saanich is preparing a Parks Master Plan that will strategically guide staff work and Council decisions on parks policy, planning, capital improvements, and management over the next 10 years (2024-2034). 

     In advance of completing the survey, we invite the community to review the State of the Parks Report which provides a comprehensive overview of the current condition of parks and trails within the District of North Saanich. The report describes the District's natural assets, demographics, and environmental considerations, and parkland distribution and access.

    Thank you for your participation. 

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Page last updated: 23 Nov 2023, 10:24 AM