The District of North Saanich

The overriding philosophy of North Saanich residents is to retain the rural qualities of the area with an acute awareness of the protection of the environment.

Agricultural, residential and institutional uses are the primary land uses in North Saanich with only minor commercial or industrial uses (with the exception of the Victoria International Airport). The dominant agricultural/residential uses result in the highly valued rural atmosphere of North Saanich living. Almost all the housing is classified as single detached homes.

The Panorama Leisure Centre provides indoor tennis, ice arena, pool and other facilities while the Glen Meadows Golf and Country Club and the Ardmore Golf Course serve golf enthusiasts.

Because of the community's preference for retaining larger lot sizes and the rural nature of residential neighbourhoods, water supply is provided by wells or the municipal water system. North Saanich is under the jurisdiction of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Waste disposal is done on a private basis.

For more information, visit the website of The District of North Saanich.

The District of Central Saanich

Agriculture is the most extensive land use activity in Central Saanich, with pockets of housing ranging from hobby farms to townhouses dispersed throughout. The necessary services are provided through two core commercial areas in Brentwood Bay and Saanichton, supported nicely by the Keating X Road industrial/commercial area.

The overriding philosophy of the community is to retain the current rural character, agricultural land base and as much as possible provide for slow, long-term growth where it will have the least impact on the agricultural lands and the environment.

Central Saanich has its own police force and Fire Department. Garbage collection is done on a private basis.

For more information, visit the website of The District of Central Saanich.

The Town of Sidney

"Sidney by the Sea" as it is affectionately known, is located about 20 kilometres north of Victoria. It enjoys a temperate climate, natural amenities and friendly community character. Sidney is under the jurisdiction of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Sidney has extensive waterfront walkways, parks, restaurants and marinas. Sidney is very proud of the redeveloped Mary Winspear Community Centre, which includes the 315 seat Charlie White Theatre. Sidney's popular Thursday evening street market runs through the summer and attracts visitors from around the region.

With its sister municipalities of North Saanich and Central Saanich, Sidney helps fund the nearby Panorama Leisure Centre, which provides indoor tennis, two indoor ice rinks, a large indoor pool and other facilities.

There is daily ferry service to Anacortes, Washington, U.S.A. Sidney is less than two kilometres away from the Victoria International Airport, just a few kilometres from the B.C. Ferry Terminal to Vancouver and only 25 minutes away from downtown Victoria.

For more information, visit the website of the Town of Sidney.