District of Saanich

Former Saanich councillor Dean Murdock hosts a live episode of his podcast on April 14 and tackleto tackle housing issues in the region. (Devon Bidal/News Staff)

Live episode of Saanich podcast focuses on region’s housing issues

Dean Murdock, panel of guests go live on Zoom for Amazing Places podcast April 14

 

A vehicle that was driven through the wall of a parkade at Uptown Shopping Centre and into the nearby Walmart on April 9 was removed through another hole in the wall later that night. (Photo via Saanich Police Department and Ayush Kakkar)

PHOTOS: Vehicle driven into Saanich Walmart removed after two trapped workers rescued

Crews cut new hole in parkade wall to remove vehicle safely

 

Claremont Secondary’s year-long drama class will perform TRAP, a thrilling play by Stephen Gregg, virtually from April 14-17 at 7 p.m. (Image courtesy Colin Plant)

Claremont’s drama students to ‘TRAP’ audience’s attention with thrilling virtual performances

Grade 9-12 drama class will perform via livestream from April 14-17

 

New hours went into effect at Saanich Parks and Public Works Yard for spring and summer seasons on April 6. (District of Saanich/Twitter)

Spring, summer hours in effect at Saanich Public Works Yard

Residents reminded to practise social distancing, prepare to unload without staff help

New hours went into effect at Saanich Parks and Public Works Yard for spring and summer seasons on April 6. (District of Saanich/Twitter)
The 10-part Netflix series Maid, which is being exclusively shot in Greater Victoria, was filming near Prospect Lake in Saanich last month. (Photo courtesy Fred Haynes)

Province announces $150,000 investment into movie studio study at Camosun College

South Island NDP candidates promised funding to develop business plan during 2020 election

The 10-part Netflix series Maid, which is being exclusively shot in Greater Victoria, was filming near Prospect Lake in Saanich last month. (Photo courtesy Fred Haynes)
Beach fires are not permitted in Saanich but portable, gas-powered fire pits are welcome everywhere – including at municipal parks and beaches. (Pixabay)

Beach fires not cool in Saanich but gas-powered fire pits permitted

Respect others, bylaws while still enjoying an outdoor fire, firefighter says

Beach fires are not permitted in Saanich but portable, gas-powered fire pits are welcome everywhere – including at municipal parks and beaches. (Pixabay)
Residents living near the Kings Park greenspace in Saanich were panicked by signs warning of an upcoming pesticide application set to begin April 6, and contacted the municipality to ask that it pause the initiative. (Photo courtesy Rob Vanzella)

Saanich halts herbicide use at Kings Park greenspace amid neighbourhood outcry

Municipality planned to apply Garlon XRT to target invasive plant species

Residents living near the Kings Park greenspace in Saanich were panicked by signs warning of an upcoming pesticide application set to begin April 6, and contacted the municipality to ask that it pause the initiative. (Photo courtesy Rob Vanzella)
A food truck operated by the Songhees First Nation can often be found at the Inner Harbour and in other parts of Greater Victoria. (Songhees Event and Catering/Facebook)

Saanich considers rolling out food truck pilot program this summer

Temporary permits would allow up to two food trucks in five parks

A food truck operated by the Songhees First Nation can often be found at the Inner Harbour and in other parts of Greater Victoria. (Songhees Event and Catering/Facebook)
Saanich’s Deputy Fire Chief Dan Wood shared an image of a 1940s firefighting recruit exam that he said wasn’t nearly as complex as the assessments in 2021. (Black Press Media file photo)

Name three parts of a ladder among the 40 questions Saanich’s 1940s firefighter recruit exam

1949 firefighter recruit exam no match for modern-day assessments

Saanich’s Deputy Fire Chief Dan Wood shared an image of a 1940s firefighting recruit exam that he said wasn’t nearly as complex as the assessments in 2021. (Black Press Media file photo)
The federal and provincial governments announced $9.4 million in funding for 15 new natural gas buses in Victoria and transit infrastructure improvments at the University of Victoria. (File Photo)

Governments put $9.4M into new natural gas buses, University of Victoria transit improvements

Funding to add 15 natural gas buses in Victoria, redevelop UVic transit infrastructure

The federal and provincial governments announced $9.4 million in funding for 15 new natural gas buses in Victoria and transit infrastructure improvments at the University of Victoria. (File Photo)
A Twitter user sparked a conversation about potential future uses for James Houlihan Park in Saanich after noting that the large, empty field is underused. (@QuenchWines/Twitter)

Residents, councillors dig into potential uses for empty park in Saanich

James Houlihan Park a 1.9-hectare open field with paved walking path

A Twitter user sparked a conversation about potential future uses for James Houlihan Park in Saanich after noting that the large, empty field is underused. (@QuenchWines/Twitter)
Per a 2020 Housing Needs Report, the District of Saanich’s housing market isn’t accessible to most residents and the current housing supply doesn’t meet the diverse needs of the community. (Derek Ford/District of Saanich)

Saanich calls for public input on housing task force recommendations

Report lists 74 recommendations to address district’s housing crisis

Per a 2020 Housing Needs Report, the District of Saanich’s housing market isn’t accessible to most residents and the current housing supply doesn’t meet the diverse needs of the community. (Derek Ford/District of Saanich)
A multi-vehicle collision at the intersection of McKenzie and Glanford avenues impacted traffic for two hours on the morning of March 27. (Map via Pulsepoint)

Two pick-up trucks destroyed in multi-vehicle collision at Saanich intersection

Three drivers involved, no serious injuries, firefighter says

A multi-vehicle collision at the intersection of McKenzie and Glanford avenues impacted traffic for two hours on the morning of March 27. (Map via Pulsepoint)
A rendering shows the view of the proposed 59-unit condo building on Raymond Street South. (Image via Koka Architecture and Design Inc.)

Controversial condos rejected by Saanich council in tight vote

Raymond Street South proposal opposed by residents wanting to preserve public assembly zoning

A rendering shows the view of the proposed 59-unit condo building on Raymond Street South. (Image via Koka Architecture and Design Inc.)
Pearkes’ 53-year-old Gold rink is set to be replaced by fall 2021. (Black Press Media file photo)

Demolition set to start at Saanich’s 53-year-old ice slab at Pearkes

Construction on Gold Arena expected to finish by fall 2021

Pearkes’ 53-year-old Gold rink is set to be replaced by fall 2021. (Black Press Media file photo)
Saanich Mayor Fred Haynes (left) and Esquimalt Mayor Barb Desjardins take a stroll on Gorge Bridge, which connects their municipalities. (Devon Bidal/News Staff)

Saanich, Esquimalt partner on pedestrian infrastructure upgrades for Gorge Bridge

New walkway located in southbound curb lane, will feature protective concrete barriers

Saanich Mayor Fred Haynes (left) and Esquimalt Mayor Barb Desjardins take a stroll on Gorge Bridge, which connects their municipalities. (Devon Bidal/News Staff)
Couns. Rebecca Mersereau (left), Ned Taylor and Zac de Vries visit Leslie Drive in Saanich – a residential road with no centreline or sidewalk – on March 20 with pup Piper. They feel streets like these should have a speed limit of 30 km/h. (Devon Bidal/News Staff)

Saanich aims to reduce residential road speed to 30 km/h through pilot project

Pilot project application to be amended in name of liveability, safety for vulnerable road-users

Couns. Rebecca Mersereau (left), Ned Taylor and Zac de Vries visit Leslie Drive in Saanich – a residential road with no centreline or sidewalk – on March 20 with pup Piper. They feel streets like these should have a speed limit of 30 km/h. (Devon Bidal/News Staff)
Saanich council will decide the fate of a proposed 59-unit apartment building for Raymond Street South on March 22. (Black Press Media file photo)

Saanich council defers decision on controversial condo development after five-hour public hearing

Six-storey proposal on Raymond Street South opposed by neighbours rallying to preserve daycare

Saanich council will decide the fate of a proposed 59-unit apartment building for Raymond Street South on March 22. (Black Press Media file photo)
(Left to right) Couns. Rebecca Mersereau, Ned Taylor and Zac de Vries visited Leslie Drive in Saanich – a residential road with no centreline or sidewalk – on March 20 with pup Piper. They feel streets like these should have a speed limit of 30 km/h. (Devon Bidal/News Staff)

Councillors call on Saanich to reduce residential road speed to 30 km/h instead of 40 km/h

Recommendation to amend pilot project application an effort to increase pedestrian safety

(Left to right) Couns. Rebecca Mersereau, Ned Taylor and Zac de Vries visited Leslie Drive in Saanich – a residential road with no centreline or sidewalk – on March 20 with pup Piper. They feel streets like these should have a speed limit of 30 km/h. (Devon Bidal/News Staff)
Saanich Coun. Susan Brice has been among those leading the charge to implement a ban on plastic bags at local stores. Council is scheduled to give final adoption to a bylaw banning plastic checkout bags on June 21. (Black Press Media file photo)

Plastic checkout bags could be banned in Saanich starting this summer

If adopted June 21, bylaw would go into effect 60 days later

Saanich Coun. Susan Brice has been among those leading the charge to implement a ban on plastic bags at local stores. Council is scheduled to give final adoption to a bylaw banning plastic checkout bags on June 21. (Black Press Media file photo)