Victoria, BC– The Capital Regional District (CRD) and the Peninsula Recreation Commission (PRC), which provides recreation programs and services throughout the Saanich Peninsula, is inviting the communities of North Saanich, Central Saanich, Sidney and residents of the W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip), BOḰEĆEN (Pauquachin), SȾÁUTW̱ (Tsawout) and W̱SIKEM (Tseycum) First Nations, to provide input on recreation facilities.
A thorough analysis of the peninsula’s recreation facilities and services is essential for making informed decisions about current and future needs.
The scope of work will include a detailed analysis of public and private recreation facilities and service levels on the peninsula. This will involve identifying current or anticipated gaps in public recreation service levels and a recommended course of action to improve service levels and increase the efficiency of public recreation service levels on the peninsula.
“This Needs Assessment is an important step towards understanding and addressing the recreational needs of our community. Through engaging with residents and user groups we aim to gather valuable insights that will inform the development of facilities and offering of recreation programs. Our goal is to enhance the quality of life for everyone through the equitable provision of services across Central Saanich, North Saanich and Sidney. We want to hear from you! The Recreation Commission and our staff encourages all community members to participate in this important process and share their perspectives to help shape the future of our recreational services." Niall Paltiel, Chair, Peninsula Recreation Commission.
PRC has retained the services of LEES and Associates who understand the value of community recreation and will work with PRC and municipal staff to ensure that community engagement and partnership collaboration remain a top priority throughout the process.
Community engagement is an important part of the process and will begin on November 6 until December 6, 2024. Saanich Peninsula residents are invited to take a survey and attend community workshops to help the PRC understand the community interest in recreation facilities. The survey is available online until December 6, 2024, at 11:55 pm. Three public workshops will take place. Additional workshops with interested groups or individuals will also take place. Information on these sessions will be made available as dates and locations are confirmed.
In-person public workshops:
Date: Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Time: 2:00-6:00pm
Location: Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney
Date: Thursday, November 14, 2024
Time: 2:00-6:00pm
Location: Central Saanich Cultural Centre, Brentwood Bay
Date: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 4:00-9:00pm
Location: Panorama Recreation Centre, North Saanich
Information gathered from the engagement process will be prepared and presented to the PRC and, once approved, will guide the PRC’s decisions on existing and further recreation facilities.
For more information and to subscribe for updates, visit getinvolved.crd.bc.ca/saanich-peninsula-recreation-facility-needs-assessment.
About Peninsula Recreation Commission
The Peninsula Recreation Commission is proud to provide an extensive offering of programs, activities, and events to the residents of Central Saanich, North Saanich, Town of Sidney, and the W̱SÁNEĆ Nations W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip), BOḰEĆEN (Pauquachin), SȾÁUTW̱ (Tsawout) and W̱SIKEM (Tseycum). Visit us online.
About Capital Regional District
The CRD delivers regional, sub-regional and local services to 13 municipalities and three electoral areas on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Governed by a 24-member Board of Directors, the CRD works collaboratively with First Nations and government partners to enable sustainable growth, foster community well-being, and develop cost-effective infrastructure while continuing to provide core services to residents throughout the region. Visit us online at www.crd.bc.ca.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Niall Paltiel, Chair
Peninsula Recreation Commission
Cell: 250.514.8429