Carey Area Residents Association

06/14/2026

Time-sensitive opportunity for input on a proposed Carey Area subdivision and request for development variances – June 15 Council meeting, item E2

Location: 4029 Zinnia Road. Associated documents, including the staff report, servicing requirements, site plan, requested variances, etc. are at:

https://saanichca.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=3493

Our apologies for not posting this sooner!

Council will consider subdivision of this property into two lots, one which is RS6 and the second to RS-4, for “Single Detached Dwelling or Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing”. Variances are requested.

The site plan submitted in March 2026 proposes multiplex housing on the new lot and requests variances to allow reduced setbacks and increased building height. Mature trees will be removed; the staff report says they are too small to require permits for removal (under the current tree protection bylaw, not necessarily under the draft bylaw recently endorsed by Council).

Some important context:
The subdivision proposal is significantly different to what was originally proposed in mid-2024. Then, the proponent proposed the same subdivision to two lots, but with a single-family home on each. The proponent informally discussed that project with some neighbors; Saanich consulted with both CARA and with neighbors within a certain distance. CARA did not object and there apparently was a general buy-in by neighbors to this initial proposal by neighbors.

Although the proposal has changed significantly since 2024, there was no further attempt by the proponent or by Saanich to consult with the neighborhood about the proposal since 2024. The staff report states that Saanich requested feedback from CARA in October 2025, but CARA has no record of such a request. We certainly would have had concerns and spoken with neighbors before responding to Saanich.

Furthermore, the subdivision sign along Zinnia, installed in 2024, was never updated to reflect the significant change in the proposal from two single family homes to (potentially) two multiplexes. This is a failure in the consultation process, in addition to whatever concerns neighbors might have about increased traffic and congestion, loss of trees, privacy, etc.

06/07/2026

Tree Protection - Council update of possible interest to Carey Area residents

At the June 8 Special Council Meeting, Parks will present an update on their Tree Protection Bylaw review. (Item C.1). Refer to the (a) staff report, (b) public engagement summary (Appendix 1) and (c) proposed revised definitions (Appendix 2). https://saanichca.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=4201)

You may provide comments

1. verbally at the meeting either in person or remotely (on-line) via MS Teams (you are only allowed 3 minutes, so be concise!!) or
2. in writing via email [email protected]) or by dropping off paper copy at Legislative Services at Saanich Municipal Hall. Submit your comments before noon the day of the meeting (June 8) if you want it included in the public record.

Broad goals of the proposed changes include (1) simplify administrative procedures (2) shift the emphasis to canopy cover rather than on stem counts alone, and (3) encourage retention of larger, higher-value trees.

The staff report does not explicitly refer to the increasing conflicts between retaining (and healthy) large trees on private property and the province and District’s push to increase the amount of housing (and associated impervious surface on individual lots

Proposed changes include:

Changing the current 2:1 or 3:1 stem replacement ratio to 1:1 and give credit to projects which retain trees that meet or exceed canopy cover targets

Provide incentives to plant larger-class trees and to retain large mature “high-value” trees

For tree removal within the urban containment boundary (UCB), reduce the stem diameter minimum requiring a permit to 30cm for those species which currently must exceed 60cm. Outside of the UCB, add shore (lodgepole) pine to the list of native species whose removal requires a permit for removal.

On rural properties, discontinue the current allowable (without permit) removal of 1 tree per acre per year.

Encourage the removal of invasive trees and their replacement with appropriate native species
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As a general comment, we (the community) don’t have detailed information about the species composition and health of the urban forest and we don't know how many trees of what size and species (and for what reason) are being legally removed to allow for development of SSMUH housing. Why isn't that information available on Saanich's development permit tracker?
https://online.saanich.ca/Tempest/OurCity/Prospero/Search.aspx?_ga=2.119589768.1681531455.1780858647-77905055.1780858646

We’ve asked about making such information available and been told that it is “difficult” to provide. How can we assess the value of the current bylaw in protecting the existing urban forest and evaluate if the proposed changes will be more effective?

Secondly, we don’t see any reference to further public consultation as the proposed bylaw is refined. Hopefully there will be ample opportunity to comment well in advance of a revised bylaw in 2027.

06/07/2026

Saanich Transit Centre update 🚌🚌🚌🚌

According to an article in today’s Times-Colonist, BC Transit will begin demolishing buildings at the planned transit centre site (Commerce Circle and Vanalman) sometime in June. Demolition will continue throughout the year.

Open houses will be held at the site so you can get answers to your specific questions:

Thursday June 18 10AM to noon
Saturday June 20 10AM to noon

The transit centre website (https://www.bctransit.com/plans-and-projects/saanich-transit-centre/) does not yet show the timeline for demolition or open houses. We’ll continue to watch for those and post them here.

Similarly, the website does not indicate what demolition might involve (blasting, etc.) and how noise will be minimized during construction. We will try to find out more and post that here.

06/02/2026

Reminder of Saanich's open house concerning their plans for the Hastings-Wilkinson-Interurban intersection. Today 4-8PM at Strawberry Vale Hall on Burnside. We (unfortunately) know nothing about this latest of several initiatives over several decades concerning traffic and development around the intersection, but we'll be there, ask questions, and post our impressions after. Hopefully you can attend in-person, get your own questions answered, and add to the discussion there and here on FB. See you there!

05/29/2026

Note: the open house is on Tuesday June 2, so 5 days, not 1 week as indicated

Have thoughts about the Interurban & Wilkinson intersection? We want to hear from you!

The District of Saanich is planning future improvements for this busy intersection, and your feedback will help shape the next steps. Join us at an upcoming Public Engagement Event to learn about the project, talk with District staff and the project team, and share your experiences, ideas and priorities.🚶🚲🚗

📅 Tuesday, June 2, 2026
🕓 4 to 8 p.m.
📍 Strawberry Vale Community Hall (11 High Street)
☕🖍️ Light refreshments and a children’s craft table will be provided.

An online survey will be open from Tuesday, June 2 until Thursday, July 2 for those who cannot attend or prefer to provide feedback digitally.

Learn more: saanich.ca/helloIWP

05/19/2026

Saanich is hosting an open house introduction to first steps of a Interurban-Wilkinson- (Hastings) Project

Date: June 2 2026 Time 4-8PM
Location: Strawberry Vale Community Hall 11 High Street

https://hello.saanich.ca/en/projects/interurban-wilkinson-project
🚗🚗🚗🚗🚗🚗🚗🚗🚗
Those of you who live in Carey Area, attend Camosun Interurban, or must transit (by whatever means) through the 5-way Interurban-Hastings-Wilkinson intersection should be very interested in this initial session. You likely have strong opinions.

For those of you who cannot attend, we assume (and strongly urge) Saanich to provide all information presented and a summary of community comments online. And provide meaningful opportunity to comment online.

We don't yet know what "background" Saanich will provide attendees. Here are a few items which we hope are addressed:

Issues (mainly traffic) with the intersection have been "addressed" several times in past decades by Saanich. CARA's predecessor organization Strawberry Vale Ratepayers Association (SVRA) was heavily involved.

For example, in the late 1990s SVRA and Healthy Saanich spearheaded the Wilkinson Road Action Plan which included intersection issues and traffic analyses. We haven't been able to find the report on the Saanich website (we may be able to find a dusty paper copy somewhere!). Current staff or the consultant may not know about it.

In 2005-2006 SVRA held several community meetings with Saanich Engineering focused on traffic issues. Those meetings and various proposed plans involved closing off Hastings or other side streets (e.g. North Road) and rerouting transit routes. The resulting actions do not seem to have "solved" traffic problems on Interurban and Wilkinson!

Some felt the eventual construction of the the McKenzie x Highway 1 interchange would divert through traffic from Helmcken/Wilkinson to McKenzie and Highway 17. Did it? We don't know. Continued population and traffic growth, much to and from the West Shore, may have overwhelmed the possible diversion effect of the interchange.

And beginning in 2023, the province imposed mandates to increase residential densities and Saanich's official community plan (OCP) reflects that. While all residential properties of Carey Area within the urban containment boundary are now "up-zoned" to allow 4- or 6-plexes, the area around the intersection allows for even higher residential densities. That makes solving problems with this already- complex intersection even more difficult than in previous decades.

Does Saanich have a "magic wand" this time around?

Stay tuned, give the issue some deep thought, and make sure your voice is heard!!!

05/16/2026

You may have heard about the recent dog attack on a young girl at Hyacinth Park. The young girl required emergency treatment at VGH for the dog bites. We've shared most of the original post below.

We haven't heard more about this but we'll post updates as we can.

In the meantime, please contact bylaw enforcement if you witnessed the attack or can provide other pertinent information to help in the investigation. Of note: Saanich contracts out animal control complaints to the CRD https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/animals-pets/animal-complaints .

Please comment if our information is incorrect or needs adding to! We want to keep Carey Area safe!!

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"On Saturday, May 2 around 2:30pm, our 4-year-old daughter was viciously attacked by a dog at Hyacinth Park. She suffered multiple bite wounds to her neck, face, ear, and head requiring emergency treatment and extensive stitches at VGH.

Several people nearby kindly helped immediately after the attack by bringing towels and ice, and we are incredibly grateful. In the chaos of the traumatic event, and the immediate attention our daughter needed, not many witness statements or contact info were obtained. We are now hoping to connect with anyone who may have witnessed the incident or its immediate aftermath.

**There was a baseball game on at this time**

If you were there, saw what happened, or may have photos/video or additional details, please send me a private message or comment and I will reach out to you. Even small details could be very helpful as we continue working with Animal Control and pursue next steps.

We also believe it is important this incident is properly documented to help prevent future harm to other children and community members."

For complaints regarding animal control issues, please contact our office via phone or online complaint form.Please note we require your name, address and phone number to move forward with any complaint.The Capital Regional District (CRD) responds to animal complaints in:Central SaanichColwoodHigh...

05/08/2026

Update:
Planned Saanich Transit Centre at Glanford and Vanalman
🚌🚌🚌🚌🚌🚌🚌🚌🚌🚌🚌🚌🚌
Things are moving along.

BC Transit has awarded a contract to Kinetic Construction. Next steps include confirming property lines, applying for demolition permits and eventually "demolition activities later this summer".

Transit plans to hold on-site open houses in June.

We are, of course, interested in what impacts demolition, construction, and (ultimately) additional bus traffic will have on the neighborhood and on Glanford.

Stay tuned!!

With Greater Victoria’s population growing and transportation trips expected to increase by 40 percent, an additional operations and maintenance facility is needed.

05/08/2026

Hopefully, you've received your access code in the mail already. Don't forget - it is supposed to be filled out by May 12 2026.

The data are very important as a snapshot of how we're doing, from local (Carey!) areas to all of Canada, and for developing appropriate policies.

You might get the long form - so don't put off filling it in until the last minute 😲

The has begun! Look for your census letter in the mail. Census data paint a portrait of Canadians and their stories – from small communities to entire provinces and territories.

Complete your census today: https://www.census.gc.ca/en/index?utm_source=fb&utm_medium=smo&utm_campaign=statcan-statcan-cpop2026-coll.

05/07/2026

It's been feeling summery 🌞🌞🌞!! You know what that means.

Time to mark your calendar and dust off your dance moves 🕺🕺 for Music in the Park at Carey Area's Hyacinth Park.

Featuring "Groove Diggers" , tasty food, and exhibitors

Tuesday August 4 6-8PM

https://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/parks-recreation-community/parks/events-in-park/music-in-the-park.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tiAxexcxYoM