Saanich's Council has finally approved the Quadra-McKenzie Plan, a controversial neighbourhood plan that will guide the future growth of Quadra Street and McKenzie Avenue in Saanich. This decision comes after a five-and-a-half-hour public hearing, during which residents expressed a wide range of opinions, from lauding the changes to arguing that the plan should be scrapped altogether. The plan, which has been more than three years in the making, aims to focus future growth in Saanich's centres, corridors, and villages where there is transit and infrastructure to handle the increased density. However, the plan's approval is not without controversy, with concerns raised about the potential for increased traffic congestion, a lack of environmental protections, and the potential for too much density in single-family-home neighbourhoods.
One of the key aspects of the plan is the reduction of vehicle lanes on both McKenzie Avenue and Quadra Street in favour of more space for buses and bikes. This change was made to encourage more transit-friendly designs, but it has also sparked debate about the potential impact on traffic flow and the need for updated infrastructure to handle the increased density. Additionally, the potential for buildings as tall as 24 storeys in some centres was cut to 12 or 18 storeys, while buildings on corridors were capped at six storeys. This change was made to ensure that the plan is more in line with the existing infrastructure and to prevent the potential for too much density in certain areas.
Despite the concerns raised by residents, the plan's approval is seen as a necessary step towards addressing the housing crisis in Saanich. Coun. Zac De Vries argued that keeping the status quo won't help those who can't afford to live or stay in Saanich, and that growth will happen regardless, so the question is where and how those homes will be provided. Coun. Karen Harper also noted that the plan is a living document that will be revised as needed, and that it's important to move forward with the plan to improve affordability and provide more housing options for the younger generation.
However, the plan's approval is not without its critics. Councillors Nathalie Chambers and Judy Brownoff both voted against adopting the plan, with Brownoff expressing concerns about the potential for too much density in single-family-home neighbourhoods. Chambers, meanwhile, said the process should have included more engagement, particularly with the Songhees First Nation, who had requested that Saanich postpone adoption of the plan pending meaningful consultation over the Garry oak ecosystem. To address these concerns, the council amended the plan to include a new goal of restoring and stewarding ecosystems, and added a policy of working with Indigenous communities to incorporate their knowledge into Garry oak restoration approaches.
Despite the controversy, the plan's approval is seen as a necessary step towards addressing the housing crisis in Saanich. As Mayor Dean Murdock noted, the plan will not please everyone, but it's a long-term plan that will guide Saanich over the next five, 10, 15, and maybe 20 years in these corridors. The final adoption of the plan will come later this summer, and it's hoped that the plan will help to improve affordability and provide more housing options for the residents of Saanich.
