The District of North Saanich
 With a
population of around 10,000 people, 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 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.
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.
Click here for more information about the District
of North Saanich.
The District of Central Saanich
 Central
Saanich has a population of close to 14,000 people. The dominant age groups are
in the 25-44 range (adult baby boomers) and the 55 and up range. Agriculture is
the most extensive land use in the community 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.
Because of its attractive rural lifestyle, Central Saanich experienced
considerable demands for development during the 1980s. 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 the Sunshine Hills golf course for golfing enthusiasts.
Central Saanich has its own police force and Fire Department. Garbage
collection is done on a private basis.
The Town of Sidney
 "Sidney
by the Sea" as it is affectionately known, currently has a population of
just over 10,000 people. Because of its climate, natural amenities and friendly
community character, Sidney's fastest growing age group is in the 65 and over
category. Sidney has established trend-setting laws requiring the provision of
adaptable housing for persons with disabilities. Sidney is under the
jurisdiction of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
In an effort to maintain population balance, the municipality has approved
single family developments that cater to younger people and attempt to make
housing more affordable. Sidney has extensive waterfront walkways, parks,
restaurants and marinas. The Panorama Leisure Centre provides indoor tennis, ice
arena and pool and will soon offer squash and racquet courts. The Glen Meadows
Golf and Country Club and the Ardmore golf course serve golf enthusiasts.
There is daily ferry service to Anacortes, Washington, U.S.A. Sidney is less
than two kilometres away from the Victoria International Airport, three
kilometres from the B.C. Ferry Terminal to Vancouver and only 25 minutes away
from downtown Victoria.
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