Saanich Grapples with Growth: A Balancing Act on Quadra and McKenzie
It's a tale as old as time, isn't it? The push and pull between progress and preservation, between the urgent need for more housing and the deeply held desire to maintain the character of established neighbourhoods. Saanich's recent approval of the Quadra-McKenzie Plan, a blueprint for long-term growth, is a prime example of this perennial urban dilemma. After more than three years of deliberation and a marathon five-and-a-half-hour public hearing, the council has finally inked a plan that, in my opinion, is destined to be a lightning rod for debate for years to come.
The Heart of the Matter: Density and Displacement
What makes this plan particularly fascinating is the sheer volume of public feedback – over 17,000 pieces – that has been poured into its creation. This isn't just a few disgruntled residents; it's a significant portion of the community voicing their concerns. The core of the controversy, as I see it, revolves around increased density. While proponents argue that growth is inevitable and that concentrating it in areas with existing transit and infrastructure is the most sensible approach, many residents fear the creeping transformation of their familiar streets. Personally, I think the anxiety is understandable. When you envision a six-storey apartment building where a quiet street once stood, it’s natural to feel a sense of unease. The plan aims to guide this growth into designated centres, corridors, and villages, which, in theory, makes a lot of sense. However, the devil, as always, is in the details, and the perception of how this density will truly impact daily life – from traffic to local amenities – is where the disconnect often lies.
Navigating the Compromises: Height Limits and Community Input
One thing that immediately stands out is the iterative process of revision. The potential for buildings as tall as 24 storeys was significantly scaled back to a maximum of 12 or 18 storeys in some centres, with corridors capped at six storeys. Even areas transitioning to single-family neighbourhoods will see limits of three or four storeys. This suggests a genuine effort to moderate the impact and respond to community feedback. However, what many people don't realize is how much these adjustments can still feel like a compromise that doesn't fully satisfy anyone. Those who wanted more density might see the reductions as a dilution of the plan's effectiveness, while those opposed might still feel the proposed heights are too imposing. The mayor's acknowledgment that "nothing changes overnight" is a crucial point; this is a long-term vision, and the actual realization of these changes will unfold gradually, which can be a difficult concept to grasp when facing immediate concerns.
The Affordability Conundrum: A Deeper Question
What this plan really suggests is that Saanich is actively confronting the housing affordability crisis. Coun. Zac De Vries hit the nail on the head when he stated, "Doing nothing doesn’t preserve affordability or opportunity. It simply limits who can live here." From my perspective, this is the crux of the issue. The status quo, while comfortable for some, actively excludes others. The question isn't if growth will happen, but how it will be managed. The hope, as expressed by Coun. Karen Harper, is that more housing options will indeed lead to improved affordability, particularly for younger generations who are finding it increasingly difficult to establish themselves in the community. It's a bold aspiration, and one that many cities are striving for, often with mixed results. The challenge lies in ensuring that the new developments don't just add units but contribute to a more inclusive and accessible community.
Indigenous Consultation and Environmental Stewardship
A detail that I find especially interesting is the amendment to include a new goal of restoring and stewarding ecosystems and working with Indigenous communities. This was a direct response to concerns raised by the Songhees First Nation, who requested a postponement pending meaningful consultation over the Garry oak ecosystem. This is a vital development. It highlights the growing recognition that urban planning must be holistic, incorporating ecological considerations and respecting Indigenous knowledge. The commitment to an "ongoing relationship and discussion" is a positive step, signaling a move towards more collaborative and culturally sensitive development. While it might not resolve all issues immediately, it lays the groundwork for a more respectful and integrated approach to growth, acknowledging that our urban spaces are intertwined with natural heritage and the histories of those who have cared for it for millennia.
The Road Ahead: Imperfection and Progress
Ultimately, the Quadra-McKenzie Plan, like any significant undertaking of this nature, is not perfect. Coun. Harper's sentiment that "if I waited for perfection or if any of us waited for perfection, nothing would ever get done" resonates deeply. The 6-2 vote in favour indicates a council that, while acknowledging the dissent, believes this plan represents the best path forward. The two dissenting votes, from Councillors Brownoff and Chambers, underscore the lingering concerns about density creep and the need for more robust engagement, particularly with Indigenous communities. As the plan moves towards final adoption later this summer, it serves as a compelling case study in the complex, often messy, but ultimately necessary process of shaping our cities for the future. It forces us to ask: what kind of community do we want to be, and what are we willing to do to get there?
