B.C. buys land near transit hub in Saanich for homes

The B.C. government has made two more purchases of land near transit hubs, this time in the Saanich area, to build homes.

Premier David Eby and Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation Rob Fleming shared Monday that while the plans for the development are in the early stages, it will include “hundreds” of housing units, gathering spaces, and active transportation connections.

The development will also include the option for retail and commercial spaces, child care, community health facilities, and educational services.

“Our communities are growing quickly, and people need affordable homes close to public transit, so they can get to where they need to go — and get ahead in life,” said Eby.

“That’s why our government is buying up land around transit hubs and making sure that the homes that are built there are affordable to people who actually use transit to get to school, work, and appointments. This new development in Saanich will create a vibrant, connected community where people can find everything they need at their doorstep.”

The announcement comes on the heels of a similar purchase made in Port Moody last year, where another parcel of land was bought for transit-oriented development.

Legislation passed by the NDP government across 2022 and 2023 aimed to “speed up” the creation of homes and encourage communities to build housing closer to transit, services, and amenities.

The legislation requires municipal governments to identify “Transit Oriented Development Areas (TOD Areas)” within 800 metres of rapid transit stations, like SkyTrain, and within 400 metres of bus exchanges.

The province explains it bought the land using the ministry’s $394-million property acquisition fund in Budget 2023, with both parcels in Saanich costing approximately $9.3 million.

-With files from Hana Mae Nassar