Transit-oriented development coming to Victoria, premier announces
A new transit-oriented development will be coming to the Victoria area, B.C.'s premier announced Monday.
Hundreds of homes will be built in the Uptown area of Saanich, using two parcels of land that were recently bought by the provincial government.
Plans are still being finalized, but the site is expected to include public gathering spaces, commercial space, and the potential for amenities like child care and community health facilities. It'll also be designed to integrate with the Lochside and Galloping Goose trails, to improve connections between active transportation routes.
"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," Premier David Eby said in a statement. "This new development in Saanich will create a vibrant, connected community where people can find everything they need at their doorstep."
The land was bought using money from the Transportation Ministry's property acquisition fund, which was announced in the province's 2023 budget. One property was bought for $7.5 million, while the other was bought for $1.8 million.
"It’s encouraging to see housing developments being planned along frequent transit corridors because making transit easier and more accessible will get more people onto buses and get them where they need to go without the need of a personal vehicle," said Saanich Mayor Dean Murdock in a statement. "Higher density developments in closer proximity to frequent transit service and retail spaces like Uptown will result in the creation of more livable communities."
Last fall, B.C. proposed new legislation that would require municipalities to designate areas near bus exchanges and rapid transit as transit-oriented development areas. Within those areas will be minimum height and density requirements based on the size of the city and the distance from the transit facility.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Blaine Higgs 'furious' over sexual education presentation
New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs has shared his anger on social media over a presentation in at least four high schools.
Grayson Murray's parents say the two-time PGA Tour winner died of suicide
Grayson Murray's parents said Sunday their 30-year-old son took his own life, just one day after he withdrew from a PGA Tour event.
The dreams of a 60-year-old beauty contestant come to an abrupt end in Argentina
A 60-year-old woman saw her dreams of becoming the oldest Miss Universe contestant in history melt away in a haze of sequins and selfies Saturday at Argentina’s annual beauty pageant.
2 died in plane crash near Squamish, B.C., police confirm
Two people died after a plane went down in a remote area near Squamish, B.C. on Friday, authorities have confirmed.
Kingston, Ont. tenants fed up with lack of action from landlord over broken floor tiles
Joel Felder and Misti Pitcher have been living in their apartment in Kingston, Ont. for over two years, but the past 12 months have been miserable.
Driver, 18, gets $3,000 ticket, 32 demerit points after speeding on Laval boulevard
A young driver received a hefty fine from Laval police after they say he was driving nearly 100 km/h over the posted speed limit.
Are you a loud snorer? You could have sleep apnea
You'll have a lot more energy throughout the day if you get a good night's sleep, but not everyone does due to a medical condition.
At least 15 dead after severe weather carves path of ruin across multiple U.S. states in the South
Powerful storms killed at least 15 people and left a wide trail of destruction Sunday across Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas during the latest deadly weather to strike the central U.S.
North Korea informs Japan of a plan to launch military spy satellite
North Korea has told Japan it plans to launch a satellite by early next week, an apparent effort to put its second military spy satellite into orbit.