Sidney residents have until September 14 to share their thoughts on a revised borrowing proposal for a regional recreation facility in Central Saanich. The Town of Sidney is seeking community input before deciding whether to support a new Capital Regional District borrowing bylaw of up to $9.114 million.
The revised plan scales back the original $14.2 million borrowing request that Sidney council rejected by a 4-3 vote on May 11, 2026. The proposed facility on Hovey Road would be reduced from 10,000 square feet to 7,500 square feet, with the overall project budget set at $10.114 million, including $1 million from capital reserves.
Under the revised proposal, Sidney would contribute about 29.3% of annual debt servicing costs through the Peninsula Recreation Commission. That translates to an estimated $30.50 per year for the average Sidney household, with costs not starting until the facility is complete in 2029 or 2030. Central Saanich households would pay about $39.72 per year, and North Saanich households about $47.15.
Central Saanich was the first municipality to support the revised borrowing plan on July 13, 2026, with only Councillor Zeb King opposed. Sidney and North Saanich must also consent before the bylaw can proceed to the Inspector of Municipalities for final approval.
The new facility would include a weight room, flexible multipurpose spaces for programs and camps, space for pottery and arts, washrooms, change rooms, and staff offices. Peninsula Recreation Commission facilities currently operate at more than 95% capacity across all programs, leading to crowding and long waitlists.
Residents can provide feedback by emailing [email protected] before September 14. For more details, visit the Town of Sidney website and the Capital Regional District.
