BC Transit is starting site preparation and building demolition work at the site of the future Saanich Transit Centre this July that will continue to the end of 2026. This early site preparation work is necessary to ensure the site is ready for future facility construction when funding is secured.
The construction contract was awarded to Kinetic Construction and their onsite presence is anticipated to increase throughout June, starting with tree protection work and progressing towards taking down five buildings in the summer and fall months. Once the buildings are removed, civil work will be completed to ensure the site is ready for future construction. Ahead of any future construction, the site may be used for bus or other BC Transit-related storage needs.
Prior to any significant work taking place, BC Transit will host two open houses offering the public a chance to meet the project team, ask questions, and learn more about the upcoming on-site activities. Neighbours and anyone interested are encouraged to drop-by for coffee and light snacks at one of the times below:
| When | Where |
| 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, June 18 | 4196 Glanford Avenue (Former Wilson’s Transportation location) |
| 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 20 | 4196 Glanford Avenue (Former Wilson’s Transportation location) |
BC Transit has applied to the District of Saanich for all the necessary permits, completed a tree protection plan, and has an independent environmental monitor that will oversee and document all aspects of demolition and site preparation activities. A tree inventory has been completed by a professional arborist and a bird nesting study is underway. BC Transit is also working with nearby neighbours and business owners to ensure construction impacts are mitigated as much as possible and milestone timelines are communicated.
During construction, a traffic management plan will ensure there are minimal impacts to local road users, and the majority of construction activities will be managed within the property boundaries. All construction activities will take place within all District of Saanich bylaws and BC Transit apologizes in advance for any inconvenience this work may cause.
In the future, funding will be needed to support an expanded transit network in the Victoria region, including a new operations and maintenance facility at this site. The need for a new regional facility was identified in 2011 and BC Transit’s current facilities are reaching their limit. To add more buses to the transit system, another facility is needed to park and maintain them. This five-acre site is zoned for this use and centrally located, with easy access to the Pat Bay Highway.
The $47.8 million in combined investment was announced in December 2023 by the governments of Canada and British Columbia, and BC Transit. Visit saanichtransitcentre.com to find out more about the project or signup for regular updates through the project E-newsletter.
Media contacts:
BC Transit Communications
Media@bctransit.com