BC Transit will launch a redesigned website in the next few weeks to make it easier for riders to plan trips and find the transit information they need.
With Greater Victoria’s population growing and transportation trips expected to increase by 40 percent, an additional operations and maintenance facility is needed. This will allow BC Transit to expand its fleet, keep buses running smoothly, and ensure our customers get the quality transit service they depend on. Long-term, an additional operations and maintenance facility is needed to support an expanded fleet to meet local service demands and the expansion of the Victoria Regional Transit System.
Future Saanich Transit Centre
As announced in December of 2023, BC Transit plans to utilize several BC Transit-owned properties to create a five-acre site between Glanford Avenue and Commerce Circle for a future Saanich Transit Centre. The central location is well-positioned for an additional operations and maintenance facility to support increasing transit service for the Victoria Region. The location and prior use of a portion of the site for BC Transit’s handyDART operations make it well-suited to transition to a fixed route operations and maintenance facility. It is industrially zoned for this use.
Site Preparation
To support the intended future development, the initial phase of work is approved and includes:
Building demolition is expected to occur in Summer 2026. More information will be provided in advance of demolition.
The unoccupied properties may be utilized at times for non-disruptive training activities by BC Transit and Greater Victoria police agencies.
What’s planned for this site
A modern operations facility will be designed to support efficient, sustainable, and reliable transportation services for the community. The project includes:
Administration and Maintenance Building
A modern hub for operations, secure parking and bus maintenance, ensuring smooth day-to-day transit operations. Will accommodate maintenance bays, cleaning and fueling.
The main building is expected to be positioned toward the southern and central portion of the property, allowing for efficient use of space while leaving room for supporting infrastructure and access.
One entry and exit point on Commerce Circle and Glanford Avenue.
Sustainability
Will be designed to achieve LEED Gold certification, reflecting a strong commitment to environmental responsibility and energy efficiency.
LEED principles outline best management practices to reduce energy, chemical use, water, air pollution, solid waste, and/or runoff associated with the building site.
Battery Electric Bus (BEB) ready to support future electric bus fleet.
Facility will be designed to meet Dark Skies Guidelines, limiting light trespass/pollution from the site.
Environmental Protection and Monitoring
Environmental protection is a key planning principle applied to site design and operational planning. The development will meet or exceed all municipal, provincial and federal standards for environmental protection.
McElhanney has been retained as the design consultant and Aqua-Tex Scientific has been retained as the independent environmental monitor to oversee the site preparation and planning for building demolition that will occur later this year.
Funding
Funding for preliminary site preparation has been provided by the Government of Canada and the Province of BC. Future construction will require significant additional investment.
Community and Indigenous Engagement
Community and Indigenous engagement will inform each phase of planning and design. Open houses were held in 2025 and more will be offered throughout 2026.
By emailing to sign up, you acknowledge that the personal information you provide here will be used to receive e-newsletters from the Saanich Transit Centre project team. BC Transit collects and manages your personal information as required by Sec. 26 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. If you have questions about how your personal information is managed, please contact saanichtransitcentre@bctransit.com
Neighbourhood Open Houses – Saanich Transit Centre BC Transit is preparing the site for a future Saanich Transit Centre [operations and maintenance facility] to support the growing needs of our region and the transition to electric buses. This future facility will play a key role in expanding and modernizing transit services across Greater Victoria. BC...
