Technical Studies – Saanich Transit Centre

Several technical studies have been completed to better understand the site conditions. This information will inform future planning and site design. As further studies are undertaken, they will be posted here. 

Summary:

Stage 1 Preliminary Site investigation identified potential environmental concerns at 4212 Commerce Circle and 4206 Commerce Circle sites (former bus maintenance facilities), including fuel tanks, maintenance shops, and paint bays, with possible contaminants like hydrocarbons, metals, and Volatile Organic Compounds.

Recommendation:

Conduct Stage 2 Preliminary Site Investigation to confirm presence or absence of contaminants.

Further Action:

Assess hazardous building materials before any renovations or demolition to ensure worker and public safety.

Full Technical Study:

STC_Report_Stage1PSI_FINAL_091825 (1)_compressed (2)

Summary:

Stage 2 Preliminary Site Investigation investigated the Areas of Potential Environmental Concern from Stage 1; all soil, groundwater, and soil vapour levels were below BC Contaminated Sites Regulation standards, with no contaminants requiring remediation.

Recommendations:

No further investigation needed; decommission unused monitoring wells and prepare a Soil Management Plan with professional oversight during removal of tanks, fueling systems, and foundations.

Further Action:

Retain a qualified environmental professional to oversee utility, foundation, and infrastructure removal, collecting confirmatory samples if potential contamination is observed.

Full Technical Study:

2241-24138-00_Stage 2 PSI_BCT 4206 and 4212 Commerce Circle_F0

Summary:

Future Saanich Transit Centre soils are variable (clay, silt, sand, gravel) over shallow bedrock with shallow groundwater; the site is seismically active (Class D/E). This assessment summarizes historical geotechnical data and provides general guidance for BC Transit planning.

Recommendations:

Implement erosion and sediment controls, setbacks, and engineered fill measures during demolition and utility decommissioning; monitor groundwater and consider deep foundations or subgrade improvements for future development.

Further Action:

Conduct additional geotechnical testing (e.g., Cone Penetration Test), map bedrock for pile design, review material reuse, and perform geotechnical oversight during demolition and decommissioning as needed.

Full Technical Study:

STC_Geotech Assessment_19Sept2025_Signed

Summary:

Phase I Environmental Site Assessment at 4210 Commerce Circle, 4212, and 4216 Glanford Avenue identified no Areas of Potential Environmental Concern; current and past activities pose low environmental risk.

Recommendations:

Conduct hazardous building materials assessments before any renovations or demolition to ensure worker and public safety.

Further Action:

Monitor site conditions during demolition and grading through the Soil Management Plan.

Full Technical Study:

4210, 4212, 4216 Phase I ESA_FINAL_Sept 2025 (1)_compressed

Summary:

The Construction Environmental Management Plan guides safe removal of buildings and utilities at the site, identifying environmentally sensitive features and providing best practices to protect soil, water, vegetation, wildlife, air quality, and archaeological resources.

Recommendations:

Treat the Construction Environmental Management Plan as a living document, implement spill, erosion, and wildlife protections, ensure compliance with environmental standards, train personnel, and follow chance find procedures for cultural materials.

Further Actions:

Monitor site progress with a qualified professional, enforce stop-work if needed, manage waste and invasive species, and implement site stabilization before, during, and after demolition.

Full Technical Study:

STC FINAL CEMP v. 1 20251003

Summary:

150 trees were identified at 4206–4216 Commerce Circle; municipal and off-site trees must be retained, and no on-site trees are of notable significance or pose moderate to extreme risk within one year.

Recommendation:

Retain and protect municipal and off-site trees; preserve on-site trees where feasible with protective measures, and remove those unsuitable for long-term retention.

Further Action:

Hold site meetings with the arborist and contractors to confirm protection measures, maintain fencing and mitigations, and monitor retained trees during and after demolition. Tree removals will be subject to municipal tree protection bylaw and corresponding replacement. 

Full Technical Study:

250924_Saanich Transit Centre Project_Demolition Arborist Report_R1

Summary:

Investigation identified hazardous materials typical of buildings of this era, including asbestos, lead paint, silica, mercury, rodent droppings, and fuel oil tanks.

Recommendations:

Retain a licensed abatement contractor to safely remove hazardous materials, manage dust with Personal Protective Equipment and best practices, and follow WorksafeBC regulatory requirements.

Next Steps:

Complete final clearance inspection and sampling, dispose of hazardous materials at licensed facilities, and confirm areas are safe for demolition and worker access.

Full Technical Study:

STC-Demo Hazmat Report_4212 Commerce Circle – Wilson’s__18Sept2025

Summary:

Hazardous materials survey at 4210 Commerce Circle found no asbestos or lead; potential silica in concrete/mortar/drywall and mercury in lights/switches; no mould, Chromated Copper Arsenate–treated wood, fuel tanks, or radioactive materials observed.

Recommendations:

Remove fluorescent lights and switches per BC regulations, follow WorkSafeBC guidance for any hazards, submit required Notices of Project, and manage dust with Personal Protective Equipment and best practices.

Further Actions:

Retain certified contractors, complete final clearance inspections and sampling, and dispose of hazardous materials at licensed facilities.

Full Technical Study:

STC-Demo Hazmat Report_4210 Commerce Circle – Training Facility_18Sept2025

Summary:

Hazardous materials investigation identified asbestos, lead paint, silica, mercury, and potential Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Chlorofluorocarbons, and fuel tanks; no vermiculite, Chromated Copper Arsenate–treated wood, mould, radioactive materials, or rodent droppings were observed.

Recommendations:

Retain a licensed abatement contractor to safely remove hazardous materials, manage dust with PPE, and comply with WorksafeBC regulatory requirements.

Further Actions:

Complete final clearance inspection and sampling with certified contractors, and dispose of hazardousmaterials at licensed facilities.

Full Technical Study:

STC-Demo Hazmat Report_4206 Commerce Circle – BCT Handy Dart_18Sept2025

Summary:

Hazardous materials investigation at 4216 Glanford Avenue found asbestos in floor tiles, mastic, ceiling materials, and caulking; silica, mould, rodent droppings, synthetic insulation, mercury, and stored chemicals were also observed. No lead paint, Chromated Copper Arsenate–treated wood, fuel tanks, or Polychlorinated Biphenyls ballasts were detected.

Recommendations:

Retain a licensed abatement contractor to safely remove hazardous materials, manage dust with PPE, and comply with WorksafeBC requirements.

Further Actions:

Complete final clearance inspection and sampling with certified contractors, and dispose of hazardous materials at licensed facilities.

Full Technical Study:

STC-Demo Hazmat Report_4216 Glanford Ave – Belfor_18Sept2025

Summary:

Hazardous materials include asbestos in sink insulation, silica in concrete/mortar, mercury in lights/thermostats, and possible Polychlorinated Biphenyls in ballasts; no lead exceedances detected.

Recommendations:

Retain a licensed abatement contractor to safely remove hazardous materials, manage dust with Personal Protective Equipment [PPE], and comply with WorksafeBC requirements.

Further Action:

Complete destructive testing in Fall 2025 when unoccupied, and ensure final clearance inspections, sampling, and disposal by certified contractors at licensed facilities.

Full Technical Study:

STC-Demo Hazmat Report_4212 Glanford Ave – JE Anderson_18Sept2025

Summary:

Soil Management Plan guides demolition and soil management at the Saanich Transit Centre. Stage 2 Preliminary Site Investigation confirmed no soil contamination on-site; soils, gravels, asphalt, concrete, and debris will be managed per BC Ministry of Environment requirements.

Recommendations:

Reuse suitable soils on-site; send excess or unsuitable soils to approved disposal facilities, and implement erosion, sediment, and water management per the Construction Environmental Management Plan.

Further Actions:

Construction Manager and contractor will execute the Soil Management Plan, updating as needed to ensure compliance and environmental protection.

Full Technical Study:

STC SMP_Final_R1