Central Saanich Residents Demand Urgent Referendum on Expropriated Land

UPDATE: Central Saanich residents are urgently calling for a legally binding referendum on the controversial expropriation of land intended for municipal facilities, including a new municipal hall and emergency services. This demand follows the revelation of a secret property acquisition that bypassed public consultation, raising significant concerns about transparency and fiscal responsibility.

New reports confirm that the district’s council, without public input, expropriated a four-acre property from its owners, who aimed to develop a seniors care facility. The justification for this action was framed around an alleged urgent need for infrastructure, yet evidence suggests that existing facilities could sustain the community until 2035 with proper maintenance.

A critical document, commissioned by the district, that supported the sustainability of current infrastructure has been kept from the public eye. The district later commissioned a feasibility study for their plans, but when a community member requested access, the entire 136-page document was found to be completely redacted, raising further suspicions about the council’s motives.

“Following the money is crucial,” stated local resident Cyril Hume. “This pot of money from our pockets is not bottomless. Taxation needs to be sustainable.” Hume urges residents to take action, reminding them that the decisions made today will directly affect their property taxes tomorrow.

In a bid to gauge public opinion, the district has contracted Deloitte to conduct a poll of just 100 residents, a sample deemed pathetically small by critics. The district is also sending out coded postcards to solicit feedback on pre-selected redevelopment options, but the process has been criticized for lacking transparency. The results of these surveys are non-binding, which many residents see as a cynical attempt to appear engaged without genuine accountability.

Residents argue that this process highlights a deeper issue of governance and community representation. “What are they afraid of?” Hume asks. “This is your community, your tax money. Insist on a referendum.”

The expropriation remains a contentious legal issue, with the final purchase price and legal costs yet to be determined. As the district navigates this complicated situation, residents are encouraged to make their voices heard. Hume advocates for either a referendum now or to include the issue in the upcoming civic election scheduled for October 2026.

Time is of the essence. Central Saanich residents are urged to contact their elected councillors, rallying for a transparent and inclusive decision-making process regarding the future of their community. This situation is developing rapidly, and the community’s response will shape the outcome of this critical issue. Share your thoughts and stand up for your rights—this is your moment to influence the future of Central Saanich.