Business & Economic Development
The District of Central Saanich believes in fostering a robust and vibrant community, including a strong local economy that encourages and supports businesses of all varieties and sizes.
Central Saanich has approximately 700 businesses, 200 of which are home-based. We have well established, pedestrian-oriented commercial centres in Saanichton and Brentwood Bay, commercial and industrial activities in the Keating Business Park, and a range of businesses throughout our friendly, picturesque community.
From coffee shops and other independently owned small businesses, right up to large scale tech and industrial companies, Central Saanich provides a welcoming and lively economic climate for new and established ventures alike.
The District is constantly working to ensure economic development in our region remains healthy. We are a founding member of South Island Prosperity Partnership, a regional organization of Greater Victoria with the mandate to diversify and strengthen the economy of our region.
In recent years, the District has taken a number of steps to further establish a healthy economic climate for business and to help new businesses grow and thrive in our community. These steps include:
- Creating an Community Economic Resilience Action Plan to ensure the long-term health of our economy
- Launching multiple grant programs to help businesses thrive, including:
- Hosting a Central Saanich Economic Recovery Roundtable to help local businesses recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
- Updating the Official Community Plan with current economic development policies
- Establishing a Local Business Directory
- Advancing the Keating Cross Overpass Project
- Launching a District Signage Strategy to promote local tourism destinations, provide directions to businesses, promote active transportation routes, and improve the overall aesthetic of the community.
- Conducting a Food Hub Feasibility Study
- Conducting a Keating Business District Parking Study
We are also working to protect existing tax bases and maximize economic opportunities in the Keating Business District, which is a vital local and regional economic driver. This industrial and commercial land base in Central Saanich supports local businesses and jobs, generates revenue, and contributes to a diversified tax base. The area currently supports 3,140 jobs in industries, including wholesale trade, manufacturing, transportation, warehousing, logistics, and construction. A recent (2017) business analysis of the area provided an overview of strategic benefits and provided a framework for retaining, enhancing, and growing the employment lands. Based upon the study and growth projections, there is the potential to generate 3,470 new jobs over 25 years (to 2041). Read the final implementation plan.