DISTRICT OF SAANICH - RURAL SAANICH STRATEGY
Adopted: October 2022 | Updated: May 2024

=== STRATEGY OVERVIEW ===

Vision Statement:
Rural Saanich will remain a vital agricultural and natural landscape that supports farming viability, environmental stewardship, and rural residential lifestyles while contributing to the broader community's food security and quality of life.

Geographic Scope:
This strategy applies to lands outside the Urban Containment Boundary, including Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) properties, rural residential areas, and significant environmental features. Approximately 60% of Saanich's total land area is considered rural.

=== RURAL CHARACTER PRESERVATION ===

Defining Rural Character:
- Open agricultural fields and pastures
- Forested areas and natural landscapes  
- Low-density residential development on larger lots
- Agricultural buildings and farm operations
- Minimal commercial and industrial development
- Rural road network with natural edges
- Wildlife corridors and habitat connectivity

Development Principles:
- Maintain rural lot sizes and setbacks
- Preserve agricultural land for farming
- Protect sensitive environmental areas
- Cluster development to preserve open space
- Design buildings to complement rural landscape
- Minimize light pollution and maintain dark skies

=== AGRICULTURAL LAND PROTECTION ===

Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) Policies:

Zoning Designation: A-1 Agricultural Zone
- Primary Use: Agriculture, including crops, livestock, and farm operations
- Secondary Uses: One single-family dwelling per lot, one secondary suite
- Accessory Uses: Farm buildings, agricultural processing, farm worker housing
- Prohibited Uses: Non-farm residential subdivision, commercial/industrial development

Development Restrictions on ALR:
- Maximum Residential Floor Area: 400 m² combined (dwelling + suite)
- Building Siting: Minimize impact on productive agricultural land
- Soil Removal/Deposit: Requires Agricultural Land Commission approval
- Access Roads: Minimize impact on farming operations
- Landscaping: Native plants, avoid water-intensive landscaping

Farm Business Development:
- Agri-tourism: Farm tours, educational programs, farm-to-table dining
- Farm Processing: On-farm processing of agricultural products allowed
- Farm Retail: Direct sales of farm products to consumers
- Seasonal Farm Workers: Temporary accommodation for agricultural workers
- Agricultural Composting: Organic waste processing for agricultural use

=== RURAL RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT ===

Rural Zoning Framework:

RU-1 Rural Residential:
- Minimum Lot Size: 4,000 m² (0.4 hectares)
- Maximum Density: 1 dwelling per lot + secondary suite
- Building Height: 10 metres maximum
- Setbacks: 15m front, 10m side, 15m rear from property lines
- Agricultural Uses: Limited agricultural activities permitted

RU Rural Residential:
- Minimum Lot Size: 2,000 m² (0.2 hectares)  
- Maximum Density: 1 dwelling per lot + secondary suite
- Building Height: 10 metres maximum
- Setbacks: 10m front, 6m side, 10m rear from property lines
- Prohibited Uses: Intensive agriculture, commercial operations

Cluster Development Guidelines:
- Preserve 40% of developable land as open space
- Concentrate development on less environmentally sensitive areas
- Maintain agricultural buffers and wildlife corridors
- Shared stormwater management systems
- Common amenity areas and trail connections

=== ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP ===

Sensitive Ecosystem Protection:

Garry Oak Ecosystems:
- Development setbacks from Garry oak meadows
- Native plant restoration requirements
- Invasive species management protocols
- Public education and stewardship programs

Riparian Area Protection:
- 30-metre development setbacks from streams and wetlands
- Streamside vegetation retention and restoration
- Stormwater management to protect water quality
- Fish habitat protection and enhancement measures

Wildlife Habitat Corridors:
- Development clustering to maintain habitat connectivity
- Native vegetation retention along property boundaries
- Reduced lighting to minimize impact on nocturnal wildlife
- Pet management in sensitive habitat areas

=== RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE & SERVICES ===

Transportation Network:

Rural Road Standards:
- Narrower road widths to preserve rural character
- Gravel shoulders and natural drainage ditches
- Minimal street lighting to preserve dark skies
- Speed management through design rather than enforcement

Active Transportation:
- Multi-use pathways along major rural roads
- Equestrian trail network connections
- Cycling route designations for rural recreation
- Trail linkages to regional park systems

Public Transit:
- Limited rural transit service on major corridors
- Demand-responsive transit pilot programs
- Park-and-ride facilities at transit nodes
- Coordination with regional transit planning

Utilities & Services:

Water Supply:
- Municipal water service in designated rural areas
- Private wells in remote areas with aquifer protection
- Water conservation requirements for all rural development
- Groundwater monitoring and protection programs

Wastewater Management:
- On-site septic systems with enhanced treatment requirements
- Regular inspection and maintenance programs
- Soil suitability assessments for septic system placement
- Pump-out services and septage management

Solid Waste:
- Rural garbage and recycling collection routes
- Composting programs for organic waste
- Hazardous waste collection events
- Illegal dumping prevention and cleanup programs

=== AGRICULTURAL VIABILITY SUPPORT ===

Economic Development Initiatives:

Farm Business Support:
- Agricultural Economic Development Officer position
- Farm business planning and financial assistance
- Marketing and branding support for local products
- Farmers market and farm retail development

Land Assembly and Protection:
- Agricultural Land Bank for new farmer access
- Farm succession planning support
- Purchase of development rights programs
- Agricultural conservation easements

Infrastructure Investment:
- Rural water supply improvements for irrigation
- Agricultural drainage system maintenance
- Rural road improvements for farm vehicle access
- Telecommunications infrastructure for farm operations

=== COMMUNITY FACILITIES & RECREATION ===

Rural Recreation Facilities:
- Community centres serving rural neighborhoods
- Sports fields and outdoor recreation facilities
- Equestrian facilities and trail systems
- Rural library and educational services

Emergency Services:
- Volunteer fire department stations in rural areas
- Emergency response time standards for rural areas
- Disaster preparedness and evacuation planning
- Communication systems for emergency notification

Healthcare & Social Services:
- Mobile healthcare services for rural residents
- Senior services and aging-in-place support
- Youth programs and recreational activities
- Community gardens and food security programs

=== CLIMATE ACTION & RESILIENCE ===

Carbon Sequestration:
- Tree planting and forest enhancement programs
- Soil health improvement for carbon storage
- Wetland restoration and protection
- Agricultural carbon sequestration incentives

Climate Adaptation:
- Drought-resistant landscaping requirements
- Water conservation and efficiency measures
- Wildfire prevention and fuel management
- Flood risk management in low-lying areas

Renewable Energy:
- Small-scale renewable energy systems permitted
- Agri-voltaic projects combining agriculture and solar
- Geothermal and heat pump incentive programs
- Electric vehicle charging infrastructure

=== IMPLEMENTATION & MONITORING ===

Governance Structure:
- Rural Advisory Committee with agricultural and rural residents
- Quarterly coordination meetings with agricultural organizations
- Annual Rural Saanich Forum for community input
- Integration with Regional Growth Strategy implementation

Performance Indicators:
- Agricultural land retention rates
- Rural population and housing statistics  
- Environmental indicator monitoring (water quality, biodiversity)
- Infrastructure condition and service level assessments

Funding Mechanisms:
- Rural infrastructure reserve fund
- Agricultural development cost charge exemptions
- Senior government grant applications
- Public-private partnerships for infrastructure

=== POLICY INTEGRATION ===

Official Community Plan Alignment:
- Rural policies consistent with OCP objectives
- Regular OCP updates to reflect rural strategy evolution
- Development permit area guidelines for rural areas
- Zoning bylaw amendments to implement rural policies

Regional Coordination:
- Capital Regional District growth management coordination
- Agricultural and rural land use planning collaboration
- Regional transportation and infrastructure planning
- Inter-municipal service delivery agreements

=== ACTION PLAN (2024-2029) ===

Short Term (2024-2025):
- Update zoning bylaw for rural area development standards
- Establish Rural Infrastructure Reserve Fund
- Implement cluster development pilot projects
- Launch agricultural viability support programs

Medium Term (2025-2027):
- Complete rural transportation network improvements
- Establish agricultural land bank program
- Develop rural broadband infrastructure
- Implement environmental monitoring programs

Long Term (2027-2029):
- Evaluate rural strategy effectiveness and outcomes
- Update rural policies based on implementation experience
- Coordinate with regional growth strategy review
- Plan for rural area infrastructure renewal

=== CONTACT INFORMATION ===

Planning Department
District of Saanich
770 Vernon Avenue, Victoria, BC V8X 2W7

Phone: (250) 475-5471
Email: planning@saanich.ca
Web: www.saanich.ca/rural-planning

Rural Advisory Committee:
Meetings: Third Thursday of each month, 7:00 PM
Public participation encouraged
Meeting agendas and minutes available online

Agricultural Coordinator:
Phone: (250) 475-5494
Email: agriculture@saanich.ca
Farm visits and consultation services available

Document Version: 3.0
Last Updated: May 2024
Next Review: October 2026