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Saanich Heritage


Saanich is one of the oldest agricultural settlements in British Columbia and an area rich in local history. As early as the mid-1850s, employees of the Hudson's Bay Company and the first colonial settlers embarked on the arduous task of transforming the virgin forests of the Peninsula into productive farmland. The farms and dairy herds of Saanich soon became a vital source of food for Victoria's expanding population and by the turn-of-the-century the district was renowned for its cultivation of fruit and flowers. Since that time Saanich has become a major residential area in the Capital Regional District while still maintaining an important agricultural base.

Saanich Council endorsed the Heritage Action Plan on February 12th, 2007. A copy is available for viewing online.

house on Woodley The history of Saanich and its pattern of settlement is still evident in many of the old buildings and structures located throughout the district. The homes, schools, churches, commercial buildings, and farm buildings of heritage significance reflect the efforts and aspirations of the pioneer era as well as later periods of development. They provide a tangible link with the past and a meaningful sense of historical continuity. It is important that we preserve this vital part of the community's heritage.

The Local Government Act provides local government with the ability to protect heritage buildings and structures, streetscapes, and archaeological sites. Council has shown leadership by establishing the Saanich Archives, the Arts, Culture and Heritage Advisory Committee, and the Saanich Heritage Foundation to identify, monitor, and develop programs to protect heritage resources and to promote heritage awareness.

Heritage Walking Tours of the Gorge Road West Area - 2008
Saanich's first self guided Heritage Walking Tour brochures are ready to use. Download and view or print both Heritage Walking Tours of the Gorge Road West area. Tour One covers the area between Admirals Road and Colquitz Avenue and Tour Two provides a guide between Adelaide Avenue and Inez Drive. These brochures begin to tell the history of Saanich and, in particular, the Gorge Road West area.

 

 

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