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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.
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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