Uptown Douglas Pre-Zoning & Network Design Project

Project Overview

The Uptown Douglas Pre-Zoning and Transportation Network Design Project (the “Project”) is the next step in putting the Uptown Douglas Plan (UDP) into action. The UDP was approved by Council in 2022, and this follow-up project focuses on turning that long term vision into a regulatory framework.

Project Highlights

This project is the next step in transforming the area into the complete, people-oriented ‘heart’ of Saanich. This will be accomplished through:

• Encouraging development which enhances the area as a regional landmark
• Transforming Oak Street into a vibrant pedestrian high street that links Uptown Shopping Center to Mayfair Mall
• Creating a Future Park, bringing more green space for the community to enjoy.
• Creating a new lane, Audley Crossing, which will be a shared street providing access for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles
• Supporting economic development in the area through development that provides a mix of employment uses

Project Timeline

Public Engagement

Public engagement is ongoing until July 6, 2026. The engagement schedule is available below.

• Online Webinar #1, Thursday, June 4, 2026 from 7 - 8:30 p.m.
• Online Webinar #2, Friday, June 5, 2026 from 12 - 1:30 p.m.
• Open House, Thursday, June 11, 2026 from 4 - 8 p.m. at Saanich Municipal Hall (770 Vernon Avenue)
• Online Survey, Open from June 1 - July 6, 2026 on HelloSaanich.

It is strongly recommended that you attend an online webinar session or the open house before completing the survey.

Registration for webinars and open houses via HelloSaanich is recommended, but not required.

We encourage you to “Follow” at the top of our page to be kept informed about project updates.

Project Update – March 26, 2026

On March 23rd, staff presented an update on the progress of the Uptown-Douglas Pre-Zoning & Network Design Project to Council. The presentation included a review of the draft zoning and the draft transportation network design, along with pre-zoning implementation options and proposed amendments to the Uptown Douglas Plan. Council received the staff report for information and directed staff to:

1. Revise the Terms of Reference for the Uptown-Douglas Pre-Zoning and Network Design Project to present property owners, within the pre-zoning area, with an opportunity to opt in to the rezoning of their properties and that the consultation include a car dealership specific meeting.
2. Proceed to consultation on potential amendments to the Uptown-Douglas Plan that would: extend the Core land use designation to include properties along Blanshard Street; enable consideration of development up to 24-storeys along Blanshard Street and Douglas Street; and lower the base building in the Urban Mixed-Use designation from eight storeys to six storeys.
3. Proceed to consultation on the land use framework and network design presented and include a range of options for potential Floor Space Ratio (FSR) exclusions within the Uptown-Douglas Plan (UDP), including, but not limited to the provision of such elements as: amenity space for residents, employment space, day care spaces, cycling amenities, and clinic/medical use.

The staff report and other project related information can be found through the links below:

Staff Report

• Attachment-A
• Attachment-B
• Attachment-C
• Attachment-D

Uptown Douglas Plan - Financial Feasibility Analysis Report (2026)

UPD Pre-zoning & Network Design Project Presentation