Greater Victoria - Saanich
The largest municipality in Greater Victoria, Saanich claims a population of about 110,000.
Located just to the north of Victoria, Saanich contains a mix of suburban and rural neighborhoods.
When Europeans first came to the area in the mid 1800's they began clearing forests and establishing farms to supply the growing population of Victoria.
Many heritage structures; farmhouses, churches and other buildings have been preserved from this period.
History buffs can learn more about Saanich by visiting the history page at the District of Saanich website.
These days Saanich is comprised of many neighborhoods and a great variety of housing styles ranging from apartments, condos, and multifamily housing to single family residences of all sizes, styles and values.
There are modest suburban family neighborhoods and upscale neighborhoods, also country residential and acreage properties.
With over 18 kms of oceanfront and several freshwater lakes there are many waterfront and waterview properties.
Some of the older neighborhoods with small postwar housing are in the process of being redeveloped and newer housing is replacing the small older homes.
Within its borders Saanich is divided into 35 distinct neighborhoods, some of the largest include: · East and West Saanich; · Royal Oak; · Broadmead; · Prospect; · Elk and Beaver Lakes; · Tillicum; · Gorge; · Cordova Bay; · Mt.
Doug, and · Gordon Head.
Some of these are distinctly rural while others are solidly suburban and there is a wide range of properties available so that people who want to buy a home in Saanich are sure to be able to find something that suits them.
The University of Victoria is located on the borders of Saanich and Oak Bay, and both major campuses of Camosun College, the original Lansdowne campus and the Interurban campus are found here as well.
The Dominion Astrophysical Observatory, a key site for astronomical study is found on Observatory Hill on West Saanich Road.
There are several recreation facilities within the municipality including: Saanich Commonwealth Place, Gordon Head Recreation Cente, G.
R.
Pearkes Recreation Centre, and Cedar Hill Recreation Centre.
Options for outdoor activities abound as well; Saanich boasts a large number of parks, like: · Swan Lake/Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary; · Mount Doug Park; · Elk and Beaver Lake Regional Park, and · The Galloping Goose and Lochside Trails.
Saanich is serviced by its own police and fire departments and most areas have access to municipal water and sewer systems.
Some rural properties may still rely on wells and septic tanks and fields.
The municipality offers biweekly garbage pickup and recyclable pickup is provided by the Capital Regional District (CRD).
Saanich is a very popular place to live because of the temperate climate and access to amenities.
Employment opportunites are plentiful and varied, as well as options for post secondary education.
Warm, dry summers and mild winters that see very little snow or freezing temperatures mean residents of Saanich can pursue outdoor activities year round.
The beautiful city of Victoria is right next door and there is little that a person can't find in Saanich, or within Greater Victoria.
Located just to the north of Victoria, Saanich contains a mix of suburban and rural neighborhoods.
When Europeans first came to the area in the mid 1800's they began clearing forests and establishing farms to supply the growing population of Victoria.
Many heritage structures; farmhouses, churches and other buildings have been preserved from this period.
History buffs can learn more about Saanich by visiting the history page at the District of Saanich website.
These days Saanich is comprised of many neighborhoods and a great variety of housing styles ranging from apartments, condos, and multifamily housing to single family residences of all sizes, styles and values.
There are modest suburban family neighborhoods and upscale neighborhoods, also country residential and acreage properties.
With over 18 kms of oceanfront and several freshwater lakes there are many waterfront and waterview properties.
Some of the older neighborhoods with small postwar housing are in the process of being redeveloped and newer housing is replacing the small older homes.
Within its borders Saanich is divided into 35 distinct neighborhoods, some of the largest include: · East and West Saanich; · Royal Oak; · Broadmead; · Prospect; · Elk and Beaver Lakes; · Tillicum; · Gorge; · Cordova Bay; · Mt.
Doug, and · Gordon Head.
Some of these are distinctly rural while others are solidly suburban and there is a wide range of properties available so that people who want to buy a home in Saanich are sure to be able to find something that suits them.
The University of Victoria is located on the borders of Saanich and Oak Bay, and both major campuses of Camosun College, the original Lansdowne campus and the Interurban campus are found here as well.
The Dominion Astrophysical Observatory, a key site for astronomical study is found on Observatory Hill on West Saanich Road.
There are several recreation facilities within the municipality including: Saanich Commonwealth Place, Gordon Head Recreation Cente, G.
R.
Pearkes Recreation Centre, and Cedar Hill Recreation Centre.
Options for outdoor activities abound as well; Saanich boasts a large number of parks, like: · Swan Lake/Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary; · Mount Doug Park; · Elk and Beaver Lake Regional Park, and · The Galloping Goose and Lochside Trails.
Saanich is serviced by its own police and fire departments and most areas have access to municipal water and sewer systems.
Some rural properties may still rely on wells and septic tanks and fields.
The municipality offers biweekly garbage pickup and recyclable pickup is provided by the Capital Regional District (CRD).
Saanich is a very popular place to live because of the temperate climate and access to amenities.
Employment opportunites are plentiful and varied, as well as options for post secondary education.
Warm, dry summers and mild winters that see very little snow or freezing temperatures mean residents of Saanich can pursue outdoor activities year round.
The beautiful city of Victoria is right next door and there is little that a person can't find in Saanich, or within Greater Victoria.