Once earmarked for future farming, the 27-acre Panama Flats is now a public open space with a new vision on the horizon – and Saanich is inviting residents to help shape what comes next.
On Wednesday (June 25), at the Northridge Elementary School gymnasium, residents are invited to an open house to view options for the district's new draft concept plan.
After the open house, feedback will be collected through an online questionnaire on the project's web page at saanich.ca, which will contain details on the survey launch at a later time.
An updated draft concept plan is expected before council in the fall.
The district purchased the flats in 2011 to establish a public open space that would provide flood plain management, optimize environmental values, create a new park and trails and enhance food security.
In 2014, the district developed a concept plan that reflected an agricultural priority for the future use; however, the district applied unsuccessfully to the Agricultural Land Commission to add more land to the Agricultural Land Reserve, and it was revealed that costly drainage infrastructure work would be needed to make large-scale farming feasible.
"Given that large-scale agriculture, a dominant feature of the 2014 plan, has proven unfeasible, Parks is reconnecting with the community to learn how the flats are currently being used, and to identify community interests and ideas for Panama Flats," the district says on its website.
The new draft plan and open house explores multiple facets including: the land's importance to First Nations; how to protect biodiversity and conservation, such as the migratory bird habitat and rare plant habitat; how Saanich can ensure the important function of stormwater management is maintained; whether recreational opportunities be improved; and if there are localized opportunities for small-scale farming/gardening.
The draft plan follows a series of engagement activities with community interest groups. Staff have also reached out to local First Nations, offering opportunities for input and to explore possible collaborations.
The June 25 open house takes place at 4190 Carey Rd.
The open house follows a call by the Carey Area Residents Association for council to ensure community engagement and environmental safeguards are prioritized ahead of the plan’s release.
