Say NO to Lansdowne School South Campus Land Sale

WE NEED TO PROTECT THIS LAND FROM DEVELOPMENT

WHY IS THIS PROPERTY IMPORTANT?
This site is needed for public greenspace and flood control

We live in an urban watershed that’s subject to flooding.
The Master Drainage Plan (2007) determined this property to be one of the best sites for stormwater detention in more frequent major storm events predicted for BC.
Building on this site will greatly reduce effectiveness for flood control in our local community and downstream into Oak Bay.
Millions of dollars have been invested over the past years to research, plan and restore the Bowker Creek watershed.
Saanich, Victoria, Oak Bay, the CRD and SD61 all endorsed the Bowker Creek
Blueprint (2012) and received the Daylighting Feasibility Study.
The Shelbourne Valley Action Plan recommends “integrating the principles and actions in The Bowker Creek Blueprint” and to “acquire key properties to facilitate the restoration of Bowker Creek.”
This property is specifically identified for ‘proposed acquisition/potential park’ in Saanich’s Shelbourne Local Area Plan and the Parks Master Plan.

WE ASK FOR YOUR SUPPORT TO OPPOSE ANY BUILDINGS ON THIS PROPERTY

please write to Saanich Mayor and Council
let them know our community values this property for greenspace and flood control

Dear Neighbours and Friends,
Camosun Community Association and the Friends of Bowker Creek ask for your support in writing a letter to council to save this publicly owned land for greenspace and flood control needs. Please let Saanich know how you value this site – add your owns words telling council how this area is of value to you, your household and our community.

More information and letter writing tips available on the websites below.

WHY IS THIS AN ISSUE?

Loss of greenspace: The Shelbourne community continues to experience population growth among the highest in Greater Victoria. As our neighbourhoods densify it’s crucial they remain safe, liveable, enjoyable, with adequate access to natural areas, greenspace, recreation and parks.
Loss of stormwater management: The Shelbourne community must protect this greenspace as part of long term planning for the entire Bowker Creek watershed to ensure we have the capacity to manage stormwater in major storm events and flood prevention; to protect, connect and restore areas of high biodiversity; to create greenways as active transportation corridors. These objectives support Sustainable Saanich policy, local area plans, the Bowker Creek Blueprint and the Daylighting Feasibility Study.


HOW DID WE GET HERE?

The proposal to sell this property was first announced in late 2021 by School District 61 (SD61) without the required community consultation before a decision to dispose of public school land. The sale was opposed by the Greater Victoria (GV) Teachers Association, the Greater Victoria Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils, and hundreds of community members who spoke overwhelmingly in opposition to the sale. Over 2000 people signed a petition and over 240 letters were written to SD61 opposing the sale.

NEXT STEPS:

PLEASE WRITE TO SAANICH! Your letters will let the municipality know that our community is opposed to building on this important community greenspace and flood plain.

Email Saanich Council at: council@saanich.ca and mayor@saanich.ca

We will keep you informed via flyers, email and posts to our websites.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND LETTER WRITING TIPS:

Please contact us via email: savelansdownesouth@gmail.com for further information