September 15, 2023 – Victoria Hospice submitted a subdivision application to the District of Saanich today as they continue the process to complete a feasibility study for the purchase of a 1.3-acre parcel of land on Richmond Road from School District 61. The new site could provide a future home for a campus of care with a mix of in-patient beds and community support programs and services.
“This location will enable a greater diversity of care programs and a hub for expanding community, education, and bereavement care programs,” said Len Wansbrough, Board Director, Victoria Hospice Society, and Chair of the Planning & Development Committee. “We look forward to working with the community to gain more information about this site to help us decide if it’s a fit for a new facility that can offer in a home-like, neighbourhood setting.”
The search for a new home for Victoria Hospice has been ongoing for nearly 20 years – the existing location at Royal Jubilee Hospital has been deemed inappropriate for redevelopment or expansion. The Richmond Road site positions the new campus of care close to the hospital and health services for the easy transfer of patients and access for health care workers who work in both locations.
Subdivision of the site is part of the criteria of the purchase agreement between Victoria Hospice and School District 61. Initiating a subdivision application will allow planning consultants working on behalf of Victoria Hospice to gain further information about developing the property.
A key consideration of this site is Bowker Creek, which is adjacent to the land Victoria Hospice seeks to purchase. Victoria Hospice shares in the community’s interest in seeing it protected and enhanced to improve aquatic habitat and revive fish stocks.
Over the coming months, Hospice will undergo a community engagement process to share their technical assessment of the site and the segment of Bowker Creek to inform further planning and design.
Local aquatic biologists are consulting on the project to ensure any potential redevelopment of the property meets the Bowker Creek Blueprint and the objectives of the Daylighting Feasibility Study. Victoria Hospice believes the redevelopment of this land provides an opportunity to add additional flood capacity, attract funding and share expertise for the protection and enhancement of the creek and, ultimately the watershed. As part of the School District sales agreement, should Hospice development of this site proceed, Hospice is committed to improving the riparian area and overall health of this section of Bowker Creek, as well as introducing therapeutic gardens and educational opportunities.
The subdivision application is expected to take several months to process. For updates please visit the project webpage.