Bear Hill Trunk Main Extension Project
The CRD is undertaking significant transmission water main upgrades within the Region with their first phase consisting of the Saanich Peninsula Upgrade and Expansion. This project involves upgrades to vulnerable sections of the Saanich Peninsula Water System for improved resiliency. This phase includes detailed design and construction of a transmission watermain along East Saanich Road from Mt Newton to Dean Park Lower Tank. This project will provide a second transmission line to the Peninsula and provide redundancy, increased seismic resistance and support future water demand.
Our Water Master Plan identifies required capacity upgrades along East Saanich Road within this project corridor as well as portions of a 1963 water main which is at the end of its intended service life. As this work will significantly disrupt the roadway, we requested the CRD obtain costing from their consultant, Jacobs, to include, in conjunction with the CRD work, the replacement of approximately 700 meters of North Saanich watermain extending along East Saanich Road from our municipal boundary to Dean Park Road and intersection improvements at East Saanich/Dean Park Road.
Estimated Timeline
The contractor anticipates beginning work at the North Saanich–Central Saanich boundary during the week of June 22, 2026, with pipe installation expected to continue through October. Testing and system tie-ins are anticipated to take place through the end of the year. While timelines may shift as work progresses, residents can expect approximately six to eight months of construction activity within North Saanich.
Jan. 8, 2026, Update
Residents are advised that construction activity related to the Capital Regional District (CRD) East Saanich Road Watermain Extension Project will be commencing shortly.
The project area extends from East Saanich Road and Wallace Road in Central Saanich, northerly along East Saanich Road to Dean Park Road, and westerly along Dean Park Road to the CRD reservoir near Griggs Terrace. The project involves the installation of a large-diameter water supply main along an approximately 3-kilometre corridor. In select locations, local distribution mains and service connections will also be replaced for both Central Saanich and North Saanich.
In the coming week, project signage will be installed at both the north and south ends of the construction area, including near the Dean Park Road intersection in North Saanich. Utility locates and preparatory work are expected to occur over the following two weeks.
Pipe installation is scheduled to begin at the south end of the project area (East Saanich Road and Wallace Road) during the week of January 26. Construction will proceed northerly and is anticipated to continue through much of 2026.
The anticipated timing of construction activity within North Saanich will be confirmed once work is underway in Central Saanich. Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Residents are thanked in advance for their patience and cooperation during this essential infrastructure project.
