Saanich police are seeking public help after a series of thefts and vandalism incidents targeting speed‑limit signs along Torquay Drive. Officials say 10 incidents of sign damage or removal have been reported on the stretch between Gordon Head Middle School and Ash Road since April 29, with the most recent occurrence reported on Monday.
Location and context
The signs are located on a residential section of Torquay Drive used daily by children walking to Torquay Elementary and Gordon Head Middle schools. The district lowered speed limits on neighbourhood streets to 30 km/h as the default three years ago; many nearby arterial roads, including Ash Road, are restricted to 40 km/h. Prior to that change, the provincial default had been 50 km/h.
- Number of reported incidents: 10 (since April 29)
- Location: Torquay Drive between Gordon Head Middle School and Ash Road
- Speed limit in place: 30 km/h on neighbourhood roads
Community concerns and local memory
Longtime residents say the vandalism has shaken the neighbourhood. One man who lives nearby told the Times Colonist it was “a waste of taxpayer money” for the district to repeatedly replace the signs. He said he woke to find a sign missing outside his home.
“I just woke up one morning, and the sign was gone.”
A woman who has lived near Torquay Drive for more than 40 years recalled the serious collision in 2017 when 11‑year‑old Leila Bui was struck at the intersection of Torquay Drive and Ash Road on her way to school and suffered life‑changing injuries. The driver in that case was convicted of dangerous driving causing bodily harm after evidence showed speeding and texting.
Official response
Saanich Mayor Dean Murdock described the vandalism as “beyond foolish,” saying it compromises the safety of road users. He rejected the idea that the incidents are connected to a small amount of public backlash when the district reduced neighbourhood speed limits, and challenged those responsible to channel their energy into civic engagement.
“Reducing speed limits saves lives,” said Murdock, who is not seeking another term as mayor. “If they are [opposed], I would encourage them to put the spray paint down and get involved in the upcoming election.”
Practical impacts and next steps
Police are appealing for information to identify those responsible. The ongoing loss and damage of signs has costs for the municipality, and residents warn it reduces the visibility and effectiveness of traffic‑calming measures intended to protect children and other road users. Neighbours also say traffic volume and engine revving tends to increase during summer months when renovations and construction are more common.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Incidents reported | 10 (since April 29) |
| Area affected | Torquay Drive (between Gordon Head Middle School and Ash Road) |
| Neighbourhood speed limit | 30 km/h |
For residents concerned about roadway safety, the immediate course is to report suspicious activity to Saanich police and to the district so signage can be replaced promptly. Longer term, the incidents raise questions about enforcement and the resources required to maintain basic traffic‑safety infrastructure in residential neighbourhoods.
Police did not disclose whether any suspects have been identified. Anyone with information about the sign thefts or vandalism on Torquay Drive is asked to contact Saanich police.
