Free transit and active travel options lead the plan
Central Saanich will celebrate its 75th anniversary on July 25 with a full day of activities at Centennial Park in Saanichton, while rolling out a transportation plan aimed at easing traffic and improving access. For residents in Saanich and across the Peninsula, the District has partnered with BC Transit to provide a complimentary shuttle and is adding secure bike parking and marked walking routes to help people leave their cars at home.
The free shuttle, using an accessible bus, will circulate approximately every 30 minutes starting at 11:30 a.m. The final departure from Centennial Park is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. Organizers are also supporting cyclists and pedestrians with a no-cost Capital Bike valet operating from 11:45 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. inside the park’s basketball court area. Visitors will receive a numbered claim tag to retrieve bicycles, scooters, strollers or bags.
Where to catch the shuttle
The District says the route is designed to connect neighbourhood hubs with the park. Riders should look for signage at the following locations:
- Stelly’s Secondary School
- Brentwood Bay library
- Saanichton Village bus exchange (south of the Prairie Inn on East Saanich Road)
- Centennial Park at Wallace Drive and Hovey Road
A marked walking and cycling route along Tomlinson Road through Centennial Park trails will guide people safely to the venue. Drivers are asked to consider these options to reduce traffic pressure around the park throughout the afternoon and evening.
| Service | Start | End | Frequency/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free BC Transit shuttle | 11:30 a.m. | Final shuttle 8:15 p.m. (from park) | ~every 30 minutes |
| Capital Bike valet | 11:45 a.m. | 8:30 p.m. | At park basketball court |
Temporary closures and parking changes
Motorists travelling from Saanich to Saanichton should expect changes. Hovey Road will be closed between East Saanich Road and Centennial Park for the duration of the event. Limited public parking will be available on Wallace Drive and in one on-site lot at the venue. To accommodate demand, an overflow lot will operate at Stelly’s Secondary School, where visitors can either walk the marked route or board the free shuttle.
The District is reminding drivers not to park in bike lanes or block driveways, intersections or other areas that could create hazards. With road capacity constrained around the park and evening attendance expected to build for the live music lineup, the transit shuttle and bike valet are intended to move people to and from the site more smoothly.
What attendees can expect on site
The celebration runs from noon to 8 p.m. at Centennial Park and will feature live local music, a food truck festival and children’s activities. The District is encouraging families to plan their trip using the shuttle or active travel options to avoid delays, particularly during peak periods late afternoon into the evening.
Why it matters for Saanich residents
Centennial Park sits a short drive from the District of Saanich boundary, and East Saanich Road is a key connector for Peninsula communities. Given the temporary closure on Hovey Road, drivers making routine trips in the area on July 25 may prefer alternate routes or additional travel time. For those attending from Saanich neighbourhoods, the complimentary shuttle and valet services offer a cost-free way to reduce parking pressure near the venue while ensuring quicker entry and exit during the event window.
