The most-populous Vancouver Island region of Saanich – north of B.C. capital Victoria – offers cheaper housing than central Victoria and Vancouver alike, drawing in young adults and seniors alike. The town of Sidney on the coast of the Saanich Peninsula has the highest senior population of any other Greater Victoria area, thanks to relocation from mainland Vancouver and proximity to the island’s biggest hospitals, Victoria General and Royal Jubilee. Approximately 37 per cent of Sidney’s population is 65 and over according to Census data. The University of Victoria and Camosun campuses are also located in Saanich, drawing in young adults and driving down the district’s rental vacancy rate to a scant 0.4 per cent. Industrial and retail projects are leading commercial development in the Sidney/North Saanich and Central Saanich areas, including the $35-million Sidney Crossing retail development and active leasing of the Sean Heights Business Park.
