Raymond / Brunswick project major changes Oct. 2026

Taanishi (hello),

I’m reaching out on behalf of Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) to provide an update on the development proposal for 3656 Raymond Street South, and 307/309 Brunswick Place.

First, thank you for your ongoing patience as we navigate funding challenges for our project. In March 2026, BC Housing formally advised MNBC that, due to fiscal constraints, the funding that was provisionally approved for this project would not be advanced at this time. MNBC made the difficult decision to postpone the housing development in order to prioritize childcare in order to meet their funding deadline.

In March 2026, BC Housing formally advised MNBC that, due to fiscal constraints, the funding that was provisionally approved for this project would not be advanced at this time. MNBC made the difficult decision to postpone the housing development in order to prioritize childcare in order to meet their funding deadline.

We are actively exploring options to advance a revised housing project independent of the childcare component. While this will likely result in a smaller-scale development, it will focus on addressing the most critical housing needs within the community. MNBC remains committed to delivering housing and childcare for Métis citizens in Saanich and the Greater Victoria area.

Maarsii (Thank you),

Allison Millar (She/Her) SENIOR MANAGER, HOUSING AND INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

The new drawings are in the referral from Saanich, —attached document—

                       3656 Raymond St. S and 307/309 Brunswick Place
                                      rezoning application  2024 – forward
             Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC)  https://www.mnbc.ca/

PROJECT HISTORY

Property is owned by MNBC and project is a partnership with BC Housing  to construct a mixed-use, six storey, affordable rental building.

21 January 2026 News: – The project was presented to the Advisory Design Panel on 21 January 2026, they expressed unanimous support for the project. There has been no additional information since then.

Original Design

As we understand it, as of 2025, application includes a child care facility, with commercial kitchen and publicly accessible space on the first floor. Underground parking (47 stalls). The parking will be divided: a visitor/drop off section and a gated section for residents. There is a dedicated elevator from the parking level to first floor for public use and a private elevator for residents. Parking is accessed on west side of property beside Westview Gospel Chapel.

Housing component total of 55 units (mix of: 5 – 3 bed; 20 -2 bed; 15 – 1 bed; 15 – studio).  Some units with ‘lock off design’ to allow flexible unit size. Residents will have private green space amenity.The multi-use pathway overpass of Tillicum Road is expected to begin construction in 2026. The south side of the site will be impacted by the overpass, with possible privacy issues. The south side contains the childcare outside play area.

Child care facility for 24 children, (children 0-5 yr. of age)  priority given to child placement of building residents.  Island Métis Family and Community Services Society      https://metis.ca/island-metis-childcare-centre/. – Step Code 4 completion, Bike parking – 79 secure underground bike parking various types of stalls. Sidewalk construction to extend to corner of Tillicum and Hwy #1.

Planning Dep’t sent a “priority referral form” requesting MVCCA comments be sent in by June 18th 2025. The project has been discussed at a number of MVCCA meetings and our letter was the main item on our June 17th agenda. Our letter has been sent in, the referral document is available here: COMMUNITY ASSOC FINAL 1 As of Nov. 2025 the project is in the process of obtaining a Building Permit.

History of concerns raised by residents

These include: need of sidewalk on Raymond, safety of pedestrians and cyclists, height, density, shadow effect, traffic, parking, general noise, and that BC transit may move location of bus stops.

questions include:
1. traffic study to be completed
2. changes that may be requested by Saanich Planning
3. will the site-specific zoning retain the characteristics of P-1 Zoning, goal would be ensure available space for daycare facilities.

General Requests:

  • support for our request to Saanich for funding of community amenities in Raymond area.
  • study of the potential impact of this project and the Cadillac six storey project; on the congestion at the corner of Cadillac and Tillicum.
  • that the Saanich bike repair station (Hwy 1 & Tillicum) be kept in working order



                                                         prepared and updated by Carol Hamill