Published 3:00 pm Tuesday, February 3, 2026 By Christine van Reeuwyk
Read more at: https://vicnews.com/2026/02/03/saanichs-bear-hill-gets-ready-for-5-year-crd-farm-pilot-program/
Read more at: https://vicnews.com/2026/02/03/saanichs-bear-hill-gets-ready-for-5-year-crd-farm-pilot-program/
A regional park is almost ready to raise farmers on a recently revamped tree nursery in Saanich. A plot in Bear Hill Regional Park serves as a pilot project for the Capital Regional District, under its new Foodlands Access Service established in February 2025. Fallow nearly a decade, with only a small portion used as by the Garry Oak Meadow Preservation Society as a seedling nursery, and previously used as a City of Victoria nursery, CRD staff are now seeking final board approval to use the land for a five-year farm pilot.
Dubbed a farmer-incubator site, the district already allocated a partnership of Haliburton Community Organic Farm Society and LifeCycles Project Society to operate the site, the regional parks committee heard during its Jan. 28 meeting.
Haliburton has two decades of experience in farm incubation and agricultural land management, with a focus on supporting certified organic and regenerative farming practices. LifeCycles is a regional leader in food literacy and security.
Preliminary preparation started in November, according to an information report shared with the committee. That work included clearing brush, invasive plants, trees and stumps alongside soil sampling and testing. Building a base is anticipated to continue the first half of 2026, with a focus on building out farm infrastructure, remediation and policy development including refinement of the farmer application process, land agreements and tenancy responsibilities. The Farmland Access Service aims to use the existing house, with some investment for safety upgrades, to support farm operations. The plan includes removal of a dilapidated barn on the property. The plan is to have farmers selected and accessing the land at 5920 Patricia Bay Hwy by August.