Shaping Our Future: The Shaker Church Road Extension and What’s Next for Tsartlip
Tsartlip First Nation (TFN) is in the early stages of planning a potential project to improve road access and essential services for community members: the Shaker Church Road Extension and Utility Upgrade Project.
We want to make it clear from the beginning: no decisions have been finalized yet. This is the start of a conversation, and community voices will play a large role in shaping the future of this project.
Rooted in Community Needs
Families living in the Shaker Church subdivision have raised concerns about not having legal road access to their homes, and about ongoing problems with water and wastewater services. In response, Chief Tom and the TFN leadership have brought in consultants to explore possible solutions.
This project came directly from community needs. The goal is to see if it is possible to extend a road and improve utility services to better support the families who live there now, all while helping future housing development happen safely and sustainably.
What’s Happening Now?
Right now, consultants are preparing a detailed feasibility study. This includes:
- Exploring possible road designs
- Looking at the best ways to upgrade utilities
- Estimating costs
- Preparing the required paperwork for Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), to make sure the project meets national standards for infrastructure in Indigenous communities.
This stage is all about gathering information. It’s a time to ask questions, listen to community input, and figure out what could work best.
The proposed road will run east-west, connecting to both West Saanich Road and Gowdy Road. In addition, the road will be located adjacent to the south boundary of the Shaker Church subdivision, facilitating the development of both housing and essential utilities.
Opportunities for Community Engagement
TFN is committed to keeping the community informed and involved in this process. There will be many community engagement opportunities, including:
- One-on-one discussions with property owners
- Community meetings
- Invitations to share feedback and ask questions
We’ll share updates as often as possible and keep the conversation going.
Why Is This Project Important?
The Shaker Church subdivision, located just north of Brentwood Bay, British Columbia, is home to several families who face significant challenges due to a lack of reliable infrastructure. It currently lacks a legal road connection, leaving families reliant on private landowners for access. This not only makes development and maintenance difficult but also limits the potential for future growth and improvement of essential services like water and wastewater systems.
One of the most critical access concerns is that the current road access is not adequate or safe for emergency vehicles. With climate change significantly increasing fire risk, a safe path for emergency vehicles like fire trucks is essential for the Shaker Church subdivision.
The existing infrastructure in the subdivision is also inadequate. Residents rely on septic systems that are prone to failure and cause frequent disruptions in daily life. The water supply is also insufficient, with low pressure that may not meet basic residential needs, let alone fire protection requirements.
Potential Outcomes
This new project could address these critical issues by introducing a sanitary sewer main, water main, and reliable utilities such as electricity, hydro, and street lighting. Connecting the Shaker Church subdivision to the broader community’s infrastructure will not only improve quality of life but also open up the possibility for new housing development.
The Shaker Church Road Extension and Utility Upgrade Project is designed to create a safer, more sustainable living environment for current and future generations of Tsartlip First Nation members. By connecting the subdivision to the rest of the community, TFN is taking a major step in facilitating housing growth, improving living conditions, and enhancing the community’s resilience.
Looking to the Future
TFN is a growing Nation. With over 1,000 members and 81 people on the housing waitlist, there’s an urgent need to create safe, accessible housing. This project could support some future population growth. The proposed extension of this road, along with upgrades to water, wastewater, and electrical infrastructure, represents a crucial investment in the well-being of the community, providing both immediate and long-term benefits.
If this project moves forward, it won’t be built overnight or without community input. The goal is to find the best way forward as a community. Through continued engagement, transparency, and thoughtful planning, TFN is laying the foundation for a brighter future for its members.
Stay tuned for updates and opportunities to share your thoughts and input on this project.
