Central Saanich

Central Saanich, BC, incorporated as a district municipality in 1950, population 15 936 (2011c), 15 745 (2006c). The District of Central Saanich is one of three district municipalities located on the SAANICH PENINSULA, about 21 km north of VICTORIA. The communities of Saanichton and Brentwood Bay are located in the district municipality. The name Saanich means "elevated" in the Salish language. This may be in reference to Mount Newton. This area of VANCOUVER ISLAND is noted for the quality of its agricultural land. The West Coast's oldest agricultural fair, established in 1871, is held in Saanichton every September. The community is also known for its flower growers and ships over 13 million daffodil blooms each year to markets in the rest of Canada. Since the 1960s parts of the district municipality have become largely residential due to the expansion of the Greater Victoria area.