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About the CRD

Main office address:
625 Fisgard Street
Victoria, British Columbia
Canada V8W 1R7
tel: 250.360.3000

Parks & Community Services

Regional Parks

CRD Regional Parks protects and manages more than 13,000 hectares of spectacular and easily accessible natural areas in 33 regional parks and trails in the Capital Regional District. The mandate of CRD Parks is to establish and protect a network of regional parks in perpetuity that represent and help maintain the diverse range of natural environments in the region and provide opportunities for outdoor experiences and activities that foster appreciation and enjoyment of, and respect for, the region’s natural environments.

The General Manager works closely with incorporated and unincorporated areas, and elected officials on regional parkland issues and has overall responsibility for the Regional Parks division. Read more >

Visitor Services and Community Development

Visitor Services and Community Development staff connect visitors with parks, park values and provide  volunteer opportunities for residents of the region to be involved in the stewardship of Regional Parks.  Staff deliver interpretive programs and provide opportunities for park visitors to learn more about their natural and cultural heritage.

Staff provide information to the public about regional parks and trails and on site visitor information, such as signs and information kiosks.  Staff provide interpretive program registration, issue park use permits for group picnic shelters and special events, and provide administrative and financial support to the division.

Planning, Resource Management and Development

Planning, Resource Management and Development staff are responsible for planning, resource management and capital development.

Planning staff, working with partners and through consultation with municipalities, provincial and federal governments, First Nations, public and staff, develop the Master Plan, park and trail management plans and the division’s business plan. Planning staff also guide the regional park land acquisition program.

Resource management staff are responsible for scientific and technical work related to environmental management, conservation and restoration.

Capital development staff deliver the Regional Parks facility program by leading and coordinating the planning, development and project management for new regional park and trail facilities (e.g., buildings, trails, bridges), and the upgrading and long-term maintenance program of existing facilities.

Park Operations Services

Park Operations Services staff provide day-to-day operations and maintenance for all regional parks and trails. Staff develop and maintain park facilities such as trails, nature centres, washrooms, beach and picnic areas, parking areas, vehicle and foot bridges, information kiosks, and trail and road signs and carry out park conservation and restoration projects.  Park signs, safety and security, including bylaw enforcement and fire management, are all services provided by Park Operations staff.

Peninsula Recreation

Through Panorama Recreation Centre, the Peninsula Recreation provides a wide variety of services to residents of the Saanich Peninsula. The Panorama Recreation Centre is the Peninsula Recreation's main facility and comprised of two arenas, an indoor swimming pool (using a salt purification system), four indoor tennis courts, two outdoor tennis courts, modern weight room and fitness studio, squash and racquetball courts and three small multi-purpose rooms.

The Peninsula Recreation has a joint use agreement with School District #63 (Saanich) for the use of various gyms and classrooms for community programs, and a joint use agreement also is in place with the Saanich Indian School Board.

Programs offered through Panorama Recreation cover a broad scope of interests that include such topics as fitness and weights, cooking, investing, arts and crafts, swimming/skating and tennis lessons, cardio/stroke/accident or injury rehabilitation services, and computers. Read more >

Sooke & Electoral Area Parks & Recreation

The Sooke & Electoral Area Parks and Recreation (SEAPAR) creates recreational opportunities for the public through the planning, development, provision and operation of recreation facilities, programs and activities with a focus on the people of the District of Sooke and the Juan de Fuca Electoral Area. Read more >

Juan de Fuca Electoral Area Parks and Recreation

Juan de Fuca Parks and Recreation is composed of eight members appointed by the CRD Board from the community, plus the Regional Director. The positions of Chair and Vice-Chair are elected annually from within the group, and standing committees, advisory groups and task forces are appointed as required.

The JDF Parks and Recreation Commission acquires, develops, operates and maintains a network of community parks and trails within the JDFEA. Community parks and trails also include beach access points and viewpoints. Read more >

Southern Gulf Islands Electoral Area Parks and Recreation Commissions

The Southern Gulf Islands Parks and Recreation Commissions, which include Pender Island Parks and Galiano Parks and Recreation, work to create and maintain community parks and trails on the SGI. They also maintain and improve public beach access and create recreation opportunities as needed and desired by their communities.

The Pender Island Parks and Recreation Commission is run by eight local volunteer members appointed by the CRD and the Director for SGI. Read more >

The Galiano Island Parks and Recreation Commission is run by eight local volunteer members appointed by the CRD Board and the CRD Director for SGI. Read more >