Low tides and warm temperatures are causing an unpleasant odor that can be mistaken for sewage. This is the result of seaweed and algae breaking down and releasing gasses. It is an annual occurrence and smells can linger for 2-3 weeks. Water quality is tested regularly throughout the summer.

Library Services

Photo of a paved pathway lined with yellow and purple flowers leading to the Sidney North Saanich Library branch.

The Sidney/North Saanich Library branch is located at 10091 Resthaven Drive next to the Rose Garden and Wellness Park. The service is operated by the Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) system, which serves the whole of Vancouver Island above the Malahat, as well as Sidney, North Saanich and Sooke on the lower Island.

Financial Information

The local library branch is co-owned by the Town of Sidney and the District of North Saanich, and leased to VIRL for staffing and operation. The Town of Sidney collects funds annually, on the property tax bill, on behalf of VIRL, and remits the funds to VIRL for Sidney’s share of operating the library service.  In 2023, the average residence, valued at about $930,000, paid a library levy of $104.31.

Sidney, like all VIRL members, pays for a share of overall VIRL operating costs according to a formula based on population and the assessed value of property within each jurisdiction.