Sidney was incorporated as a village in 1952 and since then it has continued to see steady growth. It is a gateway to some of the best boating waters and outdoor leisure activities in the world. Residents range in age and there are recreational amenities to suit all.
Population 11,300
Location
The Town of Sidney is located on the Saanich Peninsula on Vancouver Island. It is approximately 20 kilometers north of Victoria on Highway 17, also called the Pat Bay Highway. Sidney can be reached by air or sea from the mainland and lies just minutes away from the Victoria International Airport and the BC Ferries.
Schools
Sidney lies within School District 63. There are a number of schools to choose from, ranging from elementary to high schools, including various community and developing education schools.
Recreation
Because of Sidney’s Mediterranean climate, it is an ideal location for cycling, walking, jogging and outdoor tennis. It recently opened a Community Wellness Park that promotes healthy, safe outdoor exercise environment for seniors, persons with disabilities and the community as a whole. Sidney is home to two golf courses, several yoga studios, bowling and lawn bowling, and neighbours Panorama Recreation Centre.
Economy
A popular retirement centre, Sidney is defined by its lovely, walkable main street, Beacon Avenue, dotted with unique retail, bookstores, coffees shops and financial institutions. A significant number of the jobs are in construction, boat building/maintenance, manufacturing and warehousing. Other areas of employment in Sidney include healthcare and retail. Because Sidney is only a short drive to Victoria and other outlying communities, many people commute both to and from the seaside town.