With one in five Peninsula residents still without a primary care provider, the community is showing up to say: local healthcare matters.
SIDNEY, BC — On Saturday, March 7 at 3:30 p.m., Saanich Peninsula residents will gather in Centennial Park for a community photo, a visual call to action showing that local healthcare can’t wait.
The event, organized by Shoreline Medical Society, comes at a critical moment: one in five Peninsula residents has no family doctor or nurse practitioner. Many have been waiting years. And the doctors who do serve the community are essential not just to their own clinics, but to keeping Saanich Peninsula Hospital running.
Shoreline also operates the Peninsula’s only Youth Clinic, offering free, confidential medical, mental, and sexual health care for young people aged 12–24. It is funded almost entirely by grants and donations and is the only service of its kind in the region. Last year, it provided more than 400 appointments to local youth but despite adding another counsellor, had to turn down more than 100 appointment requests due to lack of capacity.
“This photo is more than a picture,” says Leslie Keenan, Executive Director of Shoreline Medical Society. “It’s proof that this community is ready to do the work to make sure everyone has access to team-based primary care. When residents, patients, providers, and local elected representatives stand together, it shows that strong local healthcare isn’t negotiable, whether it’s navigating complex conditions, supporting youth facing mental health struggles, or ensuring families can see a doctor close to home.”
Shoreline is exploring the feasibility of opening a third primary care clinic on the Peninsula, a move that could attach thousands more residents to care. The community photo will help build momentum and raise funds to strengthen and expand services for youth, families, and the 20% still waiting.
EVENT DETAILS
What: Community photo in support of local primary care
When: Saturday, March 7, 2026, 3:00–5:00 p.m. (photo at 3:30 p.m.)
Where: Multi-sport box, Centennial Park, 7256 Wallace Dr., Saanichton
Also: Inflatable obstacle course, glitter tattoos, physician-led trail walk, community BBQ (Central Saanich Lions). Dogs welcome.
All ages welcome. Attendance is free and donations to Shoreline’s Building Primary Care, Together campaign are encouraged and deeply appreciated but not required.
More info: shorelinemedical.ca/news
Donate: shorelinemedical.ca/donate
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MEDIA CONTACT
Sarah Riddell
Director of Development, Shoreline Medical Society
development@shorelinemedical.ca
250-889-1346
