About Us

The Saanich Peninsula Memorial Park Society (MPS)

MPS is part of the Saanich Peninsula’s rich history. In 1921, the Sidney Athletic Association and Sidney Women’s Auxiliary acquired 12-acres of land in Sidney for the community to use for athletic and recreational purposes. The Memorial Park Society was established, and the park was named the North Saanich War Memorial Park in honour of the local men lost in the First World War. The park also included an athletic field and children’s playground. The Society managed the park for many years, and in 1993 also took on management of SANSCHA Hall, located on the park grounds.

The Memorial Park Society (MPS) was central to the planning and construction of the Mary Winspear Centre and the war memorial located outside the Centre, next to the pond.

The Society continues to oversee the Mary Winspear Centre and Blue Heron Park as trustee on behalf of the residents of the Saanich Peninsula.

The purpose of the Saanich Peninsula Memorial Park Society is:

• To advance the public’s appreciation of the arts by presenting and performing arts to the general public.
• To advance the public’s appreciation of the arts by providing a space for exhibiting visual art.
• To provide a public amenity by establishing and maintaining a park in the District of North Saanich.
• To provide a public amenity by establishing and maintaining an artistic space and multi-use community facility, and to provide unrestricted access to the Community Safety Building.

Charity registration: 886363993RR0001