Traditional commercial and industrial development has not played a major role in North Saanich. The nearby Town of Sidney serves as the commercial center for the area. Existing commercial uses in North Saanich include convenience shopping, Dunsmuir Lodge and commercial uses associated with marinas, such as yacht sales, pubs and restaurants.

Two of the major transportation providers for the Greater Victoria Area are sited in North Saanich: the Victoria International Airport and the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal

Falling under the jurisdiction of the federal government, the lands surrounding the airport are available for commercial, industrial, agricultural and recreational uses. Airside and groundside commercial development is supported by the District on non-federal lands along parts of Mills and Canora Roads.

Several institutional based industries are located in North Saanich including the Institute of Ocean Sciences, the Marine Technology Centre, the Centre for Plant Health and the Saanich Peninsula Wastewater Treatment Plant.

In terms of land use planning, it is Council’s policy to support commercial uses compatible with the rural character of the community such as: