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The District of Oak Bay Oak Bay is a distinct municipality located to the east of Victoria. Incorporated in 1906, it now has a population of over 18,000. From its miles of scenic coastline with breathtaking foreshore vistas to its luxury apartments and stately mansions, Oak Bay is one of the most desirable residential areas in Greater Victoria. Architecture ranges from the late 19th century style of such pre-eminent architects as Francis Rattenbury and Samuel McLure to the contemporary West Coast style of today's fine architects. Property owners take pride in maintaining their impeccably manicured laws and fine landscaping. Canopies of trees enhance the attractiveness of the area and are passionately protected. Oak Bay is home to two world class golf courses, the Uplands Golf Club and Victoria Golf Club, as well as the Oak Bay Marina and the prestigious Royal Victoria Yacht Club. There are three recreation centres in the municipality and its main shopping areas, Oak Bay Avenue and Estevan, maintain a village-like atmosphere. Oak Bay shares the University of Victoria and Camosun College with the neighbouring municipality of Saanich. [back to top] |
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The City of Victoria The City of Victoria, located on the Southern tip of Vancouver Island, is Western Canada's oldest city and the capital of British Columbia. As such, it is home to the provincial legislature. It is a community of choice for many, due to its temperate climate, natural beauty, and superior economic opportunities. The City of Victoria has a population of approximately 74,000. Readers of Conde Nast Traveler magazine rate Victoria #1 for environment and ambience and the best overall City in Canada. Macleans magazine recently rated Victoria as the number one city in Canada in which to locate a family business. Victoria West occupies a peninsula bounded by the scenic Gorge / Selkirk waterway, the harbour and the eastern border of Esquimalt. Its 155 hectares (380 acres) represents eight per cent of Victoria's land base. With the development of Westside Village and the continuing development of the Songhees lands, Vic West offers its residents quality retail, traditional residential and multi-family housing options as well as scenic waterfront walkways. Governments at all levels provide a major employment base in the City with 18 of the largest employers coming from the public sector. [back to top] |
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The Township of Esquimalt Esquimalt is the municipality immediately to the west of Victoria. With a population of over 16,000 it offers a variety of interesting contrasts in lifestyles with an abundance of parks, foreshore vistas and a marina. Esquimalt has a strong mix of high quality residential properties, some excellent waterfront properties and a very active business community including a light industrial district. It has a well-established community spirit and all of its services were well developed many years ago. Some of Esquimalt's most attractive residential areas are Saxe Point, Rockheights and Parklands. Esquimalt has a full range of recreational facilities including arena, curling rink, indoor swimming pool, recreation centre and the top-ranked Gorge Vale Golf Club. Facing the western approaches from the sea, it is a very pleasant and sun-filled location. Esquimalt is home to the Department of National Defence. Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt employs around 4,000 military and 3,000 civilian personnel, making it a significant contributor to Victoria's economy. Between Victoria and Esquimalt is Vic West, currently being revitalized with the Songhees development. This area is developing rapidly as it is a prime piece of waterfront property commanding an unparalleled view of the Inner Harbour and downtown Victoria. [back to top] |
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The Town of View Royal The town of View Royal was incorporated in 1988 and encompasses 1,007 hectares (2,488 acres) of land and 253 hectares (626 acres) of foreshore and land covered by water. With a population of just under 6,000, View Royal lies at the doorstep of Greater Victoria's urban core and adjacent to the growing municipalities of Esquimalt and Saanich. View Royal is served by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Waste disposal is done on a private basis and areas within the township are protected by a tree-cutting bylaw. View Royal has been divided into seven distinct Precincts based on such factors as topography, major transportation corridors, natural environment and the age of housing stock. They are Craigflower, Harbour, Helmcken, Hospital, Burnside, Atkins and Wilfert. Each Precinct can also be described and identified according to its population, the number of dwelling units by type and ownership, the amount of land available for new development and the presence of commercial and retail land uses. [back to top] |
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The District of Saanich Saanich East and Saanich West (population 102,000) is a sprawling area composed of a number of distinct neighbourhoods. The eastern side of Saanich is dominated by the University of Victoria which is very much a part of the local life of the community. The landscape of Saanich is unique for its ecological diversity and leisure potential. There are 170 municipal parks, three regional parks and a cycling network route to see and explore. Saanich has more parks per capita than any other municipality in B.C. There are several excellent golf courses in Saanich: Blenkinsop Valley, Cedar Hill, Cordova Bay and Prospect Lake golf courses. Saanich's distinct neighbourhoods include the following: GORDON HEAD, a solidly upper middle class family area with several shopping malls, restaurants and movie theatres within a short driving distance. HIGH QUADRA overlooking Blenkinsop Valley. BROADMEAD with imaginative West Coast architecture. CORDOVA BAY perched along the seaside; a mixture of cottages, small farms, sizable family homes and new subdivisions. [back to top] |
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The District of Central Saanich Central Saanich has a population of close to 14,000 people. The dominant age groups are in the 25-44 range (adult baby boomers) and the 55 and up range. Agriculture is the most extensive land use in the community with pockets of housing ranging from hobby farms to townhouses dispersed throughout. The necessary services are provided through two core commercial areas in Brentwood Bay and Saanichton, supported nicely by the Keating X Road industrial/commercial area. Because of its attractive rural lifestyle, Central Saanich experienced considerable demands for development during the 1980s. The overriding philosophy of the community is to retain the current rural character, agricultural land base and as much as possible provide for slow, long-term growth where it will have the least impact on the agricultural lands and the environment. Central Saanich has the Sunshine Hills golf course for golfing enthusiasts. Central Saanich has its own police force and Fire Department. Garbage collection is done on a private basis. [back to top] |
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The District of North Saanich With a population of around 10,000 people, the overriding philosophy of North Saanich residents is to retain the rural qualities of the area with an acute awareness of the protection of the environment. Agricultural, residential and institutional uses are the primary land uses in North Saanich with only minor commercial or industrial uses (with the exception of the airport). The dominant agricultural/residential uses result in the highly valued rural atmosphere of North Saanich living. Almost all the housing is classified as single detached homes. Because of the community's preference for retaining larger lot sizes and the rural nature of residential neighbourhoods, water supply is provided by wells or the municipal water system. North Saanich is under the jurisdiction of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Waste disposal is done on a private basis. [back to top] |
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The Town of Sidney "Sidney by the Sea" as it is affectionately known, currently has a population of just over 10,000 people. Because of its climate, natural amenities and friendly community character, Sidney's fastest growing age group is in the 65 and over category. Sidney has established trend-setting laws requiring the provision of adaptable housing for persons with disabilities. Sidney is under the jurisdiction of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. In an effort to maintain population balance, the municipality has approved single family developments that cater to younger people and attempt to make housing more affordable. Sidney has extensive waterfront walkways, parks, restaurants and marinas. The Panorama Leisure Centre provides indoor tennis, ice arena and pool and will soon offer squash and racquet courts. The Glen Meadows Golf and Country Club and the Ardmore golf course serve golf enthusiasts. There is daily ferry service to Anacortes, Washington, U.S.A. Sidney is less than two kilometres away from the Victoria International Airport, three kilometres from the B.C. Ferry Terminal to Vancouver and only 25 minutes away from downtown Victoria. [back to top] |
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The District of Highlands Highlands is the newest of all the municipalities in the Capital Regional District to be incorporated. Many people choose to live in the Highlands because of its rural character and natural beauty. Residents are encouraged to build their homes with the least environmental impact by minimizing vegetation removal, using materials that blend in with the landscape and positioning homes that are not highly visible from the road or viewpoints. Mount Work Regional Park boasts swimming holes, fishing spots and hilly terrain as well as the highest peak on the Saanich Peninsula. Lone Tree Regional Park has a two kilometre trail that winds uphill, leading hikers to fabulous views of the Highlands, Victoria and the Olympic Mountains. During a normal winter, the Highlands experiences cooler temperatures and approximately 35% more rainfall than Victoria. The precipitation is essential to recharge well water resources and maintain ecosystems during severe drought conditions that occur during the summer and fall months. The Highlands is home to many interesting plants and ecosystems such as wetlands, woodlands, wildflowers and old growth trees. The roads are scenic, narrow and winding. [back to top] |
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The City of Colwood Incorporated in 1985, the City of Colwood has a population of over 14,000. The city is divided into residential pockets such as Triangle Mountain, Colwood Creek, Colwood Lake Estates, Wishart and Lagoon areas. There are business centres at Colwood Corners and Hatley Park. The area offers a variety of recreational pursuits. The Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre is considered to be one of the most complete sport complexes in the province. For the golf enthusiast, there highly rated courses, the Royal Colwood golf course and the Olympic View golf course and the nine hole Juan de Fuca course. The area offers a nature reserve as well as a beach for sun tanning, swimming, wind surfing, sailing or just walking. Views of downtown and views of the American coast over the Strait of Juan de Fuca are also enjoyed. In addition, there are a number of smaller parks. Garbage collection is done on a private basis and the area is policed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The Fire Department is a mix of regular and volunteer members. The area is well served by public transit. There are no hospital facilities in the municipality. There is a private medical clinic available in Colwood Corners for emergency assistance, but most medical problems are taken care of at the Victoria General Hospital located on Helmcken Road which is very close by. [back to top] |
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The District of Langford Incorporated in 1992, the District of Langford is divided into distinct areas such as Glen Lake, Happy Valley, Florence Lake, Langford proper, Thetis Heights and the Goldstream Area. The population of Langford is projected to be over 18,000 by the year 2001. There is a business and commercial area running from the Goldstream/Millstream intersection to Jacklin Road and extending to Can West Mall on Kelly Road. The area has a large number of lakes and parks, offering a variety of recreational pursuits. The larger lakes include Thetis Lake, Langford Lake, Glen Lake and Florence Lake. The most popular park is Goldstream Park which also has a provincial campground. The Langford area is large, extending from West Saanich to View Royal, along Colwood, Metchosin, Sooke and northwards including portions of the Malahat Highway. Most of the community is served by a municipal water system, however there are large parts that are serviced by private wells. Septic tanks and septic fields are the norm though some areas are served by private sewage systems. Garbage pickup is done on a private basis. There is bus service throughout the area. Langford is policed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. [back to top] |
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The District of Metchosin Incorporated in 1984 as a result of a perceived need to preserve the rural lifestyle, the District of Metchosin has a population of over 4,500. Metchosin is mainly a rural community with large parcels of land. It includes areas such as Albert Head, William Head, Rocky Point, Happy Valley and the Kangaroo Road areas. Horseback riding, nature trails and parks are common in the district. Matheson Lake is popular for swimming and hiking. Witty's Lagoon is an oceanfront area for a variety of sports and for relaxation. There are two golf courses, the Metchosin Golf and Country Club and Green Acres, and plans for another. Pedder Bay is well known for its fishing and Metchosin is the setting for Pearson College. As the area is mainly rural, there are a variety of farm related organizations and horse and riding clubs. Parts of the community are served by a community water system, however there are large parts that are serviced by private wells. Septic tanks and septic fields are the norm. There are also some private sewage systems. Garbage collection is done on a private basis. There is limited bus service throughout the area, both for public transport and for schools. Metchosin falls under the jurisdiction of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and has a volunteer Fire Department. [back to top] |
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The District of Sooke Located west of Victoria, Sooke became incorporated in 1999. With an estimated population of over 12,000, Sooke is divided into distinct areas known as Sooke proper, East Sooke, Broomhill, Saseenos, Sooke River, Whiffin Spit and "the West Coast Road." There is a growing business section in the downtown core, good schools, sports facilities and an excellent museum. Sooke offers a variety of recreational activities reflecting its natural surroundings. Excellent fishing, boating, hunting, hiking and horseback riding are available. The area contains an abundance of lakes, parks and nature trails including the Galloping Goose linear park, East Sooke Park, Sooke Pot Holes, the well-known Sooke Harbour, the world-renowned West Coast Trail and Botanical Beach at Port Renfrew, and the West Coast Trail's new extension of the Juan de Fuca marine park to Jordan River. Sooke also offers one of the world's best surfing beaches. The biggest event of the year is "All Sooke Days." Golfers can enjoy the Phillips John Memorial Golf Club. Sooke is a popular tourist area boasting the world famous "Sooke Harbor House" and a large number of private bed and breakfast facilities and country lodges tucked away in the woods and usually on the waterfront. It also has a local government wharf and private marinas Sooke falls under the jurisdiction of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The community also has a well-trained ambulance service and a volunteer fire department. Parts of the community are served by a municipal water system, however there are large areas that are served by private wells and community water systems. Septic tanks and septic fields are the norm though some areas are serviced by private sewage system. Garbage collection is done on a private basis. [back to top] |
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Historical Outline
Captain James Cook, R.N. - 1778 In the spring of 1778 Captain James Cook, R.N., became the first known European to set foot on what is now British Columbia. Permanent European settlement, long delayed, was brought about by the gradual overland penetration of the fur trade companies towards the Pacific Coast. On March 13, 1843, Chief Factor of the Hudson's Bay Company James Douglas, accompanied by the pioneer Roman Catholic missionary Father J.B.Z. Bolduc, anchored off Clover Point in the "Beaver." The next day he selected the site for Fort Victoria. By mid-June Chief Factor Charles Ross was busy at work constructing the new post. The Hudson's Bay Company - 1843 Hence the City of Victoria was founded by the Hudson's Bay Company on March 14, 1843, as a trading post and fort at the location the native Indians called "Camosack" meaning "Rush of Water." Anticipating that under the Oregon Treaty, then being drawn up, the 49th parallel would be chosen as the International Boundary Line, the Hudson's Bay Company moved its fort from Vancouver on the Columbia River to the southern end of Vancouver Island. Thereafter, for a short time, it was known locally as "Fort Albert," but by resolution passed by the Council of the Northern Department of the Company meeting at Fort Garry on June 10, 1843, it was officially named "Fort Victoria" after the great British Queen. To buttress the British claim north of the 49th parallel, the Hudson's Bay Company, by Royal Grant dated January 13, 1849, received title to the whole of Vancouver Island, but only on condition that colonization should be undertaken. By midsummer Chief Factor James Douglas was in residence at Fort Victoria to begin this task, with the assistance of his colleagues in the fur trade. Crown Colony of Vancouver Island - 1849 Constitutional history began in 1849 with the creation by the Imperial Government of the Crown Colony of Vancouver Island and on March 11, 1850, Richard Blanshard formally assumed office as Governor of the Colony of Vancouver Island. It was a wintry day, but every effort was made to make the ceremony as impressive as the rudeness of the surroundings at Fort Victoria would permit. A salute of seventeen guns roared out from "H.M.S. Driver" and was answered from the bastion of the fort. All available British residents and a complement of sailors from the "Driver" were assembled in front of the fort to hear the newly-arrived Governor read the Royal Commission, appointing him the first Governor of the first Crown Colony to be established in British territory west of the Great Lakes. City Incorporation - 1862 The name "Victoria" was adopted when the townsite was laid out in 1852. Victoria was incorporated as a City on August 2, 1862. Mr. Thomas Harris was elected (by acclamation) as Victoria's first Mayor on August 16, 1862, and he presided at the City Council's first meeting held on August 25, 1862. The Gold Rush - 1858 The life of the little community of Victoria, numbering 450 men, women and children in 1853, centered in the business of the Hudson's Bay Company until 1858 when gold was discovered on the mainland of British Columbia. Then miners and adventurers from the gold fields of California and Australia, and indeed from all parts of the world, flocked to Victoria which was the only ocean port and outfitting centre for the gold fields of the Cariboo. The first ship bringing these modern argonauts, the "Commodore" - a wooden side-wheel American steamer, entered Victoria harbour on Sunday morning, April 25, 1858, just as the townspeople were returning homeward from church. With astonishment, they watched as 450 men disembarked - typical gold-seekers, complete with blankets, miner's pans and spades and firearms; and it is estimated that within a few weeks, over 20,000 had landed. The gold rush was on in earnest and the quiet of Victoria shattered forever. Overnight, as it were, a City of tents sprang up around the fort and quickly spread out over both sides of James Bay. While the great majority of these people were only transients, the rush of gold-seekers on the way to the diggings on the Fraser River suddenly transformed "Fort Victoria" from a sleepy village into a bustling commercial centre. A wild land-boom followed, and one reads of city lots that were going begging one day at $25 apiece, being eagerly snapped up a week later at $3,000 each. With the discovery of gold on the Fraser and Thompson Rivers on the mainland, and in consequence of the ensuing "rush," the Crown Colony of British Columbia was inaugurated at Fort Langley on November 19, 1858, with the subsequent decision to "lay out and settle the site of a city to be the capital of British Columbia on February 14, 1859, at New Westminster." Union of the Colonies - 1866 With the waning of the gold excitement, the continued separate existence of the Crown Colonies of Vancouver Island and British Columbia became costly and impractical. Early in August 1866, an Act for the Union of the colonies was passed by the Imperial Parliament. It became effective at noon on November 19, 1866, when it was proclaimed simultaneously in the two capitals. In Victoria, there was no rejoicing, and in New Westminster only a "small knot of people" gathered in front of the government offices to hear the Acting High Sheriff of British Columbia, J.A.R. Homer, read the proclamation. Not a cheer was raised. "The Birdcages" Parliamentary government in British Columbia dates back to August 12, 1856, when Governor James Douglas convened the first Legislative Assembly of Vancouver Island within Fort Victoria. In 1859 government buildings were constructed at James Bay, south Fort, and christened "The Birdcages." In continuous use for almost forty years(except for the brief period 1866-68 when New Westminster, not Victoria, was the capital) they were replaced in the 1890's by the present Parliament Buildings, completed late in 1897. The formal opening took place on February 10, 1898, when Lieutenant Governor R.R. MacInnes drove up in his carriage to open the first session of the Provincial Legislature to be held in the new buildings. Confederation - The Capital City - 1871 On July 21, 1871, British Columbia became the sixth province of the Dominion of Canada and Victoria was proclaimed the Capital City. The achievement of Confederation was no simple undertaking. The colonial legislative Council had for weeks in March, 1870, debated the terms of union and, agreement reached, three delegates were appointed to negotiate with the federal government. Dr. J.S. Helmcken from Victoria, Dr. R.W.W. Carrall from Cariboo, and Hon. J.W. Trutch, senior government official, left Victoria on May 10 and, travelling of necessity most of the way through the United States, reached Ottawa early in June to begin the negotiations which were to reach their culmination the following year. With Confederation, the continued establishment of the British or Canadian naval and military headquarters on the Pacific at Esquimalt, adjoining Victoria, was guaranteed. [back to top] Victoria Biography Victoria is Western Canada's oldest city. The City began in 1843 as a Hudson Bay Company trading post, named in honour of Queen Victoria. With the Fraser Valley gold rush in 1858, Victoria grew rapidly as the main port of entry to the Colonies of Vancouver Island and British Columbia. When the colonies combined, the City became the colonial capital and was established as the provincial capital when British Columbia joined the Canadian Confederation in 1871. For most of the nineteenth century, Victoria remained the largest city in British Columbia and was the foremost in trade and commerce. However, with construction of the Transcontinental railway, Vancouver, as its terminus, emerged as the major west coast port and the largest city in British Columbia. In the twentieth century, Victoria evolved primarily as a city of government, retirement and tourism. The City remains, however, Canada's western naval base and home to a major fishing fleet. Ship building and repair, as well as forest products and machine manufacturing industries, continue as significant sources of employment. Increasingly, the city is developing as a marine, forestry and agricultural research centre. The City is also noted for its fine educational institutions which include the University of Victoria, Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific (one of only six in the world operated by United World Colleges), and the recently opened Royal Roads University. Today with an estimated regional population of 326,000, a moderate climate and scenic setting, Victoria has retained a very vital but comfortable quality of life. The City is proud of its British heritage, its fine homes and neighbourhoods, its historic and attractive downtown, the flowers and parks and, of course, the Inner Harbour with its vistas toward the famous Empress Hotel and the Parliament Buildings. In a survey conducted by Conde Nast Traveller magazine, Victoria was judged to be one of the world's best cities, topping the list in the category of environment and ambience. In a cross-Canada survey, Victoria residents registered the greatest satisfaction with their city. This satisfaction and regard for the quality of life and environment is perhaps the most notable feature of Victoria today, and the challenge in its future. [back to top] |