1. 1609-13 Douglas Street - c. 1930

Significance: This building designed by prominent Victoria architect Thomas Hooper was the home of City Hall News for years; the adjacent (to the north) Royal Bank of Canada was "modernized" by the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce; this branch has recently been closed. The facade features fine examples of terracotta with a greenish tinge, still in fairly good condition.

2. 1082 Richmond Road

(Click here for complete history of the site complete with images)

This property, the original location of University School, is scheduled for re-development. The owner applied to Victoria City Council for a demolition permit to allow the project to proceed, but the application was turned down on June 25, 2009. This does not mean the end of the process but it is a small victory and will allow for further research and negotiations.

Update: September 11, 2009: The developer is taking the City to court over its refusal to allow the demolition.

2012 Update: A proposal has been received in which this house would be moved to a site on Pemberton Road between two houses of a similar vintage.

3. Checkers Pavilion

Significance: A unique landmark and heritage landscape at the top of Beacon Hill.

2006 Update: The City of Victoria has approved a management plan for Beacon Hill Park in which existing structures and features of heritage interest will be protected. We will be keeping our eyes on the pavilion.

4. Mount St. Angela - 949 Burdett Ave

Significance: Mount St. Angela was purchased by the Sisters of St. Ann in 1959 to provide suitable accommodation for aged and infirm Sisters. It later became a residence for semi-retired Sisters. The building was originally an Anglican property endowed by Angela Burdett-Coutts. Known as Angela College, it was a prominent education facility in the early days of Victoria. The buiding had adterward been a residence for paying guests.

Current status, 2009:

Citing the downtown in the economy, the owners have made a deal with VIHA to house mentally ill patients in the buildings for the next two years.

May 2008 Update:

Council has approved the development with four-storey towers in wood rather than concrete. The developer has made minor changes to the parking arrangements in front of the house being moved from McClure to Burdett but the concept remains the same.

We first broke this story in the winter 2006 newsletter (click here for a copy of the article) and covered the story in more detail in the Spring 2007 issue.

February 7, 2008 Update:

Today at Committee of the Whole, the motion to proceed with the development was passed with a proviso that minor cosmetic changes be made to the facade of the twin towers to produce a more street-friendly look. There was one minor change made to the Burdett Street facade with the parking removed from the front of the moved Temple house. According to the City solicitor, minor changes can be controlled by the Planning Department during the course of the process. It would appear that final approval will be granted by Council at the next meeting.

This issue is still very much undecided. At the Victoria City Council meeting of January 17, 2008, a slightly revised proposal was presented by the developer. The height of the condominium towers has been reduced from 6 storeys to 4 storeys and the material has been changed from concrete to wood construction.

There has, however been no change in the plan to demolish the later addition to the main building, to remove the Stevenson house on Burdett and to move the Temple House from McClure to Burdett. Further, parking for the relocated would be in the front yard - not acceptable for a heritage property. Also, the house had been designed to face south with wide verandah and porch to take advantage of the view and the prevailing breezes. It would face north overlooking a parking lot in its proposed location.

5. E and N Railway Roundhouse National Historic Site

Significance: This 1912 collection of industrial buildings in Victoria West is one of only three such complexes in Canada designated as National Historic Sites for both historic and architectural reasons. It is largely unaltered from its original design.

Problem : The Hallmark Society is concerned that the continued underutilization of this structure is a form of demolition by neglect. The Society does recognize that some efforts have been made toward building stabilization in the last few years, including significant funds from the CPR and the Victoria Civic Heritage Trust. However, there remains much more to be done. The Hallmark Society would like to see the building acquired by a heritage agency and restored for public use.

Current status : This property has been designated a National Historic Site. There is a development proposal working its way through the process. Hopefully, this building will be restored as a part of a larger development.

6. CFB Esquimalt buildings

Significance: Some of the oldest permanent structures in the area are located on this site.

Problem : Some buildings may be slated for demolition. There is no local zoning jurisdiction over federal lands.

2008 Status : At a Dockyard Tour, members of the Hallmark Society were advised that the new submarine base will not mean the demolition of the early Royal Navy buildings. Keep an eye on these buildings.

2010 Status: The Canadian Forces are celebrating the centenary of the establishment of the Canadian Navy and have ensured us that this historic buildings are valued by the Base and wil be maintained. Whether this applies to all such heritage structures is unknown.

7. 1614 Store Street (Janion Building, 1891) and Donald Fraser Warehouses (1865)

Significance: The Janion, although derelict, retains much of its original design features including a grand central staircase. The Building has a significant historical role in the history of the E & N Railway. It also frame the northeast entrance to Victoria's unique 1924 Bascule bridge. The Fraser Warehouses are likewise, derelict and unused for years. They are among the eariest buildings in Victoria and represent a link to the 19th century emerging city,

Problem : The buildinsg have lain vacant for many years and requires substantial upgrading for any public use. Recently advertised as `for lease', the Society is concerned that any development be in character with the building's design and history, and remains concerned that the cost of upgrades may lead to proposals for demolition as an economic expedient.

2010 Update: There is positive news for the Fraser Warehouses. A development including the retention of these structures has been proposed. According to City Hall, there is interest in the Janion, but there is nothing concrete yet.

2012 Update: A proposal has been received that would dwarf the warehouses and put a 5-storey building as part of a new development. The Janion still sits derelict.

8. Methodist Church - 949 Fullerton Avenue

Significance: This 1912 frame structure in the Edwardian Italianate Tuscan Revival style features extensive corbelling under the eaves. It is a fine example of its type.

2010 Update: There are 9 Anglican churches that are going to be closed and the future of their buildings is in doubt. The entire question of repurposing former houses of worship is troubling.

9. 1322 Rockland Avenue

Significance: This Rockland mansion was designed by architect William Ridgway Wilson for Hewitt Bostock, one of BC's most distinguished Senators. It has survived, altered only by an unsympathetic addition to the east. The two-storey carriage house dated to 1894 as well.

Problem: The current owner has presented a series of development proposals intended to maximize the buildable space on the lot. As all plans have failed to comply with the Rockland Neighbourhood Plan, City Council has asked the proponent to continue to revise her plans.

2010 Update: There was a proposal from VIHA to operate the facility as a home for recovering patients. This appears to have been discontinued.

2011 Update: All proposals have been withdrawn and the property is being rented. There is a new structure being built on a separate lot at the east of the site.

10. 935 Foul Bay Road

Significance: " Tor Lodge " was designed by Samuel Maclure for John James Shallcross and was named for Ethel Shallcross' childhood home in County Westmeath, Ireland. It has been recognized as one of the most important houses designed by Maclure, and has been featured in an Art Gallery of Greater Victoria exhibition in 1971, as well as all books on Maclure himself or Oak Bay heritage properties.

Problem: Despite its historical significance, this building has no formal protection. It has survived the lot being pan-handled but any further intervention would seriously impact its integrity.

11. 3150 Rutland Road

Significance: This building designed by architect Henry Sandham Griffith was one of the first homes built in the Uplands. Its owner, Thomas William Paterson, was completing a five-year term as Lieutenant Governor of BC and moved in when Francis Barnard took office. The home features a spectacular view of Mount Baker and a magnificent garden. It survived a fire in 1976 was restored shortly thereafter.

Problem : The new owners have applied for a demolition permit. Despite its historical significance, the property has no official protection.

12. Smaller homes in James Bay, Fairfield, Fernwood, Gonzales, etc.

Significance: It is not only the architect-designed homes of the wealthy that are valued heritage resources. Smaller homes, sometimes built by their original owners, represent the dwellings of the working class. They are often contractor interpretations of the homes of the wealthy but with less expensive materials and ornamentation. They are, nevertheless, significant as a building type.

Problem: As the value of real estate rises, these modest homes are being demolished and replaced by monster homes or multiple unit developments.

13. Your choice.

please let us know

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