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.

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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. SAANICH AND CORDOVA BAY—The district of Saanich is a large residential area that begins north of downtown and encompasses several neighbourhoods and recreational parks. One of the most visited parks is Mount Douglas Park which offers panoramic views of the city from its drive-to summit. Elk/Beaver Lake Park is a great spot for watersports, walking, and fishing. The Horticulture Centre of the Pacific, Saanich Commonwealth Place, Swan Lake/Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary, and the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory’s Centre of the Universe are other popular Saanich attractions. Within Saanich and just east of Elk/Beaver Lake Park, is the seaside neighbourhood of Cordova Bay. One of the city’s most desirable neighbourhoods, Cordova Bay is valued for its rural beauty and unparalleled views of Haro Strait and the San Juan Islands. Cordova Bay highlights include a charming collection of exclusive shops and galleries called Mattick’s Farm, Cordova Bay Golf Course, and Charter’s Restaurant at McMorran’s Beach House.

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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.

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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.

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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.

The City of Langford

Located on the southern end of Vancouver Island, the City of Langford is a young and growing community of 20,000 residents in 2002. It offers a variety of business opportunities, affordable housing and a wide range of services and amenities. Langford is within easy access of the rest of the Greater Victoria metropolitan area.

History
Although the City was recently incorporated on December 8th, 1992, Langford boasts a long history of European settlement dating back to 1851, when Captain Edward Langford established one of the four Hudson’s Bay Company farms in the Victoria area.

Location and Area
Langford is one of the municipalities of the West Shore in the Capital Regional District. Bordering Langford is the District of Metchosin, the City of Colwood, the Town of View Royal, the District of Highlands and the Juan de Fuca Electoral Area. Langford has an area of 4,146 hectares (10,245 acres). With its central location, Langford is becoming the commercial core of the West Shore. Langford is well served by highways, rail and bus to Victoria and the rest of Vancouver Island, and by ferries and air to Vancouver and the US. The Victoria International Airport, approximately 35 kilometers (21 miles) away, offers direct air transportation to destinations worldwide.

Climate
Langford’s climate is influenced by its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, topography and latitude. Langford enjoys warm and dry summers, and mild, wet winters resulting in a frost-free season of approximately 202 days ( Environment Canada). Lying in the rain-shadow of the Olympic Mountains, Langford receives less precipitation, approximately 620 mm. per year, than Vancouver (annual average of 1070 mm.)(Environment Canada). Langford enjoys a high annual average of 2185 sunshine hours (Environment Canada).

Population
A high percentage of the population growth in the Capital Regional District (CRD) is from in-migration into the region. Due to the increasing demand for land in the CRD and the decreasing availability of land in the City of Victoria, District of Saanich, Township of Esquimalt and the District of Oak Bay, homebuyers are looking to the West Shore for affordable and diverse housing. This has resulted in substantial growth in the West Shore, especially in Langford which experienced a population increase of 7.6% from 1996 to 2001.

The City of Colwood

The City of Colwood is a rapidly growing residential community with exceptional heritage landmarks. It is located l0 kilometres west of the City of Victoria in the dynamic and fast paced West Shore. The views out over the Straits of Juan de Fuca towards the Olympic mountains and Victoria are stunning.

Although only recently incorporated in 1985, Colwood has a rich heritage dating back to the 19th century and is proud of its many historic landmarks such as Hatley Castle and Fisgard Lighthouse. The coal mining Dunsmuir family built Hatley Castle, which later became a military academy and is now Royal Roads University.

Another notable landmark is St. John the Baptist Church, a beautifully restored Carpenter Gothic non-denominational heritage Church, sited adjacent to the Pioneer Cemetery, on Glencairn Lane in Colwood. The Anglican parish of St. John the Baptist was officially designated in 1912 and the builder, Mr. H.O. Miles, was paid $2,435.00 for the job.

From a noble beginning to a daring leap into the future, Colwood is becoming a preferred place to live in Southern Vancouver Island because of its many choices of housing types; its close proximity to commercial areas and large selection of retail shopping options. Currently there are numerous high quality subdivisions being built with more in the planning stage. In the newer areas, housing prices range from $450,000 to $1.1 million.

Further Colwood links:    The City of Colwood | Weather | Tourism info