Douglas Weekly 2025

Douglas Weekly – July 22

July 22, 2025

Esquimalt Town Square. Credit: Deborah Price Photography / victoriarising.ca

IN THE KNOW:

B.C. signs new interprovincial trade agreements

Premier David Eby has signed agreements with Ontario and Manitoba as part of the ongoing focus on removing trade barriers between provinces and territories.

“At a time when we’re facing an unprecedented attack on our economy, it’s more important than ever that we work together to remove trade barriers between provinces,” Premier Eby said. “With these trade agreements, we’re making it easier to buy and sell our great Canadian products to our fellow Canadian neighbours. This is another important step towards building a stronger economy here at home — one that’s less reliant on the U.S and works better for people.”

The agreement with Ontario makes it easier for people in regulated trades and professions to work in either province. The two provinces also agreed to work on a framework for a direct-to-consumer system for alcoholic beverages, so producers will have easier access to markets, while consumers will get more choice.

The Manitoba agreement includes measures to increase the mobility of regulated workers and professionals. B.C. will also endeavour to allow alcoholic beverages from Manitoba to be sold directly to B.C. consumers. Manitoba already permits this for B.C.’s alcoholic beverages.

B.C. and Yukon agreed to collaborate on removing barriers to trade. Both will also align standards for regulated occupations and registration processes. In May, both governments signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on the potential of connecting electrical grids.

Esquimalt launches new attraction platform

The Township of Esquimalt has announced a new, dedicated economic development and investment attraction website, which offers a central hub for current businesses, potential investors, entrepreneurs and community partners to explore Esquimalt’s economic landscape.

The website, WhyEsquimalt.ca, serves as the digital home of the township’s place brand: “Esquimalt – The Place to Be.”

Current business owners, potential investors, entrepreneurs and community partners will find a central hub in which to explore Esquimalt’s economic landscape, including a growing business directory, local highlights and stories of people who live and work in the community.

The Township’s 2023–2025 Economic Development Action Plan included economic development storytelling as a key action.

“Storytelling is a powerful tool, and this new dedicated website will serve to strengthen Esquimalt’s place brand identity by showcasing a unified narrative around livability, opportunity and quality of life,” said Esquimalt Mayor Barbara Desjardins. “We have some amazing businesses in all areas of Esquimalt and we’re thrilled to provide this resource to the community”.

The new site complements the Township’s main website, with a focus on business tools, success stories, and investment potential.

Rosemead House featured in the New York Post

A lavishly renovated Esquimalt Hotel has been included in the New York Post’s roundup of Canada’s Best New Hotels for Every Type of Traveler. Rosemead House was lauded for its playful British charm “offering a heady mix of heritage, Hollywood and high-end comfort.”

The hotel, previously known as the Old English Inn, is over a century old and beloved by locals. It also boasts a new restaurant, Janevca Kitchen & Lounge, which is already winning awards for its well curated menu. A full-service spa is set to open later this fall.

The hotel’s general manager is Uwe Walter, who spent 16 years honing his skills through the Fairmont Hotel chain.

Downtown Victoria gets its first new hotel in over two decades

An eight-storey, 167-room Hyatt-branded hotel, situated at the corner of Broad and Johnson streets, broke ground last week, with a projected opening date of 2028.

The project, which began its planning stages before the pandemic, is spearheaded by Chard Development.

Beyond its architectural contribution—including the retention of brick walls and facades dating back 131 years—the hotel is expected to give a major boost to the local economy.

Estimates suggest the new property will generate approximately $14.9 million annually for the region, accommodate nearly 100,000 visitors each year, and create about 200 permanent hospitality jobs upon opening.

More than 460 construction jobs are also anticipated during the building phase, underscoring the project’s impact on employment and the ongoing revitalization of Victoria’s downtown core.

Turner Building redevelopment includes popular coffee shop as new tenant

The former Turner Building, built in 1946 and vacant since 2001 following a series of fires, will once again house a coffee shop once Empresa Properties finalizes its redevelopment of the site.

Home to Ian’s Jubilee Coffee Shop many years ago, it will now welcome fans of popular downtown café Hey Happy Coffee as it opens a third location in the commercial ground-floor space of a six-storey, 55-unit rental building at the corner of Birch Street and Richmond Avenue.

Victoria City Councillor Marg Gardiner noted in a newspaper article that there has been a lot of support for this project. “I think everyone is going to look forward to this coming about,” she said, citing an email from a former Ian’s Jubilee Coffee Shop employee who said he’s hoping to work in one of the businesses in the new building once it’s built.

Victoria Council is also in support of a planned plaza on the site that could mimic the energy of Fernwood Square and provide a gathering spot for residents of the North Jubilee neighbourhood.

Oak Bay directed to build more housing

The Province has announced that ministerial directives have been issued to the districts of Oak Bay and West Vancouver to continue helping the communities improve local processes and build more homes people need.

Both had been listed as two of the most unaffordable places in British Columbia. Oak Bay delivered 16 of its 56 net-new units Year 1 housing target.

After consulting with Oak Bay, the Province has directed the district must amend its Development Application Procedures Bylaw to delegate minor development variance permits to municipal staff by Dec. 31, 2025; and amend its Parking Facilities Bylaw for sites containing multiple units, to a minimum of one parking stall per unit where the bylaw currently requires a minimum of more than one parking stall per unit, by Dec. 31, 2025.

Additionally, Oak Bay must provide updates on work toward meeting the Dec. 31, 2025, deadline for updating its official community plan, with a focus on housing; and amending its Building and Plumbing Bylaw in relation to blasting activities, in consultation with the development community.

Victoria and Saanich move closer to amalgamation

After reviewing a Victoria-Saanich Citizen’s Assembly report laying out a path for amalgamation for the District of Saanich and the City of Victoria, both councils have indicated a willingness to take the project to the next step.

This may include putting the motion to the public in the next municipal election, scheduled for October 17, 2026.