A local boat-building success story and established marine business has found a new home at Ogden Point and expanded its rowing club program to the United States.
Whitehall Rowing & Sail is the new commercial tenant at 85 Dallas Road, at the north entrance to the property. Whitehall moved into its new home on March 1 and will officially re-open for business on April 1.
Whitehall has been producing high-quality rowboats, sculling shells, and small sailing vessels under the Whitehall Spirit brand for over 25 years. The Victoria company has shipped more than 3,000 boats in the course of its work and exports its small vessels to clients around the world.
“Our products have been very well received all around the world,” says Harold Aune, co-owner and COO. “We look forward to having a much higher profile in the local marine community in the new location at Ogden Point.”
The Dallas Road building and property will give Whitehall a local space to display vessels and provide local customers with greater access to boats. The building will include an office, showroom, and production facility.
“Whitehall is an ideal tenant for Ogden Point,” says Curtis Grad, president and CEO of Greater Victoria Harbour Authority. “Not only are they a perfect fit with GVHA’s vision for a modern and sustainable working harbour, but they will also bring commercial vibrancy and public interest to the site for visitors and residents, alike.”
{advertisement} Whitehall also hosts the Whitehall Spirit Rowing Club (WSRC) on floats below Swift Street and recently established a WSRC franchise in Marina del Rey, California.
GVHA and Whitehall have signed a nine-year lease. The new Whitehall operation will complement the evolving industrial/commercial activities at Ogden Point.
