Living In Victoria Crd
The southern tip of Vancouver Island is home to a group of 13 municipalities and 3 electoral areas that make up the Capital Regional District
. Each of these communities has a unique position, features and personality, but they are linked through the CRD to support their overall development strategies and governance.
The southern tip of Vancouver Island is home to a group of 13 municipalities and 3 electoral areas that make up Greater Victoria, and is under the governance of the Capital Regional District (Victoria is the capital of British Columbia). Each of these communities has a unique position, features and personality, but they are linked through the CRD to support their overall development strategies and governance.
If you are planning a move to the Victoria area, an understanding of these diverse communities will help you decide where to focus your search for a home. You will be able to target Victoria real estate listings within specific areas to streamline your search.
The municipalities include (in alphabetical order, since nothing else seems fair!):
Central Saanich located on the Saanich Peninsula, and an easy commute to the city. Largely rural, dotted with smallish communities, its the home of the Saanich Fair, which has been held each Labour Day weekend for over 135 years! Homes run the gamut from townhomes to farm properties, and values vary accordingly.
Colwood a residential community situated 10 kilometres west of Victorias downtown core. Colwood has a rich heritage and is proud of its historic landmarks such as Hatley Castle and Fisgard Lighthouse. As one of the fastest growing regions, Colwood is home to many new developments, both housing and retail expansions.
Esquimalt sits just to the west of Victoria, across the Johnson St Bridge, and is home to CFB Esquimalt and the Esquimalt Graving Dock. Its proximity to Victoria makes it attractive to those who work in the city, and in recent years infill development has helped to expand the available housing, with completion of several high quality condominiums commanding amazing harbour views.
Highlands northwest of Victoria, is a rugged and stunningly beautiful rural residential community. More than one third of this municipality is protected parkland, and development is planned carefully with a strong conservation approach.
Langford another western shore community, has seen rapid growth in the last few years, due to its economical property values and improved road and transit access to Victoria. Both retail and residential developments have proliferated, in response to a focussed effort by the municipality to improve transportation routes and encourage responsible growth.
Metchosin a small coastal community southwest of Victoria, which includes Rocky Point, the southernmost part of Western Canada. It is largely rural, with many small farms, beautiful seaside parks and extensive trail systems.
North Saanich about 25 kilometres north of Victoria, and bounded on three sides by the ocean, this municipality contains both the Victoria Internation Airport and the Schwartz Bay ferry terminal. There is a large agricultural base, and both rural and country residential housing.
Oak Bay this up-scale, historic, community lies just east of and adjacent to Victoria. Some of North Americas most exclusive residences are found in the Uplands neighborhood, and the entire municipality is considered highly desirable. The University of Victoria straddles the borders of Oak Bay and neighboring Saanich.
Saanich the largest of Victorias core municipalities, and the most populated. Many distinct residential communities exist within its borders, and accompanying these are retail villages that provide local shopping for residents. Some areas are clearly rural, while others are quite urban, and housing in each neighborhood differs greatly reflecting the character of its locale.
Sidney is located 30 kilometres north of Victoria, on the eastern shores of the Saanich Peninsula. It is a quaint, pedestrian friendly town, billing itself as Sidney-by-the-Sea, or Booktown, for its many bookstores. Access to Victoria is easy, a quick trip by bus or car south on the Pat Bay highway.
Sooke is considered the westernmost of Greater Victorias western communities. Approximately 45 minutes from the city, offering a relaxed rural lifestyle, Sooke prides itself on having an unpretentious welcoming nature, and is home to a large group of artisans, artists andcraftspeople. Real estate in Sooke is very reasonable and it is beginning to attract more investment and homebuyers looking for affordable housing.
Victoria is the capital city, the city of gardens, and long considered a tourist destination. Truly a jewel of a small city, and for those looking for an urban lifestyle, Victoria is a clean, low crime, and still relatively reasonably priced city in which to purchase a home. The attributes that attract visitors are also positives for the residents of the city; the restaurants, the Royal BC Museum, Beacon Hill Park, the McPherson Playhouse, not to mention the plethora of unique shops, historic sites, and much more.
View Royal bordered by Esquimalt, Colwood, Langford, Highlands and Saanich is a largely residential community with close ties and excellent access to all its municipal neighbours. Victoria General Hospital, the largest medical facility in the CRD, is located in View Royal. The municipality encompasses McKenzie, Pike, Prior and Thetis Lakes and portions of Esquimalt Harbour and Portage Inlet.
The electoral districts are:
Juan de Fuca - encompasses the west coast of Vancouver Island from the community of Otter Point all the way to Port Renfrew, and also includes the geographically separate communities of East Sooke and Willis Point. Most of this electoral district is relatively underdeveloped, some of it quite remote and providing limited services.
Southern Gulf Islands are a collection of mid-sized and small islands located just off the east coast of Vancouver Island. They include Galiano, Mayne, North and South Pender Islands, Saturna, Piers and associated islands. Access to these islands is variable, and in most cases commuting to Victoria would be impractical, but for those seeking privacy, or perhaps a summer home, the southern gulf islands offer great beauty, affordability, and a unique sense of community, or complete privacy if you desire.
Saltspring Island located off the east coast of Vancouver Island, is the largest and most populated of the Gulf Islands. It is home to several thriving villages, a vibrant arts and alternative culture, and well established farming community. With its distinct rural flair, Saltspring is highly desirable and property values reflect this.
This snapshot of the CRD and the municipalities and districts within it is an introduction to Victoria and its immediate surroundings provided by Geoff McLean, a Victoria Real Estate Agent. Geoff has been helping people purchase the right real estate in Victoria BC for over twenty years.
by: Mr Peter
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