Downtown Core Area Plan Draft

Downtown Core Area Plan
DRAFT
aPril 2010
Publishing Information
Title: Downtown Core Area Plan
Author: Community Planning Division
Status: Draft Plan – April 2010
Printing Date: April 2010
Additional Copies: The City of Victoria
Planning and Development Department
Victoria City Hall, 2nd Floor
T 250.361.0382
Electronic versions (in PDF format) available on the City of Victoria website at victoria.ca
1 Centennial Square, Victoria, BC V8W 1P6 | www.victoria.ca

Table of Contents
executive summary................................................3 Rock Bay District – Plan...................................................... 25

Rock Bay District – Policies and Actions............................. 25
Purpose................................................................................. 3
Inner Harbour District.......................................................... 27
Vision ..................................................................................... 4
Inner Harbour District – Plan............................................... 28
Key Challenges..................................................................... 4
Inner Harbour District – Policies and Actions...................... 28
Key Features.......................................................................... 4
Residential Mixed-use District............................................. 29
introduction............................................................5 Residential Mixed-use District – Plan.................................. 29
This Plan................................................................................ 5 Residential Mixed-use District – Policies and Actions......... 30
Purpose................................................................................. 6
Foundation............................................................................. 8 density......................................................................31
Organization........................................................................ 12 Introduction.......................................................................... 31
Density Framework.............................................................. 32
urban structure..................................................14 Non Density Bonus Area..................................................... 32
Intoduction........................................................................... 14 Non Density Bonus Area – Policies and Actions................. 33
Urban Structure – Downtown Core Area............................. 15 Density Bonus System......................................................... 33
Urban Structure – Plan........................................................ 17 Heritage Density Transfer.................................................... 36
Urban Structure – Policies and Actions............................... 18
transportation and mobility..........................38
districts...................................................................20 Introduction.......................................................................... 38
Introduction.......................................................................... 20 Transportation and Mobility – Downtown Core Area.............. 38
Central Business District..................................................... 20 Transportation and Mobility – Plan...................................... 39
Central Business Distric – Plan............................................ 21 Pedestrian Network – Policies and Actions............................ 40
Central Business District – Policies and Actions................. 21 Cycling Network – Policies and Actions.............................. 42
Historic Commercial District................................................ 22 Transit – Policies and Actions.............................................. 46
Historic Commercial District – Plan..................................... 23 Transportation Demand Management (TDM) –
Historic Commercial District – Policies and Actions.............. 23 Policies and Actions............................................................ 46
Rock Bay District................................................................. 24
City of Victoria | DRAFT Downtown Core Area Plan 1

urban design..........................................................48 community vitality...............................................78
Introduction.......................................................................... 48 Introduction.......................................................................... 78
Urban Design – Downtown Core Area................................. 48 Vitality – Current................................................................... 78
Urban Design – Plan............................................................ 49 Vitality – Future.................................................................... 79
Crosstown Concept............................................................. 50 Social Vitality – Policies and Actions................................... 79
Urban Ampitheatre Concept............................................... 51 Economic Vitality – Policies and Actions............................. 81
Public Views and Vistias – Policies and Actions................. 53 Cultural Vitality – Policies and Actions................................. 82
Public Realm Improvement – Policies and Actions............. 57
Built Form – Policies and Actions........................................ 65 implementation......................................................83
heritage...................................................................71
Introduction.......................................................................... 71 Appendices
Heritage – Downtown Core Area......................................... 71 1 Exterior View Guidelines............................................ 1A
Area and Context Planning – Policies and Actions............. 72 2 Interior View Guidelines........................................... 26A
Site Development – Policies and Actions............................ 74 3 External View Guidelines......................................... 35A
Civic Support – Policies and Actions................................... 75 4 Street Typology Guidelines...................................... 45A
Interpretation and Education – Policies and Actions........... 75 5 Through-block Passageway Guidelines.................. 62A
6 Centennial Square Guidelines................................. 65A
energy and environment..................................76 7 Pandora Green Guidelines...................................... 66A
8 Urban Plaza Design Guidelines.............................. 67A
Introduction.......................................................................... 76
9 Public Art Guidelines............................................... 73A
Energy and Environment – Downtown Core Area............... 76
10 Tall Building Design Guidelines............................... 75A
Energy and Environment – Plan.......................................... 76
11 Building Base, Streetwall and
Energy and Environment – Policies and Action................... 77
Commercial Frontage Guidelines............................ 85A
12 Building Types and District Siting Guidelines......... 87A
13 Outdoor Cafés and Dining Places........................... 93A
2 City of Victoria | DRAFT Downtown Core Area Plan

executive
summary
Executive Summary
This Plan is called the “Downtown Core Area Plan” – a new name to reflect This Plan therefore applies to what we are now calling the Downtown Core Area,
Victoria’s new reality. which includes not only the Downtown neighbourhood but also the Harris Green
neighbourhood, the Rock Bay area and parts of the North Park, Fairfield and
For the past 20 years, planning in Downtown Victoria has been governed by the
James Bay neighbourhoods.
Downtown Victoria Plan, which was developed when Victoria’s downtown was
experiencing low population and economic growth. It replaces the Downtown Victoria Plan (1990), the Harris Green Neighbourhood
Plan (1995) and the Harris Green Charrette (1997) as the principal guide for
Today, in 2010, the situation is very different. According to population forecasts
planning decisions made by the City of Victoria within the broader Downtown
from the Capital Regional District, the Capital Region’s population will increase
Core Area. It serves as a neighbourhood plan for the Downtown and Harris
to 390,000 by 2016, and to 475,000 by 2038. This represents a 31 percent
Green neighbourhoods, and provides additional guidance – in conjunction with
increase, or 111,000 new residents, in about 30 years. Victoria’s share of that
their neighbourhood plans – for the portions of Rock Bay, Fairfield and James
growth will most likely be an additional 18,800 residents, for a total population of
Bay that are located within the boundary of the Downtown Core Area.
just over 100,000.
In addition, other growth forecasts prepared for the City indicate that, by 2026,
the total combined floor space demand for residential, office, retail, service
Purpose
The Downtown Core Area Plan provides land use, physical development,
and hotel room uses in Downtown Victoria will be in the range of 853,800m2
transportation and mobility, vitality and sustainability policies and actions for the
to 1,174,300 m2. If these forecasts are accurate, without increasing the
neighbourhoods that fall within the Downtown Core Area. It is intended both to
development potential, the Downtown core will experience a shortfall of between
guide and influence the physical, social, environmental and economic conditions
110,600m2 and 616, 900 m2 within the next 10 to 15 years.
of the Area, and to ensure a sustainable and balanced approach to growth over
It’s clear that the traditional Downtown core alone will not be able to the next 30 years.
accommodate much more in the way of people and businesses: the inventory of
The City will use this Plan to evaluate the impact and suitability of public and
vacant or underutilized land within the Downtown neighbourhood has diminished
private projects and initiatives related to land use, development, infrastructure
to a level that will simply not meet future demand. It’s also clear that the same
and transportation, and will review all private and public projects and initiatives
challenges and opportunities that affect the Downtown neighbourhood also
for their ability to help achieve the Plan’s vision and goals.
affect the broader Downtown area and connecting neighbourhoods as they too
evolve to become more urban.

VISION • Concentrates higher-density development along the Douglas Street/
The Downtown Core Area will offer an array of vibrant urban neighbourhoods Blanshard Street corridor to relieve development pressure within the
surrounding a thriving, pedestrian-friendly Downtown core. All people will historic Old Town Area, Chinatown and Victoria Harbour.
benefit from a high-quality public and private environment and a broad range of • Gives priority to walking, cycling and transit.
employment, housing, shopping, and recreational opportunities, all within a well- • Concentrateshigher-density and transit-supportive new development within
connected and attractive urban environment that embraces the Victoria Harbour, walking distance of the Douglas Street transit corridor.
celebrates its heritage, and provides a model for livable and green urbanism. • Establishesa density framework for the Downtown Core Area that balances
the need for increased density in some areas with the need to maintain
KEY CHALLENGES livable communities. The framework restricts growth in some areas to a pre-
This Plan attempts to address a number of key challenges the Downtown Core determined maximum density level, but allows developers the possibility of
Area will face over the next 30 years. These include: acquiring additional density in other areas either by either making a cash
• Ensuringthe Downtown Core Area has enough residential and office space contribution to the Downtown Core Area Public Realm Improvement Fund
available to keep up with short- and long-term growth forecasts, without or purchasing unused density from the owner of a Heritage Resource. In
damage to the natural environment or the livability and quality of life in the return, the owner must rehabilitate and seismically upgrade the Heritage
Downtown Core Area. Resource and ensure it is legally protected.
• Remaining the primary employment centre for the Capital Region, and the • Encourages environmental sustainability in land development and re-
preferred location for Provincial Government offices and services. development, building design and transportation, and redevelops the Rock
• Attracting
and retaining new residents of all kinds: individuals and families, Bay District as a “green” sustainability precinct, characterized by green
young, old and in-between. infrastructure, building technology and land use that supports mid- to high-
density office, high-tech and light industrial activities in balance with mid- to
• Maintaining
the heritage context of Old Town, Chinatown and the waterfront
high-density residential mixed-use development.
in balance with new development.
• Supports
the economic function and role of the working harbour, while
• Encouragingmore owners of Heritage Resources to rehabilitate and
recognizing opportunities to improve public access to the waterfront.
upgrade their properties.
• Extendsthe Government Street Mall in phases to improve the Pedestrian
• Maintainingan urban core that is (over time) able to support a rapid
Network, create a well-defined link with the Rock Bay District, and connect
transit system.
to the Harbour Pathway.
• Ensuring
that new development complements both the existing architecture
• Promotesa broader range of housing options – including affordable
and natural environment of the Downtown Core Area.
and rental housing – to support a more diverse mix of households, and
supports initiatives to decrease homelessness and increase community
KEY FEATURES safety and civility.
In response to these challenges, the Downtown Core Area Plan provides • Encourages design excellence as a method to improve and enhance the
a framework for growth and development that: overall look and function of the Downtown Core Area.
• Accommodates compact growth and development within the boundaries
of the Downtown Core Area to:
• Improve the relationship between housing and employment.
• Strengthen
the Core Area’s role as a primary centre for both
employment and housing.
• Expand the Central Business District as the primary office location.

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
introduction
1
1.1 INTRODUCTION It’s clear that the traditional Downtown core alone will not be able to
accommodate much more in the way of people and businesses: the inventory of
Since it was first established in 1843 as a trading post for the Hudson’s Bay vacant or underutilized land within the Downtown neighbourhood has diminished
Company, Victoria has evolved into a city that is recognized across Canada and to a level that will simply not meet future demand. It’s also clear that the same
around the world for its tourism, education, heritage conservation, recreation, challenges and opportunities that affect the Downtown neighbourhood also
arts and culture. It is also renowned for its ability to retain both its character affect the broader Downtown area and connecting neighbourhoods as they too
and its charm even while it continues to experience significant growth and evolve to become more urban, and that we must pursue a more comprehensive
development. approach to planning that considers the context, function, transitions and
The Downtown Core Area Plan lays out a vision, goals, policies and actions that relationships between each neighbourhood.
will ensure Victoria remains a truly remarkable place to live, work and play well This Plan therefore applies to what we are now calling the Downtown Core Area,
into the 21st century. which includes not only the Downtown neighbourhood but also the Harris Green
neighbourhood, the Rock Bay area and parts of the North Park, Fairfield and
1.2 THIS PLAN James Bay neighbourhoods. (SEE FIGURE 1: DOWNTOWN CORE AREA PLAN BOUNDARY.)
This Plan is called the “Downtown Core Area Plan” – a new name to reflect It replaces the Downtown Victoria Plan (1990), the Harris Green Neighbourhood
Victoria’s new reality. Plan (1995) and the Harris Green Charrette (1997) as the principal guide for
planning decisions made by the City of Victoria within the broader Downtown
For the past 20 years, since 1990, planning in Downtown Victoria has been
Core Area. It serves as a neighbourhood plan for the Downtown and Harris
governed by the Downtown Victoria Plan, which provided a framework to shape
Green neighbourhoods, and provides additional guidance – in conjunction with
the physical, economic and social form and function of downtown Victoria. When
their neighbourhood plans – for the portions of Rock Bay, Fairfield and James
that plan was first developed, however, Victoria’s downtown was experiencing
Bay that are located within the boundary of the Downtown Core Area.
low population and economic growth.
Today, in 2010, the situation is very different. Victoria has grown significantly in
recent years, and that growth is expected to continue for at least the next two to
three decades.

1.3 PURPOSE
The Downtown Core Area Plan provides land use, physical development,
transportation and mobility, vitality and sustainability policies and actions for
the neighbourhoods that fall within the Downtown Core Area. These policies
and actions are intended both to guide and influence the physical, social,
environmental and economic conditions of the Area, and to ensure a sustainable
and balanced approach to growth over the next 30 years.
The Plan also serves to further define and apply the City of Victoria’s commitment
to the policies and targets for the Metropolitan Core as defined within the
Capital Regional District’s Regional Growth Strategy, which seeks to maintain
and enhance downtown Victoria as the Capital Region’s primary business and
cultural centre, and to provide a vital link between the City’s high-level Victoria
Sustainability Framework and Official Community Plan and the more site-specific
Neighbourhood Plans and the Zoning Regulation Bylaw. (SEE FIGURE 2: RELATIONSHIP
BETWEEN PLANS.)
The City will use this Plan to evaluate the impact and suitability of public and
private projects and initiatives related to land use, development, infrastructure
and transportation, and will review all private and public projects and initiatives
for their ability to help achieve the Plan’s vision and goals.
The City will also use this Plan as a guide in preparing annual operating and
capital budgets, defining annual department work programs and determining
public improvements.
DISTRICTS
For the purposes of this Plan, the Downtown Core Area is divided into five districts:
 Central Business District
 Historic Commercial District
 Inner Harbour District
 Rock Bay District
 Residential Mixed-Use District.
(SEE FIGURE 3: DISTRICTS.)
The new districts do not replace existing neighbourhoods and their names,
boundaries or special character areas. Rather, they are a way to recognize that
Figure 1: Downtown Core Area Plan Boundary. there are unique social, physical and environmental characteristics in certain
parts of the Downtown Core Area that cut across neighbourhood boundaries and
unite broader geographic areas.

Victoria Sustainability
Framework
Official Community Plan
Downtown Core
Master Plans
Area Plan
Neighbourhood Regulation Special Policy

Plans Bylaw Areas or Design
Guidelines
Departmental Capital
Work Programs Budgets Figure 3: Districts.
and Budgets
Figure 2: Relationships Between Plans.
The overall relationship of the Downtown Core Area Plan with other plans and
regulations is described in the Downtown Core Area Plan Relationships Diagram.

NEIGHBOURHOODS Other growth forecasts prepared for the City indicate that, by 2026, the total
The Downtown Core Area includes the Downtown and Harris Green combined floor space demand for residential, office, retail, service and hotel
neighbourhoods, the Rock Bay portion of the Burnside neighbourhood and room uses in the Downtown Core Area will be in the range of 853,800m2
portions of the Fairfield, North Park and James Bay neighbourhoods. to 1,174,300 m2. If these forecasts are accurate, without increasing the
(SEE FIGURE 4: DOWNTOWN CORE AREA NEIGHBOURHOODS.) development potential in the Downtown Core Area, the Area will experience a
shortfall of between 110,600m2 and 616, 900 m2 within the next 10 to 15 years,
threatening Victoria’s ability to accommodate the full range of uses, retain the
1.4 FOUNDATION current balance between office and residential space, and remain the primary
The Downtown Core Area Plan is based on: employment centre for the Capital Region.
• Forecasts of significant population growth for this region and the City of
Victoria over the next 30 years, and the corresponding effect that growth VISION
will have on demand for office, residential and other space. The Downtown Core Area will offer an array of vibrant urban neighbourhoods
• AVision and a series of Goals for a Downtown Core Area that reflect what surrounding a thriving, pedestrian-friendly Downtown core. All people will
the City of Victoria heard clearly from the people who live and work here benefit from a high-quality public and private environment and a broad range of
through a number of community workshops: that all future growth and employment, housing, shopping, and recreational opportunities, all within a well-
development must strengthen the city’s character, respect its scale, and connected and attractive urban environment that embraces the Victoria Harbour,
support sustainability. celebrates its heritage, and provides a model for livable and green urbanism.
• Aset of Assumptions about the physical, social and economic conditions GOALS
(existing and required) that will influence the achievement of the Downtown
1. To retain the Downtown Core Area’s position as the Heart of the Region and
Core Area Plan’s vision and goals.
a place where people love to work, live and play by:
FORECASTS • Ensuringthe Downtown Core Area has enough residential and office space
Victoria is the core city of the broader metropolitan Capital Region and its 12 available to keep up with short- and long-term growth forecasts and remain
additional municipalities and three electoral areas. (SEE FIGURE 5: THE REGION.) The the preferred location for Provincial Government offices, services and
Downtown Core Area is the city’s (and the region’s) urban centre. Approximately associated institutional buildings.
188 hectares (465 acres) in size, it’s a mixed-use community that provides a blend • Supportingthe location of leisure, education, arts and culture activities
of office, institutional, commercial, industrial and residential activities throughout within the Downtown Core Area to both encourage greater local use and
a series of neighbourhoods. (SEE FIGURE 6: DOWNTOWN CORE AREA CONTEXT.) increase tourism and investment.
In 2008, the Capital Region as a whole had a population of about 364,000, while • Reinforcing
the role of a working harbour as an essential part of Victoria’s
the City of Victoria had a population of approximately 82,656, and the Downtown economic base.
Core Area had a population of about 6,050. On a typical workday in that year, • Developing a long-term retail strategy to confirm the economic importance
the Downtown Core Area also welcomed about 33,800 employees as well as of retail activity within the Downtown Core Area.
thousands of additional shoppers and visitors. • Supporting the redevelopment of the Rock Bay District as a “green”
According to population forecasts from the Capital Regional District, the Capital sustainability precinct that accommodates a mix of employment and
Region’s population will increase to 390,000 by 2016, and to 475,000 by 2038. residential uses.
This represents a 31 percent increase, or 111,000 new residents, in the next 30 • Providing
a broad range of easy-to-access community services and
years. The CRD estimates that Victoria’s share of that growth will be an additional public amenities, such as transit, pedestrian and cycle paths, retail, health
18,800 residents, for a total population of just over 100,000 by 2041. and medical services, childcare facilities, playgrounds, schools and
recreational facilities.
continued page 11>

Figure 4: Downtown Core Area Neighbourhoods.

Figure 5: The Region.
Figure 6: Downtown Core Area Context.

GOALS, continued 5. To offer a variety of housing options within the Downtown Core Area by:
2. To contribute to the Downtown Core Area’s rich sense of place by: • Developing diverse housing types and sizes to attract both individuals and
families, including smaller units as well as rowhouses, townhouses and
• Creating
memorable streets and places that serve both to attract people
stacked townhouses.
and to benefit the community.
• Continuingto encourage the conversion of Downtown heritage buildings to
• Celebrating Victoria’s architectural and cultural heritage at every opportunity.
residential use with the financial incentives available through the City’s Tax
• Ensuring
that new development complements both the existing architecture
Incentive Program, and considering the idea of broadening the program’s
and natural environment of the Downtown Core Area.
base to the rest of the Downtown Core Area.
• Incorporating
and linking public amenity spaces, such as open spaces,
• Supporting
new residential development that integrates a blend of market
parks, plazas, pathways and the waterfront, throughout the Downtown
and non-market (affordable) housing.
Core Area.
6. To ensure the success of the Downtown Core Area Plan by:
3. To establish walking, cycling and public transit as the preferred modes of travel
• Monitoring,reviewing and updating the Downtown Core Area Plan and
within the Downtown Core Area by:
related policies and regulations in response to changing social, economic
• Establishing
complementary land use and transportation policies, initiatives
and physical conditions.
and infrastructure.
• Maintaining policy alignment between the Downtown Core Area Plan and
• Using
Greenways to create attractive and safe transit/walking links
all other related City policies, plans and regulations.
throughout the Downtown Core Area.
• Providing
safe and direct walking connections throughout the Downtown 7. To exemplify environmental stewardship and ensure the Downtown Core
Core Area that also link public spaces, such as parks, plazas, open spaces Are evolves into an environmental showcase for the built, natural and social
and the waterfront. environments by:
• Concentratinghigher-density and transit-supportive new development • Encouragingnew development and existing development to incorporate the
within walking distance of the Douglas Street transit corridor. use of green building technology, infrastructure and environmental design.
• Developing
and integrating green building criteria and objectives into the
4. To ensure excellence in building types and design within the Downtown Core
approvals process for both public and private development.
Area by:
• Supportingpublic and private initiatives that result in the remediation of
• Encouraginghigh-quality architecture and diversity in the design of
brownfield sites, especially along the Harbour.
buildings and surrounding public areas.
• Wherever appropriate, encouraging the retention and re-use of existing
• Recognizing historic buildings for their value and benefit to the Downtown
buildings, including Heritage Resources, to reduce the impact on landfills.
Core Area, and encouraging their rehabilitation, seismic upgrading and
integration with new development.
• Supportingnew developments that complement the existing Downtown
Core Area in their building sites and orientation, massing, height, setbacks,
materials and landscaping.

ASSUMPTIONS 1.5 ORGANIZATION

The Downtown Core Area Plan assumes that:
The Downtown Core Area Plan is divided into ten main sections after this
• Annual
population growth within the Downtown Core Area will continue to Introduction, each dealing with a different aspect of the Plan and each providing
support a projected increase of an additional 10,000 to 15,000 people over both area-wide and District-specific policies and actions where applicable:
the next 30 years.
• The
Regional Growth Strategy will continue to support attaining a 40 per 2. URBAN STRUCTURE
cent modal share of non-auto modes of transportation for trips to and within Explains the key elements of urban structure (place, movement and building
the Metropolitan Core by 2026. form) and establishes the importance of ensuring any future physical
• The
Downtown Core Area will continue to function as the largest improvements to the urban structure serve to enhance and improve the
employment centre in the region. Downtown Core Area’s livability and quality of life.
• TheCity, BC Transit and the Province will continue to enhance and support
transit services along Douglas Street through transit-supportive land use 3. DISTRICTS
policies, activities and infrastructure. Describes the five Districts of the Downtown Core Area and provides policies
• The
City will use the Plan to identify and prioritize capital projects within and actions to not only preserve each District’s unique character, but also
the Downtown Core Area as part of its annual budgeting and departmental provide opportunities for improvement.
work programs.
• TheCity will initiate amendments to development standards, policies, 4. DENSITY
processes and plans (including Neighbourhood Plans, the Zoning Introduces a framework for guiding density throughout the Downtown Core
Regulation Bylaw, Special Policy Areas and Design Guidelines) if required Area that balances the need for increased density in some areas with the need
to implement and further refine the policies of the Downtown Core to maintain livable communities. Also explains a new Density Bonus System,
Area Plan. intended to improve public amenities, as well as a Heritage Density Transfer
• TheCity will revise the Official Community Plan and other higher level plans System, intended to further protect historic buildings and sites.
to reflect the vision and goals of the Downtown Core Area Plan.
• The
Downtown Core Area will serve as the footprint for the Metropolitan 5. TRANSPORTATION AND MOBILITY
Core in both the Regional Growth Strategy and the Official Community Plan. Describes the need for sustainable transportation and mobility systems that
• The City will develop a detailed Implementation Strategy for the Downtown give priority to pedestrians, cyclists and transit, and how those systems can
Core Area Plan. The strategy will include a review of local development be achieved.
standards as well as a formal process to monitor and amend the Plan.
It will also be used to identify requirements for developing the City’s 6. URBAN DESIGN
capital budget and departmental work programs. Explains the principles of successful urban design and how they should be
• TheCity will consider using such financial and regulatory tools as applied to the Downtown Core Area’s skyline, buildings and public realm.
Development Cost Charges, Density Bonusing and Tax Incentives to help
realize the Downtown Core Area Plan’s vision and goals. 7. HERITAGE
Details the presence and reinforces the value and importance of Heritage
The City will review and re-evaluate the Plan if these Assumptions change
Resources in the Downtown Core.
significantly over time.

8. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY

Provides a policy framework for addressing various components of sustainability,
including the natural environment, green buildings and infrastructure, and
the development of a Rock Bay sustainability precinct that will showcase
environmental sustainability at a broad community level.
9. COMMUNITY VITALITY
Addresses the importance of economic vitality, housing, public amenities,
arts and culture, recreation, entertainment, special events and social services
in building truly complete communities.
These eight main sections are followed by:
10. IMPLEMENTATION
Describes how the City will implement the physical improvements and the
heritage, cultural, transportation and environmental initiatives, policies and
actions described in the Downtown Core Area Plan.
11. APPENDICES
Provides detailed guidelines and supporting information for specific aspects
of the Downtown Core Area – such as views, public realm improvements, public
art and tall building design – that support the vision, goals, policies and actions
contained in this Plan.

CHAPTER TWO: URBAN STRUCTURE
urban structure
2
2.1 INTRODUCTION
Urban structure is made up of three elements:
Building
Form
lace is the underlying topography, the natural features and landscape,
1. P
of an area. Place influences the look and character of the districts and
neighbourhoods, the parks and open spaces that exist upon the land base.
ovement is the system of roads, sidewalks and walkways within an area as
2. M
well as the transportation infrastructure and services they accommodate.
uilding form is the range of building types, as defined by their physical scale,
3. B
mass, orientation and height, within an area. The interplay between building
forms is what creates spaces, defines streets and influences a city’s skyline. Movement
(SEE FIGURE 7: URBAN STRUCTURE ELEMENTS.)
A well-planned, supportive urban structure lays the foundation for a livable urban
community – a community that provides:
• An abundance of housing options.
• Services that meet the needs of daily living.
• Transportation
systems that connect neighbourhoods to each other as well
as to parks and open spaces, other areas of the city and the broader region.
A high quality and well-maintained physical environment, in both the public realm Place
(the public realm is essentially the spaces between and within buildings that are
publicly accessible, including streets, sidewalks, plazas, squares and parks) and
the private realm (the spaces located on private property that may or may not be
open to the public). Figure 7: Urban Structure Elements.

2.2 URBAN STRUCTURE –

DOWNTOWN CORE AREA
PLACE
The Downtown Core Area is compact and walkable, covering approximately
188 hectares (465 acres). It gradually rises in elevation from the Inner Harbour
towards Douglas Street and Blanshard Street; however, much of the centre area
is relatively level, with two lower basins around Rock Bay to the north and James
Bay to the south. (SEE FIGURE 8: LAND BASE.)
The neighbourhoods that make up the Downtown Core Area are predominantly
mixed-use, containing a range of commercial, residential, office and industrial
activities. Some neighbourhoods also contain special character areas that have
design, architectural or historic significance. (SEE FIGURE 9: NEIGHBOURHOODS.)
Public parks and open spaces within the Downtown Core Area include small-
scale plazas, such as Bastion Square, and Beacon Hill Park, which functions as
a regional park. The front lawn of the Parliament Building serves as both a public
open space and a place-defining characteristic of the Inner Harbour District,
while the Harbour Pathway (once complete) will provide a linear form of open
space connecting much of the land along the Harbour. (SEE FIGURE 10: PUBLIC PARKS
AND OPEN SPACES.)
MOVEMENT
Primary downtown streets include Douglas Street, Blanshard Street, Bay Street,
Cook Street and the portion of Quadra Street located north of Johnson Street.
These streets provide key links between the Downtown Core Area and other
Figure 8: Land Base.
surrounding areas of the city and the region. (SEE FIGURE 11: MOVEMENT.)
BUILDING FORM
The Downtown Core Area’s distinctive urban form rises steadily eastward
from the Inner Harbour and the blend of low-scale, historic streetscapes and
rehabilitated heritage buildings in the Old Town Area to a concentration of
modern, higher density commercial, office, and residential buildings in the
Central Business District. This gradual rise in building form helps to shape the
city’s undulating skyline. (SEE FIGURE 12: BUILDING FORM.)

Figure 9: Neighbourhoods. Figure 10: Public Parks and Open Spaces.

2.3 URBAN STRUCTURE – PLAN

To ensure the Downtown Core Area continues to be a livable urban community
while it grows significantly over the next 30 years, the Downtown Core Area Plan:
• Recognizes that existing neighbourhoods and special character areas are
intrinsic to each District and help to define their respective characters.
• Supports the development of a range of building forms that respect and
reflect the character of the Downtown Core Area and its neighbourhoods.
• Understandsthat the public realm of the Downtown Core Area is enhanced
by the presence of active commercial uses, such as restaurants, retail
stores and entertainment facilities.
• Encourages the emergence of taller building forms along the Douglas
Street/Blanshard Street corridor and along upper Yates Street, as well as a
blend of mid-rise and high-rise buildings in both the Rock Bay District and
the Residential Mixed-Use District.
• Protects
the historic context of the Old Town Area and critical view corridors
of the Harbour and surrounding landmarks.
• Recognizes
the need to develop new public parks or open spaces within
the Rock Bay District and the Harris Green neighbourhood.
• Give
priority to pedestrians, cyclists and public transit in land use and
transportation planning.
• Recognizesthe importance of providing transportation networks that are
integrated with neighbourhoods in the Downtown Core Area and provide
optimal access and delivery of goods and services.
(SEE FIGURE 13: URBAN STRUCTURE CONCEPT.)
Figure 11: Movement.
Figure 12: Building Form.

2.4 URBAN STRUCTURE –

POLICIES AND ACTIONS
DEVELOPMENT
2.4.1 Maintain lower-scale buildings throughout the Historic Commercial
District and along the waterfront to respect the lower context of the
area, and gradually transition to taller buildings within the Central
Business District.
2.4.2 Concentrate tall buildings between Douglas Street and Blanshard Street
as well as along upper Yates Street.
2.4.3 Encourage a mix of residential, commercial and office development to
support the Downtown Core Area’s current mixed-use character.
LAND USE
2.4.4 Ensure land use and related activities complement and enhance the
form and function of each District.
CONNECTIVITY
2.4.5 Improve and enhance the physical public realm connections and
transitions between Districts.
2.4.6 Improve the connections between the public realm and public parks
and open space through both design and maintenance.
PARKS AND OPEN SPACES

2.4.7 Acquire and develop additional public park and open spaces within
the Rock Bay District and the Residential Mixed-Use District (which
includes the Harris Green neighbourhood).
HARBOUR PATHWAY
2.4.8 Complete the Harbour Pathway, including connections to the
Regional Pathway Network and the Pedestrian Network
(SEE SECTION 5. TRANSPORTATION AND MOBILITY).
VACANT LANDS
2.4.9 Support the development of vacant and under-developed sites,
including surface parking lots.
OFFICE DEVELOPMENT
2.4.10 Support the development and location of higher density office buildings
within the Central Business District.

Figure 13: Urban Structure Concept.

The Downtown Core Area Urban Structure Map illustrates the application of the various urban structure components within the Downtown Core Area. This map
along with the related urban structure policies are intended to ensure that subsequent changes to the urban structure components remain in alignment with the
Plan’s overall vision and goals.

districts
3
3.1 INTRODUCTION With its concentration of higher density office buildings, the CBD is the main
employment centre not just for Victoria, but for the Region as a whole. This helps
The Downtown Core Area Plan establishes five Downtown Core Area Districts. to attract and retain a range of supporting commercial enterprises – such as
As stated in the Introduction, these new Districts do not replace existing restaurants, cafés, convenience stores, office supply stores, retail stores, hair
neighbourhoods and their names, boundaries or special character areas. salons and other personal service businesses, as well as major banks and other
Rather, they are a way to recognize that there are unique social, physical and financial institutions – to provide the daily amenities and services required by the
environmental characteristics in certain parts of the Downtown Core Area that cut businesses, employees and residents within the CBD.
across neighbourhood boundaries and unite broader geographic areas.
Hotels also play a significant commercial role in the CBD, supported by the ferry,
The policies and actions contained in this Section are intended to support each sea plane, bus and train terminals that are located within walking distance in the
District’s current function and general character, while also improving each Inner Harbour.
District’s public realm, parks and open spaces, infrastructure, building forms and
transportation networks. In recent years, the CBD has also attracted significant high-density residential
development projects. These projects have increased the diversity of land use
within the CBD, animated the street level and enlarged the local population base.
3.2 CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT In addition, having high-density residential and employment uses within close
The Central Business District (CBD) is approximately 29.5 hectares (73.8 acres) proximity of each other has helped to maintain the compact character of the
in size and covers a 15-block area. Eleven blocks stretch northward from Burdett CBD, while also strengthening the use of public transit along the major transit
Avenue to Caledonia Avenue between Douglas Street and Blanshard Street; four corridors, such as Douglas Street.
blocks run west to east between Blanshard Street and Quadra Street, bounded
by Pandora Avenue to the north and Fort Street to the south. (SEE FIGURE 14: CENTRAL
BUSINESS DISTRICT)
The CBD borders the Residential Mixed-Use District to the east, the Historic
Commercial District to the west, the Rock Bay District to the north and the Inner
Harbour District to the south.

CHAPTER THREE: DISTRICTS
3.3 CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT – PLAN

To ensure the Central Business District remains strong and healthy, is able to
adapt to changing economic and market conditions, and continues to provide
a safe and welcoming environment, rich with amenities for workers, residents
and visitors alike while it grows significantly over the next 30 years, the
Downtown Core Area Plan:
• Supports existing and future land use (zoning) that accommodates
a high concentration of offices and commercial uses, along with such
complementary uses as multi-residential development, hotels, public
institutions, personal service businesses and retail stores – while
respecting the CBD’s scale and character.
• Encourages a pedestrian-oriented and transit-supportive environment.
• Supports significant improvements to the public realm.
• Establishes
strong relationships with, and sensitive transitions to,
surrounding Districts.
3.4 C
ENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT –
ECONOMIC ACTIVITY
3.4.1 Maintain the position of the CBD as the primary employment,
commercial and civic centre for the city and the region.
3.4.2 Ensure development and revitalization efforts keep the CBD resilient
and competitive in local and regional markets.
OFFICE AND COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY

3.4.3 Support office, commercial and residential development within
the CBD.
3.4.4 Provide well-designed public realm services and amenities to support
office, commercial and residential development.
HIGH-DENSITY DEVELOPMENT
Figure 14: Central Business District. 3.4.5 Accommodate high-density office buildings within the CBD to make
efficient use of infrastructure and to encourage the location of office
support services within the CBD.

PARKING FORT STREET

3.4.6 Support the re-development of existing stand-alone parking structures 3.4.16 Improve the physical condition of the public realm along Fort Street
to accommodate office, commercial and residential development. through public and private streetscape-enhancement initiatives.
3.4.7 Where possible, ensure publicly accessible short-term parking is part 3.4.17 Complete transportation and economic impact studies to explore
of new office, commercial or residential mixed-use developments where whether converting Fort Street from one-way to two-way traffic between
structured parking is provided on site. Douglas Street and Cook Street would reinforce Fort Street as a retail
shopping destination.
PEDESTRIAN-ORIENTED ENVIRONMENT
3.4.8 Give priority to walking by supporting active street-level uses and well- TRANSITIONS
designed public realm improvements. 3.4.18 Ensure that designs for new buildings located along the edges of the
3.4.9 Enhance Yates Street as a focal point for street-level retail and other CBD consider scale, orientation, setbacks, mass and building height
pedestrian-oriented commercial activities. to provide sensitive transitions to surrounding Districts.
CONNECTIVITY 3.5 HISTORIC COMMERCIAL DISTRICT

3.4.10 Improve the relationship between the CBD and surrounding Districts by
The Historic Commercial District (HCD) is approximately 33 hectares (81 acres)
developing well-designed, clearly marked and safe Pedestrian, Cycling
in size, and is bounded by Wharf Street and Store Street on the west, Douglas
and Transit Networks.
Street on the east, Chatham Street on the north and Humboldt Street on the
3.4.11 Provide access through longer city blocks and connections with the south. (SEE FIGURE 15: HISTORIC COMMERCIAL DISTRICT).
Pedestrian Network with through-block passageways (SEE SECTION 5.
It includes the Old Town Area (except the waterfront) and Chinatown – which
TRANSPORTATION AND MOBILITY).
Parks Canada named as a National Historic Site in 2002 to commemorate its
TRANSIT SUPPORT status as Canada’s oldest intact and continuously active Chinatown – along with
a range of other character areas. These include Bastion Square, which is the
3.4.12 Support the use of transit by encouraging the location of office,
oldest part of the city and original site of the Hudson Bay’s Fort Victoria in 1858,
commercial and residential mixed-use development along Douglas
as well as Trounce Alley, Broad Street, Government Street Mall, Market Square
Street and Yates Street.
and Centennial Square.
3.4.13 Support the use of transit by encouraging street-level retail, restaurants,
The HCD is characterized by a “saw-tooth” streetscape that generally rises
cafes, grocery stores, convenience stores and personal service
and falls in height between one and five storeys, with articulated brick and
businesses in new development along Douglas Street and Yates Street.
stone facades, buildings located up to the public sidewalk and continuous
NEW DEVELOPMENT street-level storefronts.
3.4.14 Amend the Zoning Regulation Bylaw to provide development standards Ongoing revitalization efforts in the HCD over the past two decades have resulted
for new commercial, residential mixed-use and office developments that in the rehabilitation of approximately 85 heritage buildings, upgrades to historic
reflect the scale, density and context of the CBD. commercial storefronts, and a number of improvements to the public realm through
streetscaping, public art and special events programming. These upgrades
3.4.15 Ensure the sensitive integration of new development with existing
and improvements have drawn boutique hotels, small retail stores, cafés and
Heritage Resources along the 700 block of Yates Street and the
restaurants to the area, and – with the help of the Bay Centre, a regional-scale
700 and 800 blocks of Fort Street.
anchor on Douglas Street with over 500,000 square feet of retail space – cemented
the HCD’s place as a destination for tourism, shopping and entertainment.

3.6 HISTORIC COMMERICAL DISTRICT – PLAN

To ensure the Historic Commercial District both retains its heritage character
and continues to contribute to Victoria’s competitive advantage as a retail,
entertainment tourist destination over the next 30 years, the Downtown Core
Area Plan:
• Continues the Downtown Victoria Plan’s successful strategy of:
• Urban revitalization through heritage protection.
• The
sensitive integration of new infill development and public realm
improvements into the historic environment.
• Continuesto recognize and support the HCD as the key focus of the
Retail Core as defined in the Official Community Plan.
• Retainsthe HCD’s current compact, diverse, low-scale and
small-lot character.
• Supportslocating retail stores, cafés, restaurants and other tourism- and
entertainment-related uses within the HCD at the street level to ensure that
they maintain a strong and direct visual presence, with other commercial
uses, such as offices, on upper storeys.
• Supports residential dwellings on upper storeys as a way to increase
the local population base while also providing opportunities for the
rehabilitation and re-use of existing buildings.
3.7 HISTORIC COMMERCIAL DISTRICT –

ECONOMIC ACTIVITY
3.7.1 Maintain the continued function and character of the HCD as a
destination for retail shopping, entertainment and tourism.
COMMERCIAL AND RETAIL ACTIVITY

3.7.2 Locate commercial and retail uses at street level to encourage increased
street-level pedestrian activity and complement the public realm.
3.7.3 Locate office and residential uses above street level, to allow more active
uses – such as retail and restaurants – to locate at the street level.
Figure 15: Historic Commerial District. 3.7.4 Locate a range of uses – including office, residential, retail or
restaurants – at the street level within a development located in an alley.
3.7.5 Locate active uses at the street-level in combination with public realm
improvements to maintain an attractive and energetic environments for
shopping and entertainment

CENTENNIAL SQUARE GATEWAY

3.7.6 Maintain Centennial Square as a hub for civic activity. 3.7.16 Support the design and implementation of public realm improvements
to the lands located on the east side of the Johnson Street Bridge as a
3.7.7 Ensure any design or re-development initiatives for Centennial Square
primary gateway to the Downtown Core Area.
result in an inviting and active, centrally located civic gathering space.
3.7.8 Give priority to public realm improvements that enhance the connectivity PARKING
between Centennial Square and surrounding areas, including Fisgard 3.7.17 Continue to support the provision of short-term on-street parking to help
Street, Government Street, Douglas Street and Pandora Avenue. maintain the HCD as a focus for retail, commercial and entertainment
activity.
HISTORIC CONTEXT
3.7.15 Ensure the provision of long-term parking considers the economic
3.7.9 Maintain design guidelines and development standards that ensure
function of the HCD, in balance with the Downtown Core Area Plan’s
existing heritage buildings are rehabilitated, the public realm is
transportation and mobility goals (SEE SECTION 5. TRANSPORTATION AND MOBILITY).
improved and new development is integrated into the heritage
environment sensitively and sympathetically.
3.7.10 Continue to support policies and regulations that result in the protection 3.8 ROCK BAY DISTRICT
of heritage buildings and encourage their rehabilitation, seismic The Rock Bay District (RBD) is approximately 44 hectares (110 acres) in size
upgrade and re-use. and encompasses the northern region of the Downtown Core Area, including
a portion of the waterfront between Pandora Avenue and Bay Street. It forms
RESIDENTIAL USES part of the Burnside neighbourhood, as far east as Dowler Place and Blanshard
3.7.11 Expand the scope of municipal incentive programs for the re-use of Street. (SEE FIGURE 16: ROCK BAY DISTRICT.)
existing heritage buildings where the upper storeys contain residential
The RBD hosts both marine- and non-marine-related industrial and industrial-
uses by considering longer tax-relief periods and opportunities for
support activities along the waterfront and a blend of other industrial and
density bonus transfer (SEE SECTION 4. DENSITY).
commercial uses throughout the rest of the District in a mix of older industrial
PUBLIC REALM and commercial buildings, including several heritage buildings. It has minimal
residential development.
3.7.12 Support and implement public realm improvements that are sensitive
to the HCD’s historic character and meet the urban design objectives The District’s history as an industrial area, in combination with limited
of this Plan (SEE SECTION 6. URBAN DESIGN). re-development, has resulted in minimal upgrading to infrastructure and
streetscaping. There are issues with overhead utility wires and cables,
3.7.13 Improve public wayfinding in the HCD through streetscape
discontinuous public sidewalks, minimal landscaping along building frontages
improvements that have a cohesive and consistent design.
and streets, limited on-street parking, undefined or informal parking areas
CONNECTIVITY between the street and private buildings, minimal pedestrian lighting and little
public park/open space.
3.7.14 Establish strong Pedestrian and Cycling Networks through the area,
with a priority on designated Greenways (SEE SECTION 5. TRANSPORTATION
AND MOBILITY).
GOVERNMENT STREET
3.7.15 Extend the retail- and pedestrian-oriented character of Government
Street northward from Yates Street to Pembroke Street through
streetscaping, public realm improvements and appropriate land use
to provide an attractive and lively environment that connects the Inner
Harbour District through the HCD to the Rock Bay District.

3.9 ROCK BAY DISTRICT – PLAN

The Rock Bay District, unlike the other Districts within the Downtown Core
Area, has a significant amount of underdeveloped or vacant land that could
accommodate future office, high-tech industries, and residential development
in addition to its current industrial and commercial development.
The Downtown Core Area Plan recognizes that the RBD will play a vital role in
shaping the character of the Downtown Core Area while it grows over the next
30 years, and it therefore:
• Supports the development of a detailed master plan for the Rock Bay
District based on the idea of the District becoming a “green” sustainability
precinct – incorporating “green” infrastructure, site planning, uses and
building technology.
• Continues to support the location of marine-dependent industrial uses and
activities along the waterfront portion of the RBD.
• Supports
the emergence of renewed growth and development within the
RBD that combines:
• Office
development (the district’s close proximity to the Central
Business District supports the natural expansion of offices north along
Douglas Street into the RBD).
• Residential mixed-use development with an array of housing types to
attract a diverse population base of individuals and families.
• High-techindustries, light industrial manufacturing and other
supportive commercial uses.
• Supports
the development of a strong public transit network and other
public amenities to help RBD evolve into a complete community.
• Recognizes
the need to develop new public parks or open spaces in and
around RDB for the benefit of residents, workers and visitors alike.
3.10 ROCK BAY DISTRICT –

ECONOMIC ACTIVITY
3.10.1 Support the re-development of the RBD as an employment-focused
Figure 16: Rock Bay District. area that provides a balance of industrial support services, light
industrial, high-tech, with an accompanying balance of commercial,
offices and residential development.

DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREA 3.10.13 Support the use of best management practices to improve the quality
3.10.2 Through the Official Community Plan, explore the need to include of storm water runoff into the Rock Bay basin.
portions of the Rock Bay District within a Development Permit Area
in order to implement the policies and design guidelines of this Plan.
TRANSITIONS
3.10.14 Ensure that designs for new buildings located along the edges of the
MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT RBD consider scale, orientation, setbacks, mass and building height
3.10.3 Support the development of mixed-use buildings within the RBD that to provide sensitive transitions to surrounding neighbourhoods and
integrate commercial, office and residential uses. Districts.
3.10.4 Ensure that residential development is located, designed and sited to
WATERFRONT
avoid or mitigate any potentially negative effects from the operations
3.10.15 Maintain key public views of the working Upper Harbour to meet the
and activities of nearby industrial uses.
urban design objectives of this Plan (SEE SECTION 6. URBAN DESIGN).
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT 3.10.16 Support the development of a long-range detailed master plan for the
3.10.5 Develop new zoning for the RBD that supports its function as a mixed- re-development of the Transport Canada/BC Hydro site in conjunction
use employment centre that includes both light-industrial and high-tech with ongoing remediation efforts.
uses, activities and related support services. 3.10.17 Incorporate direct public pedestrian access to Victoria Harbour
3.10.6 Ensure zoning for waterfront properties includes development as part of the site design for new development or re-development
standards that mitigate the impact of industrial operations on the local along the waterfront.
marine environment.
PARKS AND OPEN SPACE
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT 3.10.18 Support the development of publicly accessible park and open spaces
3.10.7 Ensure residential dwellings are part of mixed-use development that within the RBD.
includes active commercial uses at the street level.
3.10.19 Ensure parks and open spaces are well-designed, attractive, functional
3.10.8 Ensure residential dwelling units are not located directly next to marine and integrated with the Pedestrian Network (SEE SECTION 5. TRANSPORTATION
industrial activities to reduce potential impacts on residents from noise, AND MOBILITY).
odour and vibrations.
3.10.20 Integrate new parks and open space with the completed Harbour
TRANSIT SUPPORT Pathway and with Greenways as identified in the City’s Greenways Plan.
3.10.9 Support the location of higher density residential, commercial and 3.10.21 Ensure all new public parks and open spaces meet the urban design
office buildings along Douglas Street to enhance Douglas Street objectives of this Plan (SEE SECTION 6. URBAN DESIGN).
as a transit corridor. 3.10.22 Develop specific location and design details for new public parks and
open spaces as part of the implementation of the Downtown Core Area
CONNECTIVITY
Plan (SEE SECTION 11. IMPLEMENTATION).
3.10.10 Ensure that all streets and sidewalks provide clear connections for
pedestrians to travel between the RBD and the surrounding Districts. HERITAGE
3.10.11 Provide direct, safe and well-designed pedestrian connections to parks 3.10.23 Inventory and retain the remaining historic industrial buildings through
and recreational facilities, such as Central Park, Crystal Pool, Royal additions to the Heritage Register.
Athletic Park and the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre. 3.10.24 Support the rehabilitation and re-use of the RBD’s remaining heritage
buildings to celebrate the District’s industrial heritage.
INFRASTRUCTURE
3.10.12 Support upgrading of infrastructure services in the RBD as new 3.10.25 Extend the Tax Incentive Program (T.I.P.) base to the RBD to support
development occurs to increase long-term capacity. the adaptive re-use of industrial heritage buildings.

TRANSPORTATION
3.10.26 Continue to recognize Douglas Street as a primary transit corridor
through transit-supportive land use and development.
3.10.27 Support higher densities along Douglas Street to improve viability of
future rapid transit.
3.10.28 Support the policies of the City’s Greenways Plan to develop Chatham,
Store, Pembroke, Government and Bay Streets as Shared Greenways,
within the context of the RBD as a mixed-use employment centre.
3.10.29 Ensure Greenways do not affect the operation or function of industrial
uses in the RBD.
3.11 INNER HARBOUR DISTRICT

The Inner Harbour District (IHD) is approximately 37 hectares (93 acres) in size
and encompasses the waterfront lands located between the Johnson Street
Bridge and Laurel Point. The IHD also includes portions of the Legislative
Precinct lands in recognition of their proximity to the waterfront and the Inner
Harbour. (SEE FIGURE 17: INNER HARBOUR district.)
The IHD is recognized both locally and internationally for its picturesque quality,
vitality and character. Its waterfront setting attracts tourists, visitors and residents
year round, and it is noted for:
• Scenic views across the Harbour.
• Widesidewalks and high-quality streetscaping along Government Street
and Belleville Street.
• Historicand modern landmark buildings and prominent public spaces
where a variety of major public ceremonial and special events are held
every year. These include the Royal British Columbia Museum, the
Provincial Parliament Building and its grounds, the Empress Hotel and the
Inner Causeway, which has been designated a Heritage Conservation Area
in the City of Victoria’s Official Community Plan.
The IHD contains a working harbour with a number of marine-related businesses

and activities, including ferry and float plane terminals and mooring for private
boats. These marine transportation options, combined with a regional bus depot
and a passenger train station, all within walking distance of each other, make the
IHD a major transportation gateway for the city. Figure 17: Inner Harbour District.
The District is also home to a large number of Provincial Government offices

and to commercial businesses that serve tourists and Provincial Government
workers, such as hotels, retail stores and restaurants, but has limited residential
development.

3.12 INNER HARBOUR DISTRICT – PLAN 3.13.6 Ensure residential dwelling units are not located directly next to marine
industrial activities to reduce potential impacts on residents from noise,
To ensure the Inner Harbour District continues to serve successfully as a odour and vibrations.
transportation gateway, a working harbour, the focus for Provincial Government
offices and a primary destination for tourists over the next 30 years, the PUBLIC REALM
Downtown Core Area Plan: 3.13.7 Support public realm improvements that meet the urban design
• Works
to create a cohesive, well-designed and vibrant waterfront area that objectives of this Plan (SEE 5. URBAN DESIGN).
balances with the IHB’s historic environment. 3.13.8 Support public realm improvements that enhance the IHD’s role as a
• Supportsre-developing several areas between Ship Point and the Johnson gateway to the city for people arriving by sea plane, ferry, bus or train.
Street Bridge to:
3.13.9 Support public realm improvements that result in improved wayfinding
• Create
a more fluid and seamless extension of the public realm and connectivity between the Inner Harbour District and the rest of the
northward toward the Johnson Street bridge and beyond, toward the Downtown Core Area.
Rock Bay District.
3.13.15 Maintain the dual aspect of buildings on Wharf Street, which have a
• Improve public access to the waterfront.
ground-level commercial frontage on one side and a harbour frontage
• Complete the Harbour Pathway. to the water.
• Improve the transition to the Historic Commercial District.
3.13.11 Encourage the addition of more active street-level businesses fronting
• Improve vitality along the waterfront. onto Belleville Street as part of the re-development or upgrading of the
• Ensuresany future residential development both includes active street- Belleville Ferry Terminal.
level commercial businesses and does not have a negative impact on the
operations or activities of the working harbour. TRANSPORTATION
3.13.12 Establish well-defined, safe and efficient Pedestrian and Cycling
Networks, with a priority on developing and enhancing designated
3.13 INNER HARBOUR DISTRICT – Greenways.
POLICIES AND ACTIONS 3.13.13 Support the continued operation of existing transportation terminals for
ECONOMIC ACTIVITY ferries, seaplanes, bus and rail within this area.
3.13.1 Support the location and operation of marine-related activities in the IHB.
CONNECTIVITY
3.13.2 Maintain the IHD as a focus for tourism-related activities as well as 3.13.14 Ensure that direct public pedestrian connections are available between
Provincial Government office and business activities. the Harbour Pathway and Belleville Street and Wharf Street.
HISTORIC CONTEXT 3.13.15 Support streetscape improvements that result in a more cohesive
appearance along the length of Belleville Street and Government Street,
3.13.3 Support the protection and rehabilitation of heritage properties and
and extending northward through the Historic Commercial District.
ensure new infill development and improvements to the public realm are
sensitively integrated into the historic environment. 3.13.16 Consider opportunities for improving public access to the water that do
not negatively affect the viability and functioning of the working harbour.
3.13.4 Maintain key public views of the Inner Harbour to meet the urban
design objectives of this Plan (SEE SECITON 6. URBAN DESIGN).
TOURISM
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT 3.13.17 Support the retention of existing, and the development of new, tourist
and visitor attractions and facilities in order to continue to support and
3.13.5 Ensure residential dwellings are part of mixed-use development that
increase the number of tourists and visitors to the Inner Harbour District
includes active commercial uses at the street level.
and surrounding area.

3.13.18 Consider improvements to the wayfinding system to better inform

visitors and tourists about key locations throughout the Downtown Core
Area, including those in the Inner Harbour District.
SHIP POINT AND WHARF STREET PARKING LOT

3.13.19 Develop a master plan, including a detailed design concept and
implementation strategy, for the re-development of Ship Point and the
Wharf Street parking lots.
3.13.20 Ensure the master plan and redevelopment of the Ship Point and the
Wharf Street parking lots reflect the vision for these sites described in
the Victoria Harbour Plan.
3.14 RESIDENTIAL MIXED-USE DISTRICT

The Residential Mixed-Use District (RMD) encompasses 53.6 hectares (130 acres),
and contains the entire Harris Green neighbourhood along with portions of the
North Park neighbourhood and a small portion of the Fairfield neighbourhood. Its
general boundaries are Pembroke Street to the north, Meares Street to the south
and Cook Street to the east between Meares and Mason Streets, while the small
Fairfield portion is bounded by Blanshard Street to the west, Fort Street to the
north, Quadra Street to the east and Rupert Terrace to the south. (SEE FIGURE 18:
RESIDENTIAL MIXED-USE DISTRICT.)
The RMD is the largest of all the Downtown Core Area districts and includes the
majority of the residential land base for the area, with some under-utilized or
vacant parcels still available. Because of the RMD’s close proximity and direct
connections with the Central Business District, it is today a mixed-use urban
community, with a concentration of compact mid- to high-density residential,
mixed-use and commercial development. The District also contains several
institutional, cultural and recreational facilities, including the Provincial Law
Courts, the Royal Theatre, the YMCA and several historic churches.
Fort Street is a special character area within the RMD. It contains a strong
concentration of historic buildings with smaller-scale commercial uses at street
level, such as retail stores, restaurants and cafés, creating a lively and active
shopping area.
Figure 18: Residential Mixed-Use District.
3.15 RESIDENTIAL MIXED-USE DISTRICT – PLAN
To build upon the existing strengths and character of the Residential Mixed-Use with other land uses, public amenities and services that help to develop
District over the next 30 years, the Downtown Core Area Plan: complete communities.
• Encourages multi-residential development that is appropriate to the • Ensures new residential development includes active street-level
context and function of each neighbourhood and reflects the differences businesses where appropriate, to provide commercial services and
in allowable building heights and density throughout the RMD, along activities and increase pedestrian activity within the public realm.

• Restricts
the development of stand-alone office buildings to Blanshard INFRASTRUCTURE
Street, Pandora Avenue, Yates Street and Fort Street only (keeping the 3.16.9 Support the upgrade of infrastructure and utility services as new
Central Business District as the primary focus for office buildings within the development occurs to increase long-term capacity.
Downtown Core Area).
• Supportskeeping existing commercial uses, such as restaurants, TRANSITIONS
grocery stores, convenience stores, medical clinics and personal service 3.16.10 Ensure that designs for new buildings and improvements to the public
businesses, within the District to provide necessary services for \ the local realm located along the edges of the RMD consider scale, orientation,
community, but does not support auto-oriented uses that require large setbacks, mass and building height to provide sensitive transitions to
outside storage/display areas such as car lots. surrounding Districts.
PARKS AND OPEN SPACES

3.16 RESIDENTIAL MIXED-USE DISTRICT –
3.16.11 Support the development of public parks and open spaces.
3.16.12 Ensure public parks and open spaces are well-designed, attractive,
RESIDENTIAL CHARACTER functional and integrated with both the Pedestrian Network (SEE SECTION 5.
3.16.1 Continue to maintain the primarily residential character of the RMD. TRANSPORTATION AND MOBILITY) and Greenways.
3.16.2 Encourage the development of office buildings primarily along 3.16.13 Ensure all new parks and open spaces meet the criteria set out in this
Blanshard Street, Pandora Avenue, Yates Street and Fort Street. Plan for public realm improvements (SEE SECTION 6. URBAN DESIGN).
3.16.14 Develop specific location and design details for new public parks and
MIXED USE open space as part of the implementation of this Plan (SEE SECTION 11.
3.16.3 Locate active commercial and retail uses at street level to encourage IMPLEMENTATION).
increased pedestrian activity and improved vitality.
3.16.4 Balance new development with heritage conservation on Fort Street FORT STREET TWO-WAY TRAFFIC
and locations on and near Quadra Street. 3.16.15 Liaise with other City departments and the Fort Street business
community to explore the feasibility of changing Fort Street back to
TRANSIT SUPPORT two-way traffic between Douglas Street and Cook Street in an effort to
3.16.5 Support the location of higher density residential/commercial mixed-use create a more suitable environment for retail and commercial activity.
development and office buildings along Yates Street to support transit
activity along Yates Street and to reinforce the concept of a cross-town FORT STREET STREETSCAPE
spine that transects Yates Street and Douglas Street. 3.16.16 Develop a detailed streetscape design plan for Fort Street that
illustrates what the street would look like after reverting to two-way
DENSITY traffic and with detailed improvements to the pedestrian realm.
3.16.6 Develop new zoning for the RMD that includes density levels to
accommodate mid-rise to high-rise residential, commercial and FORT STREET STREET-LEVEL USES
office development. 3.16.17 Locate active commercial uses, such as retail, restaurants and cafés, at
the street level.
LEGIBILITY 3.16.18 Encourage building designs that incorporate multiple commercial
3.16.7 Ensure that all streets and sidewalks provide legible (well-designed) frontages at the street level.
public realm environments for pedestrians to travel between the RMD
and surrounding Districts.
3.16.8 Ensure buildings are designed to relate well to public streets
and sidewalks.

CHAPTER FOUR: DENSITY
density
4
4.1 INTRODUCTION
The Downtown Core Area contains a broad range of building forms within Figure 19: Density (4:1) Expressed Through Built Form – Example 1
its relatively compact area. These building forms range from low-scale historic
buildings along the waterfront and in the Historic Commercial District, to
a stronger concentration of newer high-rise buildings in the Central Business
District. The City has helped to guide this variation in building forms through
design criteria and development standards, including building height, building
setbacks, parcel coverage, and building density.
4 Storey building with 5,000 m²
Building density, commonly referred to as Floor Space Ratio (FSR), is defined as of floor area on each storey.
the ratio between the total amount of gross floor area of a building and the area
Total Floor Area: 20,000 m²
of the parcel upon which the building is located on.
For example, if a developer wanted to construct a new building on a 5,000

square metre (m²) parcel of land that is zoned with a maximum density of 4.0:1
FSR, the developer could propose a building that has a maximum combined
floor area of 20,000 m², because this amount of combined floor area is equivalent
to four times the size of the parcel. The developer could theoretically configure
this building in a number of different ways, so long as the combined floor area
does not exceed 4.0:1 – for example, as a four-storey building with 5,000 m²
5000 m² parcel with
of floor area per storey (SEE FIGURE 19: DENSITY (4:1) EXPRESSED THROUGH BUILT FORM –
a density of 4:1
EXAMPLE 1), or an eight-storey building with 2,500 m² of floor area per storey
(SEE FIGURE 20: DENSITY (4:1) EXPRESSED THROUGH BUILT FORM – EXAMPLE 2).

Figure 20: Density (4:1) Expressed Through Built Form – Example 2 y making a cash contribution to the Downtown Core Area Public Realm
1. B
Improvement Fund under the Density Bonus System, which the City will use to
add or improve public amenities, such as public parks or streetscapes.
2. B
y purchasing unused density from the owner of a Heritage Resource under the
8 Storey building with
Heritage Density Transfer System. This system allows the owner of a Heritage
2,500 m² of floor area
Resource in the Downtown neighbourhood to apply to the City for a Heritage
on each storey.
Density Transfer. If approved, the owner may then sell the Heritage Resource’s
Total floor area: 20,000 m² unused density to a developer; in return, the owner must rehabilitate and
seismically upgrade the Heritage Resource and ensure it is legally protected.
4.2.1 DENSITY FRAMEWORK OBJECTIVES

This density framework is intended to:
• Reflect
the different land uses, functions, building forms and the general
physical context of each District.
• Establish
lower-density levels for the Historic Commercial District to
5000 m² parcel with
respect and preserve existing Heritage Resources and encourage the re-
a density of 4:1
development of lower-scale buildings that fit the local context.
• Keepbuilding mass lower in scale and bulk to reduce the impact of new
4.2 DENSITY FRAMEWORK development on the historic character of the Old Town Area, Chinatown
and the waterfront.
The Downtown Core Area Plan introduces a new framework for guiding building
density levels in the Downtown Core Area. This framework is intended to foster • Focushigher-density development along primary transit corridors and
new development and re-development that will accommodate the demand for within areas that already have a concentration of higher density buildings.
office, residential and commercial space expected over the next 30 years, while • Support the maximum building height policies specified in this Plan.
also ensuring that: • Establisha new regulatory/financial incentive tool to support heritage
• Density levels support and enhance the character of each District. rehabilitation.
• Increased density is offset by the addition or enhancement of public
amenities and benefits that both meet the needs of new residents and 4.3 NON DENSITY BONUS AREA
employees, and ensure that existing residents see benefits from higher The maximum density levels displayed in the Density Map for the Non Density
density in their neighbourhoods. Bonus Area are not “as-of-right” (SEE FIGURE 21: NON DENSITY BONUS AREA MAP).
• Heritage
Resources – so important to the character and economic
They do not automatically mean all development will or should reach these
strength of Victoria – are retained and rehabilitated, in balance with new
levels; rather, they are potential maximum density levels that must be considered
development.
in conjunction with applicable zoning regulations, development standards,
The new density framework divides the overall Downtown Core Area into design guidelines and other relevant planning policies, including those
two areas: contained in this Plan.
• The
Non Density Bonus Area, where new development is restricted to For those areas labeled as “FSR Determined through Zoning” on Figure 21:
a pre-determined maximum density level. Density Map, the Plan does not establish a maximum density level. These are
• TheDensity Bonus Area, where new development may be able to acquire areas that vary in physical context and contain a number of important public view
additional density over and above a pre-determined base density level corridors. Density levels for these areas will be determined on a site-by-site basis
in one of two ways: through a rezoning process that considers the policies contained in this Plan.

4.4 NON DENSITY BONUS AREA –

4.4.1 Amend the Zoning Regulation Bylaw to reflect the maximum density
levels prescribed in this Plan.
4.4.2 Consider any increases in density beyond the prescribed maximum
density through a rezoning process that ensures new development
does not conflict with the policies contained in this Plan.
4.5 DENSITY BONUS SYSTEM

A Density Bonus System (allowed under s. 904 of the Local Government Act)
is a voluntary system under which a municipality provides a developer the
opportunity to acquire additional building floor area in exchange for providing
specific public amenities. The developer benefits by being able to potentially
increase the size of a development, while the municipality benefits through the
developer’s contribution toward, or provision of, needed public amenities that
improve local vitality and provide direct and tangible benefits to the community,
and that would otherwise be difficult for the municipality to provide.
The Downtown Core Area’s Density Bonus System:
• Identifies a general Density Bonus Area (SEE FIGURE 22: DENSITY BONUS AREA MAP).
• Divides
the Density Bonus Area into three sub-areas – Areas A, B, C – each
with a different base density and maximum density that reflects:
• The existing character of each area.
• The availability of land with development potential within each area.
• Each area’s ability to accommodate increased density and growth in
different built forms
• Theneed within each area for a number for specific public amenities
and benefits.
• The need to provide a functional balance between residential and
office development across the Downtown Core Area.
• Establishes
two methods for acquiring additional density: by making a
contribution to the Downtown Core Area Public Realm Improvement Fund,
or by acquiring unused density from a Heritage Resource.
(Please note: While the Density Bonus System is intended to garner a range of
Figure 21: Non Density Bonus Area Map. benefits and amenities for the community, it may only be capable of providing a
portion of the public amenities that are required for the Downtown Core Area as it
evolves and grows over the next 30 years. Additional funding sources or delivery
mechanisms will be required to realize the balance of the required amenities.)

4.5.1 DENSITY BONUS SYSTEM OBJECTIVES

The Density Bonus System aims to:
• Be fair and transparent and increase certainty for all parties.
• Achievepublic amenities that cannot be achieved by other
regulatory or financial mechanisms, such as Development
Cost Charges, Tax Levies, or Development Permit conditions.
• Seek
specific types of public amenities, not general
categories of use.
• Identify
varying needs for public amenities in different
geographic locations throughout the Downtown Core Area.
• Apply where growth pressures are strong and land availability
is limited, or when incentives for attaining the defined public
amenities outweigh alternative development options.
• Ensurethe amount of additional floor space gained as
the result of the Density Bonus is commensurate with the
monetary contribution toward, or actual cost of providing, the
Density Bonus item or amenity.
• Balance
higher density development with public benefits and
amenities.
• Encouragethe rehabilitation and permanent protection of
more Heritage Resources.
4.5.2 DENSITY BONUS AREAS

Area A
Area A matches the boundaries of the Central Business District (SEE SECTION 3.
DISTRICTS). It contains the highest densities of the Downtown Core Area, due to
the concentration of high-rise commercial, residential and office developments
primarily located along Douglas Street, Blanshard Street and Yates Street.
Area A Vision: To accommodate higher density developments that will help to
strengthen the role and function of the Central Business District.
Area B
Area B consists of four blocks located in the North Park neighbourhood bordered
by Pandora Avenue to the south, Caledonia Avenue to the north, Blanshard
Street on the east and Quadra Street on the west. This small area has several
sites of underdeveloped and vacant land with opportunities for moderate Figure 22: Density Bonus Area Map.
increases in density levels.

Area B Vision: To accommodate higher density commercial and office Area A Density Bonus Schedule
development along Blanshard Street, with medium density multi-residential and
Base Density Maximum Density
mixed-use development in the rest of the area – consistent with the area’s current
(Floor Space Ratio FSR) (Floor Space Ratio)
character. The specified density levels in Area B will also serve to provide a
sensitive transition to the surrounding areas. 3.0:1 for commercial, office or 6.0:1 for commercial, office or residential
residential development development located between the east
Area C side of Douglas Street and the west side of
Blanshard Street
Area C consists of approximately 12 blocks located within the Residential Mixed-
Use District, running from Mason Street on the north, to Meares Street on the south, 5.0:1 for commercial, office or residential
Quadra Street on the west and Cook Street on the east. Area C is adjacent to the development located between the east side
Central Business District and is situated around the Yates Street transportation of Blanshard Street and the west side of
corridor, which features a number of mid-rise and high-rise multi-residential, Quadra Street
commercial and office developments. The area includes most of the Harris Green
neighbourhood and the two blocks located along Pandora Avenue between Cook Area B Density Bonus Schedule
Street and Quadra Street that are part of the North Park neighbourhood, and is Base Density Maximum Density
home to a small number of isolated but significant Heritage Resources. (Floor Space Ratio FSR) (Floor Space Ratio)
Area C Vision: To further intensify the area with multi-residential development in 3.0:1 for commercial, office or 5.0:1 for commercial, office or residential
order to support population projections, in balance with higher density commercial residential development development located along the east side of
and office development primarily focused along Yates Street. Blanshard Street
4.5:1 for commercial, office or residential
4.5.3 DENSITY BONUS SCHEDULES development elsewhere
In the Density Bonus Schedules for each Area below:
• BaseDensity represents an “as-of-right” density level – a developer can Area C Density Bonus Schedule
develop up to this level without providing a bonusable item or amenity. To
Base Density Maximum Density
gain additional density over and above the base density, the developer
(Floor Space Ratio) (Floor Space Ratio)
must either make a monetary contribution to the Downtown Core Area
Public Realm Improvement Fund and/or acquire unused density from the 2.5:1 for commercial, office or 5.0:1 for commercial, office or residential
owner of a Heritage Resource. residential development development along Yates Street
• Maximum Density is the overall cumulative density allowed on a site, 4.5:1 for commercial, office or residential
including the base level density, additional Density Bonus and Heritage development elsewhere
Density Transfer (if applicable). The maximum density cannot exceed the
specified maximum density for the Area, unless the City approves it through
a re-zoning process that ensures new development does not conflict with
the policies contained in this Plan.

4.5.4 ADDITIONAL DENSITY 4.6 HERITAGE DENSITY TRANSFER SYSTEM

To acquire additional density over the base density in an Area, a developer may:
The owner of a Heritage Resource that is (1) located within the Downtown
1. Make a Contribution to the Downtown Core Area Public Realm neighbourhood and (2) identified on the City of Victoria Heritage Register may
Improvement Fund apply to the City for a Heritage Density Transfer. If approved, the owner will be
The Downtown Core Area Public Realm Improvement Fund will assist in funding allowed to sell the Resource’s unused density on the private market to one or more
various improvements that tangibly and visibly improve the physical condition, non-heritage developments (Receiver Sites) located within the Density Bonus Area
appearance and function of the public realm and provide a public benefit to the (SEE FIGURE 22: DENSITY BONUS AREA MAP), provided the transfer results in both:
overall surrounding area, such as: • The rehabilitation of the Heritage Resource, including seismic upgrading.
• Re-developingand enhancing streetscape designs with city rights-of-way • The
legal protection of the Heritage Resource under a heritage
to improve the Pedestrian and Cycling Networks. designation bylaw.
• Enhancing landscaping and public amenities along city rights-of-way or The amount of unused density that the developer of a Receiver Site purchases
within public parks and open space. or receives cannot result in a density level on the Receiver Site that exceeds
• Acquiring and developing new public parks and open space. the maximum density identified in the Density Bonus Schedules. Receiver Sites
• Developing and enhancing the Harbour Pathway. cannot be Heritage Resources.
• Developing and enhancing future Rapid Transit stations.
Unused Density
Every three years, the City will create a list of eligible public realm improvement For the purposes of this Plan, unused density includes:
projects as funding priorities. (The three-year time period will allow the City to
• ResidualDensity – the difference between the maximum density allowed
build up the fund.)
under the Zoning Regulation Bylaw and the actual amount of density that
exists on a parcel in the form of building floor space (expressed as a Floor
Formula
Space Ratio), and/or
The City will calculate the value of the contribution to the Fund as part of the
Heritage Density Bonus – the portion of density above and beyond the
• The
Development Permit Approval Process, using the following formula:
maximum density that the City of Victoria grants to the owner of a Heritage
Proposed amount Resource in exchange for the rehabilitation, seismic upgrading and legal
Average Land Value Contribution Value designation of the Heritage Resource.
X of Density Bonus =
($ per m2) ($)
floor area (m2)
Heritage Density Bonus
This formula takes into account the average commercial, office or residential land The physical rehabilitation of Victoria’s Heritage Resources is often economically
value as established and reviewed by the City of Victoria annually. The contribution challenging, at least in part because of the high cost of seismic upgrading and
amount is generally representative of how much a developer would need to pay the relatively low density of many of the historic buildings – the buildings simply
for additional land within the Downtown Core Area to accommodate the additional cannot house many tenants. Currently, the City has an incentive program for
floor area that they are seeking, over and above the base density level. heritage restoration that includes small capital grants for façade improvements
and multi-year reductions in property taxes. These two incentives are not,
2. Acquire Unused Density from a Heritage Resource however, sufficient to make all heritage restoration projects viable.
A developer may buy unused density from the owner of a Heritage Resource that
The Heritage Density Bonus provides the owners of Heritage Resources with
is located within the Downtown Core Area, provided the owner of the Heritage
an additional option for finding the funds necessary to restore and preserve
Resource applies to the City for, and the City approves, a Heritage Density Transfer.
their buildings.

The Heritage Density Bonus cannot be used to accommodate further Heritage Transfer Example
development on the parcel where the Heritage Resource is located, and all the FIGURE 23: HERITAGE DENSITY TRANSFER EXAMPLE illustrates the general concept
funds generated by the sale of the Heritage Density Bonus must be used to of Heritage Density Transfer, as it would apply to a Heritage Resource with
offset the costs of rehabilitation and seismic upgrading. a maximum (zoned) density of 3.0:1.
The City of Victoria will regulate and monitor the number of Heritage Resources
approved to receive the Heritage Density Bonus to control the total combined Figure 23: Heritage Density Transfer Example
amount of transferable Heritage Density Bonus accrued by Heritage Resources
within the Downtown neighbourhood. Maximum density as per
Eligible Heritage Resources must demonstrate that they have taken advantage zoning bylaw (3:1)
of other existing City of Victoria heritage financial incentives before they can
be awarded a Heritage Density Bonus. The amount of the Heritage Density C
Bonus will be determined on a case-by-case basis through negotiation with the
B
City of Victoria.
The owner of a Heritage Resource may use the Heritage Density Bonus only for A
the purpose of a Heritage Density Transfer to a new development.
A Heritage Resource that contains both residual density and Heritage Density
Bonus must transfer the entire amount of the Heritage Density Bonus prior to
being able to transfer any amount of residual density.
A: Actual Built Density Not Transferable

Heritage Density Transfer Process
Before the owner of a Heritage Resource may sell or transfer unused density B: Residual Density (Unused) Transferable
to a Receiver Site, the owner must:
C: Heritage Density Bonus (Unused) Transferable
1. Negotiate with the City to determine the exact amount of unused density that
will be transferred.
2. S
ubmit a Heritage Density Transfer Agreement to the City for approval.
This Agreement must:
• Provide
the scope, timing and details of the building rehabilitation and
seismic upgrading.
• Identifythe amount of unused density that the owner proposes to transfer
off-site, including Residual Density and Heritage Density Bonus.
• Specify the location of the Receiver Site.
• Contain
the owner’s agreement for the Heritage Resource to be designated
under a heritage designation bylaw, if it has not been already.
• Guarantee that the owner will allocate all funds from the sale of unused
density to the rehabilitation of the Heritage Resource, including mandatory
seismic upgrades, as stipulated and described in the Heritage Agreement.
• Includean application to re-zone the parcel where the Heritage Resource
is located to reflect the reduction in density that will occur once the
Heritage Density Transfer is approved.

CHAPTER FIVE: TRANSPORTATION AND MOBILITY
transportation and
5
mobility
5.1 INTRODUCTION
In an urban centre such as Victoria, transportation and mobility includes three
primary networks:
Network: The system of sidewalks, through-block passageways,
• Pedestrian
crossings and pathways that determine how people walk around the city
(the most basic form of movement).
• CyclingNetwork: The system of bicycle-friendly roads and pathways that
determine how (and whether) people cycle to work, for recreation or for
their daily needs.
Network: Includes both the local connections that help pedestrians
• Transit
move within the Downtown Core Area, as well as the connections into the
larger regional transit network that help pedestrians and cyclists navigate
longer distances around the city and into other parts of the Capital Region.
5.2 TRANSPORTATION AND MOBILITY –

DOWNTOWN CORE AREA
The Downtown Core Area today is distinguished for its walkability and array Trounce Alley is one of Victoria’s original through-block passageways.
of pedestrian-friendly streets alleys and unique through-block passageways,
including some in the Old Town Area and Chinatown (Fan Tan Alley and Trounce
Alley, for example) that date back to the 19th century. Being compact and
relatively flat, the Downtown Core Area is also attractive to many cyclists for
both commuting and recreation, and many thousands make daily use of the bus
system provided by BC Transit.

CHAPTER FIVE:: TRANSPORTATION AND MOBILITY
Transportation and mobility within the Downtown Core Area is currently guided More specifically, it:
by a number of plans and polices including: • Establishesa set of priorities for transportation and mobility in the
• The
City’s Greenways Plan, which provides a policy framework for the Downtown Core Area that recognizes – first and foremost – the importance
establishment of a Greenway system throughout the city. of the pedestrian environment to the success and vitality of the Downtown
• TheCapital Regional District’s TravelChoices: A Regional Transportation Core Area. (SEE FIGURE 24: TRANSPORTATION AND MOBILITY PRIORITIES.)
Strategy, which is a long-term strategy intended to “significantly increase • Expands and improves the Pedestrian Network with new through-block
the proportion of people walking, cycling, using transit, ride-sharing, or passageways (or improved existing passageways) and mid-block
using other alternatives to driving alone” by: crossings, as well as extended sidewalks and public pathways, in order to:
• Better integrating land use and transportation policies. • Betterlink housing, employment, shopping, recreation and
• Increasing pedestrian, cycling and transit trips. public attractions.
• Educatingand encouraging people to increase their usage of the • Enhance connections with the Cycling and Transit Networks.
strategy’s priority modes. • Increase pedestrian activity.
• Maximizingmobility for all forms of transportation to the greatest • Support local economic activity.
extent possible, within the existing roadway system.
• Improve public safety.
• Contributingto the economic vitality of the region through improved
(SEE FIGURE 25: PEDESTRIAN NETWORK MAP.)
mobility for commercial vehicles, and reduced commercial
operating costs.
• The
City’s Pedestrian Master Plan, which seeks to make Victoria a safe, Pedestrians
convenient and pleasant environment for pedestrians, and thus make
walking a preferred mode of transportation.
• The
Victoria Harbour Pathway Plan, the City’s plan for a continuous
pedestrian and cycling waterfront pathway that stretches from Ogden Point Cyclists
to Rock Bay.
• The
City’s Victoria Bicycle Master Plan, which identifies preferred cycling
routes to both encourage greater bicycle use and ensure maximum safety. transit
• TheCity of Victoria Parking Strategy, designed to optimize parking
options and services support a healthy, safe, convenient, inviting and
Commercial
friendly downtown.
Vehicles and
Goods Movement
5.3 TRANSPORTATION AND MOBILITY – PLAN
To ensure the Downtown Core Area establishes sustainable transportation and Single
mobility systems in the future that both retain and enhance its current character Occupancy
while it continues to grow significantly over the next 30 years, this Plan: Vehicles
• Builds upon existing transportation and mobility plans and policies.

• Encourages alternate modes of transportation.
• Gives priority to walking, cycling and transit.
• Strives
to develop complete transportation and mobility networks
that feature an appropriate range of facilities and services for each
transportation mode. Figure 24: Transportation and Mobility Priorities.

• Improves cycling infrastructure and adds amenities to increase safety, 5.4 P

EDESTRIAN NETWORK –
efficiency and comfort for cyclists and further encourage cycling as mode
of transportation. POLICIES AND ACTIONS
(SEE FIGURE 26: CYCLING NETWORK MAP.)
PEDESTRIAN NETWORK
• Recognizes the importance of access to public transit, and the importance 5.4.1 Complete the Pedestrian Network connections as identified on
of transit as a mechanism for improving the livability, sustainability and the Pedestrian Network Map (SEE FIGURE 25) through well-designed
vitality of the Downtown Core Area as new construction and growth streetscape improvements.
continue to attract new residents, businesses and visitors to the Area.
5.4.2 Coordinate public and private streetscape improvements to enhance
• Strengthensthe connection between transportation infrastructure, land use the pedestrian environment.
and urban design, and supports the role of the Downtown Core Area as a
destination and hub for transit activity. 5.4.3 Create through-block passageways and mid-block crossings to provide
direct pedestrian connections and reinforce the existing grid street
TDM FRAMEWORK pattern.
To ensure the success of the three primary networks – Pedestrian, Cycling 5.4.4 Secure on-going public access to all existing and new through-block
and Transit – this Plan also introduces a framework for Transportation Demand passageways through such legal mechanisms such as covenants,
Management (TDM). easements and rights-of-way.
TDM is essentially the application of strategies that seek to change travel 5.5.5 Integrate the Pedestrian Network with the Harbour Pathway to provide
patterns or behaviour and reduce travel demand (primarily from single- direct connections to parks, plazas, open spaces, public amenities and
occupancy vehicles), while giving priority to more sustainable modes of surrounding neighbourhoods.
transport. The amount and type of available public and private parking is a key 5.5.6 Ensure that the re-development of the Wharf Street and Ship Point parking
component of TDM and can determine the success or failure of TDM objectives. lots do not interrupt or impede the alignment of the Harbour Pathway.
The framework for TDM within the Downtown Core Area is intended to:
5.4.7 Integrate Provincial standards for the appropriate access, design and
• Reduce vehicular demand on road infrastructure. use of the Pedestrian Network and its components by other modes
• Encourage commuter options through sustainable transportation of transport, such as wheelchairs, mobility scooters, electric bicycles,
infrastructure. in-line skates and skateboards.
• Improve travel efficiency. 5.4.8 Consider opportunities for providing safer pedestrian and cyclist
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions. crossings of major streets.
• Improve air quality. 5.4.9 Identify streetscape amenities that can be used to enhance the
• Foster a stronger sense of community. Pedestrian Network and include them as public realm requirements
• Maintain
on-street, short-term parking to support retail, restaurant and other within the City of Victoria’s Downtown Beautification Plan.
local commercial uses.
SIDEWALK AND PATHWAY CONDITIONS
• Manage
public and private parking in balance with the overall vision for the
Downtown Core Area. 5.4.10 Continue to improve public sidewalk conditions through partnerships
with private developers as opportunities arise.
• Support
the other transportation and mobility priorities described in this
Plan as well as those contained in the CRD’s TravelChoices strategy. 5.4.11 Support the objectives of the City of Victoria Pedestrian Master Plan for
improving sidewalk conditions, safety and design.
This Plan also recognizes the need to review existing public parking policies,
5.4.12 Establish an on-going public realm budget and expenditure provision
regulations and standards to ensure they work with TDM objectives and the
in the 20-year Capital Plan to be used for pedestrian-oriented public
transportation and mobility priorities of this Plan, and to provide further guidance
realm improvements and extension of the Pedestrian Network.
to the City of Victoria Parking Strategy.

LEGIBILITY AND WAYFINDING FOR PEDESTRIANS 5.4.25 Continue to incorporate universal access standards within the public
5.4.13 Improve wayfinding throughout the Downtown Core Area through public realm to improve access for people with varying mobility needs.
and private initiatives. 5.4.26 Ensure that sidewalks are wide enough to support desired levels of
5.4.14 Strengthen the visual character of the Downtown Core Area through the activity and to maintain an adequate clear zone for pedestrian travel.
use of more standardized street-furniture design, except on key streets 5.4.27 Encourage the use of building elements such as awnings, canopies
that may require a specialized street-furniture program. and projections to provide pedestrians with continuous shelter from the
5.4.15 Review and update the City of Victoria Downtown Beautification Plan rain and other elements.
to identify areas to install additional directional signage and maps 5.4.28 Provide enhanced pedestrian crossings near major transit stops and
throughout the Downtown Core Area. where the Pedestrian Network crosses major streets.
5.4.16 Review the City of Victoria’s wayfinding program to identify opportunities
for further improving pedestrian orientation within the Downtown Core THROUGH-BLOCK PASSAGEWAYS
Area and to other surrounding locations and attraction. 5.4.29 Continue to develop through-block passageways to provide a direct
north-south access that connects the Pedestrian Network (SEE FIGURE 25:
PEDESTRIAN FLOW – INNER HARBOUR AND ROCK BAY DISTRICT PEDESTRIAN NETWORK MAP).
5.4.17 Extend the Government Street Mall from Yates Street northward to 5.4.30 Locate through-block passageways as close as possible to mid-block
Pembroke Street, with links to the Rock Bay waterfront. to achieve smaller city blocks (similar to those found in the Old Town
5.4.18 Support the location of active street-level uses along Government Street Area), approximately 200–300 feet (60–90 metres) long.
to provide a dynamic and interesting environment between the Inner 5.4.31 Ensure the design of all new through-block passageways reflects the
Harbour and the Rock Bay District. design criteria described in Appendix 5: Through-Block Passageway
5.4.19 Develop the Harbour Pathway as per the Victoria Harbour Pathway Plan Guidelines.
(August 5, 2008), with a focus on completing missing links between the 5.4.32 Ensure that through-block passageways are primarily developed within
Inner Harbour Causeway and the Rock Bay District. the Priority Through-Block Passageway Connection Areas (SEE FIGURE 25:
5.4.20 Develop a comprehensive streetscape plan for the extension of the PEDESTRIAN NETWORK MAP).
Government Street Mall that focuses on improving the pedestrian and 5.4.33 Use mid-block street crossings to connect through-block passageways
cycling environment and contains a consistent streetscape treatment and to provide safe and convenient access for pedestrians.
throughout the entire length.
5.4.34 Maintain public access through the use of legal mechanisms, such
PEDESTRIAN SAFETY AND COMFORT the dedication of the through-block passage way as a right-of way or
5.4.21 Continue to apply standards for streetscape designs and elements that through the use of an easement.
improve the safety and comfort of pedestrians. 5.4.35 Ensure maintenance agreements include detailed criteria for the
5.4.22 Ensure street furniture, utilities and landscaping do not significantly operation and function of through-block passageways.
impede pedestrian flow on public sidewalks.
5.4.23 Consider the Street Typology Guidelines contained in Appendix 4 of this
Plan in the design of local streetscapes.
5.4.24 Improve the amount and design of pedestrian lighting, especially in
areas that have higher concentrations of pedestrian activity.

5.4.36 Consider integrating the Crime Prevention Through Environmental 5.5 C

YCLING NETWORK –
Design (CPTED) principles into the design of through-block
passageways, along with a range of other design elements that animate POLICIES AND ACTIONS
and improve the attractiveness, safety and usability of through-block
CYCLING NETWORK
passageways, such as:
5.5.1 Complete the Cycling Network as illustrated on the Cycling Network
• Entrances that are easy to see from the street level. Map (FIGURE 26), through bicycle-friendly street-design standards,
• Clear sight lines from one end of the passageway to the other. streetscaping and appropriate wayfinding improvements.
• Pedestrian-scale lighting throughout the entire length of the 5.5.2 Establish Cycling Network routes that provide direct and efficient
passageway. connections to adjacent neighbourhoods, major public destinations,
• Direct access to retail or commercial space from the passageway. Greenways and the regional pathway system.
• Consistent
signs and Pedestrian Network maps located 5.5.3 Improve the safety of bicycle street crossings with street crossing lights,
along sidewalks. dedicated bicycle lanes and signage where the bicycle
• Easy, grade-level access for people of varying mobility needs. network crosses major streets (Douglas Street, Blanshard Street,
and Government Street).
MID-BLOCK CROSSINGS
5.5.4 Continue to maintain a budget within the Capital Budget for funding
5.4.37 Provide mid-block street crossings to provide safe pedestrian access
on-going physical improvements to the Cycling Network.
and to support vitality on facing sidewalks.
5.5.5 Use public and private development opportunities to complete and
5.4.38 Continue to close gaps in the Pedestrian Network with mid-block
enhance the Cycling Network.
crossings to connect through-block passageways, with priority
for new mid-block crossings in the Central Business District, the CYCLING SUPPORT
Historic Commercial District, the Inner Harbour District, and points of
5.5.6 Consider opportunities to encourage cycling through well-designed
connection with the Harbour Pathway system.
cycling-related amenities within new office, commercial and multi-
5.4.39 Coordinate crossing design with provisions for parking, bicycle lanes residential development.
and transit lanes to ensure pedestrian visibility and safety.
5.5.7 Consider providing Class 1 and Class 2 bicycle parking facilities
5.4.40 Establish a distinctive signage, street mapping and wayfinding system in strategic public locations, such as parks and plazas that serve as
to increase recognition and use of the integrated mid-block crossing end-trip destinations or are used for special events. Class 1 Bicycle
and through-block passageway system. Parking is:
• Fully enclosed, such as bicycle lockers, cages or controlled areas.
• Secure to prevent vandalism and theft.
• Covered to provide protection from inclement weather.
• Constructed of tamper resistant and durable materials.
Class 2 Bicycle Parking is bike racks that have been specifically
designed to secure bicycles – both wheels and frame – for short
periods only.

Figure 25: Pedestrian Network Map.

5.5.8 Locate Class 1 and Class 2 bicycle parking facilities: LINKS TO REGIONAL CYCLING NETWORK
• In
highly visible areas to allow natural surveillance and improve 5.5.18 Provide clear links and connections using pathways and streets to
personal safety. connect the Downtown Core Area Cycling Network and the Capital
• On the same site as the building they are serving. Regional District’s Regional Cycling Network.
• Within
15 metres of the main entrance to the building and closer to 5.5.19 Update the City of Victoria Bicycle Master Plan to ensure alignment
the main entrance than any motor vehicle parking stall. of bicycle networks with the Downtown Core Area Plan.
5.5.9 Locate class 2 bicycle parking facilities in covered areas to provide
BICYCLE PARKING
protection from rain. Covered areas include building projections,
5.5.20 Increase Class 1 bicycle parking within new office buildings, institutions
awning, canopies or roofs that project a minimum of 0.5 metres beyond
and multi-residential developments that are adjacent to major transit
the bicycle parking facility.
stops.
5.5.10 Locate bicycle parking facilities within the public right of way adjacent
5.5.21 Integrate Class 2 covered bicycle parking with retail commercial, multi-
to the street curb and in alignment with other street furniture, light poles
residential, institutional and office uses to provide safe and convenient
and public trees to avoid impinging on pedestrian movement along
short-term bicycle parking for the general public.
public sidewalks.
5.5.22 Consider additional Class 1 bicycle parking and other cycling
5.5.11 Review and update the City of Victoria Zoning Regulation Bylaw to
amenities, such as showers, change rooms and lockers, when
ensure that bicycle parking requirements and standards for multi-
reviewing and evaluating development applications for new office,
residential development, office buildings and other commercial uses
commercial, multi residential and industrial development, as a
serve to encourage and accommodate cycling as an alternate mode
Transportation Demand Management mechanism to reduce the number
of transportation.
of vehicle parking stalls required in new higher density office buildings.
CYCLIST SAFETY AND COMFORT
5.5.12 Wherever possible, identify designated bike lanes through reflective
street surface lane markings or the use of coloured pavement.
5.5.13 Provide smooth road surfaces that are free of debris, potholes and
other obstacles.
5.5.14 Provide improved street lighting throughout the Cycling Network that
ensures adequate levels of night time illumination.
5.5.15 Continue to maintain the Cycling Network throughout the year with
special attention to inspecting and repairing roadway and pathway
surfaces, bikeway signs and amenities.
BICYCLE FRIENDLY DESIGN STANDARDS

5.5.16 Coordinate public and private streetscape improvements to enhance
the Cycling Network.
5.5.17 Update bicycle parking guidelines to address design criteria for Class
1 and Class 2 bicycle parking, including shower and locker facilities,
location of bicycle parking, surveillance and safety measures and
convenience within the public and private realm.

Figure 26: Cycling Network Map.

5.6 TRANSIT – POLICIES AND ACTIONS 5.6.8 Ensure buildings near major transit stops are designed to enhance the
pedestrian environment by having doorways and windows oriented
TRANSIT SUPPORT to the street, and by setting back the upper building storeys from the
5.6.1 Continue to require transit-supportive land use and development along lower storeys to create a pedestrian-scaled environment at the street
the Douglas Street Primary Transit Corridor as well as along any other level and to mitigate shadowing effects from taller buildings.
future primary transit corridors within the Downtown Core Area.
ALL-WEATHER BUILDING DESIGN
5.6.2 Consider land uses and activities around transit corridors that 5.6.9 Ensure buildings and public spaces along Pedestrian Network routes,
encourage high levels of pedestrian activity and transit use, both inside major transit stops and along primary transit corridors are designed
and outside of the am/pm peak periods. Examples of transit-supportive to incorporate building features that provide protection from the
uses include: weather and climate, such as awnings, recessed entrances, building
• Commercial offices. projections, tree canopies and other forms of covered areas.
• Medium- to high-density multi-residential development.
PARKING REQUIREMENTS
• Public and private schools and educational facilities.
5.6.10 Consider reducing the number of required vehicle parking stalls for
• Street-level retail. transit-supportive uses located adjacent to major transit stops.
• Restaurants.
5.6.11 Locate vehicular parking at the rear of buildings or below grade where
• Personal services. a development is positioned along a Pedestrian Network route that
• Medical clinics. leads to a major transit stop or along a primary transit corridor.
• Entertainment, recreational and cultural facilities.
TRANSIT CIRCULATION
• Libraries.
5.6.12 Support a dedicated Downtown Core Area transit shuttle to provide
5.6.3 Increase density around major transit stops and along primary circulating transit service between key locations.
transit corridors to accommodate higher density, transit-supportive
development.
5.7 TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT
PEDESTRIAN CONNECTIONS
5.6.4 Ensure pedestrian connections to transit corridors and transit stops are
(TDM) – POLICIES AND ACTIONS
direct, safe, convenient, barrier-free, easily identifiable and navigable. STREET DESIGNS
5.6.5 Use Pedestrian Network routes to provide connections to transit 5.7.1 Adopt the Transportation and Mobility Priorities (SEE FIGURE 24) as
corridors and transit stops. a guiding principle for the design of transportation and mobility
5.6.6 Consider public realm design improvements that improve pedestrian networks and their components within the Downtown Core Area.
flow around major transit stops and along primary transit corridors.
POLICY DIRECTION
COMPACT DEVELOPMENT 5.7.2 Incorporate the Transportation and Mobility Priorities (SEE FIGURE 24)
5.6.7 Cluster buildings near major transit stops together to allow for as a guiding principle for developing any other transportation
convenient pedestrian access between buildings and to define the or mobility related policies or master plans that may affect the
public realm. Downtown Core Area.

PARKING REGULATIONS
5.7.3 Review and update parking requirements in the Zoning Regulation
Bylaw to reflect and implement the TDM objectives described in this
Plan.
5.7.4 Consider amending the Zoning Regulation Bylaw to incorporate
maximum parking standards to restrict the number of on-site motor
vehicle parking stalls that may be provided as part of new development
in the Historic Commercial District and the Central Business District.
5.7.5 Consider opportunities for reducing the number of required motor
vehicle parking stalls in high-density, employment-intensive commercial
uses, such as offices, in exchange for:
• Dedicated on-site car share or carpooling parking stalls.
• Additional Class 1 Bicycle parking stalls, shower and locker
facilities for employees.
• Annual transit passes for employees.
• Locating transit supportive uses within 400 metres to major
transit stops.
• Other
TDM programs/strategies that reduce on-site parking stalls
and encourage alternate modes of transportation.
ALTERNATE MODES OF TRANSPORTATION

5.7.6 Explore opportunities to continue to increase short-stay, on-street
parking during weekends and evenings.
5.7.7 Prohibit the development of new surface parking lots and single-
purpose, above-grade parking structures.
5.7.8 Consider opportunities for integrating public short-term parking as a
component of underground parking for high-density office buildings
within the Central Business District.
PARKING REVENUE
5.7.9 Explore using public parking revenue to fund public TDM initiatives,
such as the development of dedicated bicycle lanes and directional
signage.

CHAPTER SIX: URBAN DESIGN
urban design
6
6.1 INTRODUCTION Victoria around the world, and are available from a variety of locations both within
and outside of the Downtown Core Area. Views of other prominent buildings,
Urban design is the deliberate effort to guide the physical form, space and built particularly the City Hall clock tower and heritage church towers, punctuate the
characteristics of an urban place toward specific, defined ends. It includes all Downtown Core Area, while offsets and bends in streets provide a sense
elements of a city, from the overall form of the city and the look of its skyline, of enclosure and intimacy.
to the smallest detail of its signs and sidewalk designs.
In its public realm – its streets, sidewalks, parks, squares, plazas, passageways
and other public open spaces – Victoria is also fortunate, boasting a unique
6.2 URBAN DESIGN – DOWNTOWN CORE AREA array of public spaces that includes:
The Downtown Core Area has well-defined identity as an urban centre focused • Pedestrianwalks, formal lawns, building forecourts, and waterfront streets
on a beautiful harbour, graced with noble historic and civic buildings, and built arrayed as an esplanade around the Inner Harbour.
to a human and walkable scale. • Anetwork of through-block passageways, service lanes and mid-block
Victoria is fortunate to have retained much of its 19th and early 20th century pedestrian crossings that form an integral part of the Pedestrian Network.
commercial core, and much of its picturesque quality stems from the variety, rich • Largergreen and open spaces, including Centennial Square and Pandora
detailing, intimate scale and irregularity created by these historic buildings within Green, as well as smaller greens and plazas, such as Bastion Square,
its streetscape. Crystal Gardens Plaza and the Public Library Plaza.
In its public views and vistas, too, Victoria is fortunate, with the surrounding
This distinctive urban identity is fundamental to Victoria’s current enviable quality
landscape providing a natural backdrop of water, hills and distant mountains
of life, and to its comparative economic and environmental advantage among
in many directions, and the Inner Harbour offering both a close-up visual focal
other North American cities.
point as well as a trademark foreground for many signature city views. Views of
significant civic landmarks – most notably the grand assembly of the Legislature,
the Empress Hotel and the Inner Harbour Causeway – define the image of

6.2 URBAN DESIGN – PLAN • Usingprogressive setback requirements, upper storey floor space
maximums, and base-level podiums for taller buildings, to maintain
To ensure the Downtown Core Area retains its character and strength as an an engaging human-scaled experience at grade.
attractive, livable urban place while it grows significantly over the next 30 years,
• Emphasizing fine architectural detailing and building finishes on lower
the Downtown Core Area Plan outlines a number of physical changes intended to:
storeys and the infilling of gaps in the streetwall to enhance visual
• Bolster the sustainability of the city core. intricacy and continuity.
• Build on the natural setting of the city. • Encouragingrhythmic interplay and in-scale variation in building
• Conservethe city’s historic character and ensure sympathetic façades along streets.
new development. • Providing richly detailed and varied streetscaping.
It does this by: • Providing
for the development of distinctive, compact and fine-
grained new character areas to complement the historic core.
• Providingtaller building height and increased density to accommodate new
growth along the two intersecting corridors of Douglas/Blanshard Streets
and Yates Street (the Cross Town Concept).
• Establishinga general Urban Ampitheatre form for the Downtown Core Area
that builds on its geographic and historic urban setting, and complements
the secondary skylines in adjacent areas, including the Songhees
Peninsula and Belleville Street in James Bay.
• Protecting and enhancing Public Views and Vistas, including exterior views
out from the Downtown Core Area; views to prominent heritage landmarks;
interior views within the Downtown Core Area; and external views towards
the Downtown Core Area from outside.
• Making improvements to the Public Realm that include:
• Completing the Harbour Pathway.
• Extending the Government Street Mall.
• Revitalizing Centennial Square.
• Developing well-designed through-block passageways.
• Enhancing the sense of arrival at gateway locations.
• Developing new parks in Harris Green and Rock Bay.
• Enhancing of Pandora Green as a primary urban place.
• Expanding tree planting, streetscape beautification, and the
installation of public art throughout the Downtown Core Area.
• Establishing
guidelines for the Built Form that will ensure new development
respects and complements the human scale of Victoria’s historic core by:
• Limitingbuilding height along the harbour and in the Historic
Commercial District.
• Permitting greater building height in locations where taller buildings
can provide a backdrop to historic areas and compose a tiered
Built form will shape the character and frame the public space of the Downtown
skyline of varied interest, proportional to the setting.
Core Area.

10 Urban Design Principles 8. A

dense network of pedestrian and bicycle routes supports self-propelled
These changes and improvements to the Downtown Core Area are based on 10 mobility as the Downtown Core Area’s primary mode of travel.
urban design principles: 9. T
he city’s image is enriched at all scales – up close, new areas of finely
1. Public views help inform design solutions for private and public space. detailed streets and buildings add to the city’s fabric; from a distance, the
skyline takes on greater stature and interest as a backdrop to the harbour and
2. New buildings relate to existing buildings in form, scale, and detail.
historic core.
3. The design and location of tall buildings contribute to the skyline.
reas of greater height and urban intensity transition gracefully to lower
10. A
4. P
ublic access and visual connections to the waterfront are key components scale, less intensively built neighbourhoods.
of the public realm.
5. New development enhances the compact form and diverse character 6.3 CROSS TOWN CONCEPT
of each District.
Under this Plan, new growth and taller buildings in the Downtown Core Area will
6. S
treets and urban spaces provide high-quality public space, boosting the be concentrated along the two intersecting corridors of Douglas Street and Yates
vitality of public life and retail activity. Street in order to:
7. P
ublic green and marine spaces, squares and plazas integrate with the • Move pressure for new development away from the Historic Commercial
broader Pedestrian Network, creating a well-connected open space system. District to under-developed areas.
• Controlnew growth along these main streets to ensure a coherent and
attractive urban form over time.
• Concentrate commercial office uses where there is greatest transit access.
• Strengthenthe Harris Green neighbourhood with a concentration of higher-
density residential and commercial uses centred on Yates Street.
(SEE FIGURE 27: CROSS TOWN CONCEPT.)
Policies and actions throughout this Plan, in this section and elsewhere, support
the development of this Cross Town urban form along Douglas Street and Yates
Street by:
• Encouraging transportation improvements to the two corridors.
• Allowing increased building heights and densities along the two corridors.
• Focussing the expanding Central Business District within the two corridors.
• Integrating
the two corridors into the larger urban core by concentrating
public amenities along or near Douglas Street and Yates Streets, and by
ensuring clear connections to the Pedestrian Network and making public
realm improvements.
• Encouragingthe location of new primary commercial and institutional uses
and buildings on and near Douglas Street and Yates Street.
• Encouraging building forms along Douglas Street and Yates Street that
reinforce a “Main Street” role and image for both streets.
• Emphasizing the metropolitan character of the two corridors with suitable
Urban design principles help to enhance the reationship between built form, public realm formal architecture and spatial relationships between streets and buildings.
and public views and vistas.

6.4 URBAN AMPITHEATRE CONCEPT

To build on the Downtown Core Area’s geographic and historic urban setting,
this Plan promotes a general urban form in the shape of an amphitheatre,
stepping up from Victoria’s open harbour basin, where building height remains
low near the harbour but gradually increases further inland, with tall buildings at
a distance from the harbour, concentrated along Douglas and Yates Streets. (SEE
FIGURE 28: URBAN AMPITHEATRE CONCEPT.)
This Urban Ampitheatre shape:

• Builds
on the pattern of historical development in the Downtown Core Area
by having growth tier up away from the harbour.
• Augments key public views in all directions around the harbour.
• Reflects and emphasizes the natural, underlying hilly landscape and the
rise of natural grades in several directions away from the water.
• Createsa series of backdrop building ridges surrounding the harbour,
providing visually intricate skylines on several sides when viewed from
public harbourside vantage points.
• Retainsgaps in the skyline to retain public views of prominent regional
landscape features, including the Sooke Hills, Mount Douglas, Mount
Tolmie, Mount Work and the Olympic Mountains.
• Provides public views around the shoreline and across the harbour basin
with foreground, mid-ground, background, and side-ground components,
usually including a marine forefront, a taller building array beyond, and
geographic elements as a backdrop.
Figure 27: Cross Town Concept.

Conceptual illustration of the relationship between the skyline form and

the surrounding view context.
Figure 28: Urban Ampitheatre Concept.

6.5 P
UBLIC VIEWS AND VISTAS –
EXTERIOR VIEWS OUT
6.5.1 Monitor, protect and enhance the exterior views out from the Downtown
Core Area , giving consideration to the combination of foreground, mid-
ground and background elements. (SEE FIGURE 29: EXTERIOR VIEWS OUT.)
6.5.2 Encourage design and siting solutions that minimize the visual impact
of new developments within the specified exterior views.
6.5.3 Give special design attention to the view, from defined public vantage
points, of proposed new buildings sited within the specified exterior
views.
6.5.4 Review and update adjacent neighbourhood plans to ensure the
specified exterior views are preserved outside the Downtown Core Area.
6.5.5 Ensure new buildings located along identified exterior views are
designed to enhance and frame the exterior view.
6.5.6 Ensure foreground and public realm elements – such as lighting,
streetlamps, landscaping, planters, paving, street furnishings, stairs
and ramps leading to waterfront access – enhance harbour views,
connections to the water and wayfinding.
6.5.7 Evaluate development proposals that affect the specified exterior view
corridors according to the Exterior View Guidelines in Appendix 1.
VIEWS TO PROMINENT HERITAGE LANDMARKS

6.5.8 Conserve the views of heritage landmarks from the public vantage
points and along the view sightlines specified in Figure 30. (SEE FIGURE 30:
PROMINENT HERITAGE LANDMARKS AND VIEWS.)
6.5.9 Give special design consideration to development applications located

with a 90-metre (300-foot) radius of the landmark heritage buildings
identified in Figure 30, to ensure that the height, setbacks, siting
and upper storey massing of proposed new buildings respect their
prominence.
6.5.10 Evaluate development proposals for sites located within the view
sightlines specified in Figure 30 for their impact on the views of the Figure 29: Exterior Views Out.
identified heritage landmark buildings (considering distant, middle-
distant and close-in public vantage points along the defined sightlines),
using 3-D digital form modeling and photo-montage studies as required.

INTERIOR VIEWS AND STREETHEADS

6.5.11 Encourage building designs that provide visual interest at the end
of each interior view identified in Figure 31, or, where appropriate,
with a taller building on a site just beyond along the same sightline.
(SEE FIGURE 31: INTERIOR VIEWS AND STREETHEADS.)
6.5.12 Consider design solutions to distinguish the landmark opportunities

identified in Figure 31, such as plazas, artworks, landscaping or lighting
effects, tall buildings, or other landmark building features.
6.5.13 Review new development proposals located within the specified
interior views for their potential impact on those views, with specific
consideration to existing and potential landmarks and landmark
buildings and wayfinding.
6.5.14 Ensure new buildings located along an identified interior view are
designed to enhance and frame the interior view.
6.5.15 Ensure foreground and public realm elements – such as lighting,
streetlamps, landscaping, planters, paving, street furnishings –
enhance interior views.
6.5.16 Consider the design of buildings at the interior view landmark sites
identified in Figure 31, where appropriate, in relation to their impact on
the overall skyline.
6.5.17 Evaluate development proposals that affect specified interior views
according to the Interior View Guidelines in Appendix 2.
Figure 30: Prominent Heritage Landmarks and Views.
Conserve public views to Heritage Landmarks – such as the

City Hall Clock Tower.

EXTERNAL VIEWS TOWARDS THE DOWNTOWN CORE AREA

6.5.18 Monitor the evolution of the Downtown Core Area skyline from the 10
public vantage points identified in Figure 32 (considering the contribution
of proposed new buildings to foreground, mid-ground and background
elements of the skyline and overall panoramas of the Downtown Core
Area visible from these reference points), using 3-D digital form modeling
and photomontage studies as required. (SEE FIGURE 32: EXTERNAL VIEWS
TOWARDS THE DOWNTOWN CORE AREA FROM PUBLIC VANTAGE POINTS.)
6.5.19 Monitor the evolution of new development in the Downtown Core Area
to ensure that views from public vantage points overlooking the Upper
Harbour evolve over time, to complement the iconic views of the historic
commercial core and Inner Harbour precinct.
6.5.20 Encourage new development that enhances views of the Downtown
Core Area from major approach routes from the north, giving
consideration to improved streetscaping, attractive flanking building
facades, and contributions to an interesting urban skyline profile
rising above.
6.5.21 Encourage new development that enhances views of the Downtown
Core Area from major approach routes to the east, in particular:
• Along
Yates Street from an uphill vantage east of Cook Street, which
commands an overview of a wide street corridor terminating in a distant
backdrop view of the Songhees Peninsula and the Sooke Hills.
• Along
Pandora Avenue, which encompasses a series of distinctive treed
urban boulevard views.
6.5.22 Evaluate development proposals that affect the specified external views
toward the Downtown Core Area according to the External
View Guidelines in Appendix 3.
Figure 31: Interior Views and Streetheads.

Taller landmark buildings can be used to terminate streethead views. Public art can be used to identify streethead sites.
Taller landmark buildings can be used to highlight street inflections. Landscaped plazas with lighting, water features and public art can
help to enhance and identify streethead sites.

CHAPTER SEVEN: URBAN DESIGN
6.6 P
UBLIC REALM IMPROVEMENT
STREETS
6.6.1 Classify Downtown Core Area streets from a public realm perspective,
according to the Street Typology Guidelines in Appendix 4 and as
shown in Figure 33. (SEE FIGURE 33: PUBLIC REALM STREET CLASSIFICATION.)
6.6.2 Use the Street Typology Guidelines in Appendix 4 as design reference
for public and private development initiatives that affect the public
realm characteristics of streets in the Downtown Core Area, recognizing
that functional requirements, existing street dimensions and physical
conditions may constrain achievement of the defined design
benchmarks.
6.6.3 Review and update the Zoning Regulation Bylaw and the other related
technical design standards for streets and sidewalks for compatibility
with the design characteristics described in Appendix 4.
Public realm improvemnts can enhance public spaces.
Figure 32: External Views Towards the Downtown Core Area

from Public Vantage Points.

GOVERNMENT STREET MALL EXTENSION

6.6.4 Implement the phased extension of the Government Street Mall
northwards, first to Centennial Square and Chinatown, then to link with
a future waterfront public park at Rock Bay and to serve as the primary
commercial street for the Rock Bay District. (SEE FIGURE 34: GOVERNMENT
STREET MALL EXTENSION.)
6.6.5 Maintain and improve public pedestrian access between the Government
Street Mall and the Harbour Pathway at multiple locations throughout the
entire length as they are both developed and extended northwards.
6.6.6 Coordinate the design of streetscape improvements to Belleville Street
and the Inner Harbour Causeway with the Government Street Mall to
ensure a consistent design and seamless flow between each area.
6.6.7 Consider public realm design options to provide priority to pedestrians,
with supporting cycling, transit, delivery, parking and general purpose
traffic consistent with Appendix 4: Pedestrian Priority Street Guidelines.
6.6.8 Coordinate the upgrade of underground services to support future
surrounding new development with the Mall extension.
6.6.9 Encourage pedestrian-oriented land uses and building design along
the extended Mall, including continuous commercial frontage and a
minimum 50 percent of adjacent building frontage built to the sidewalk.
Avoid underground parkade entrances on Government Street.
6.6.10 Develop detailed design standards and guidelines for the Government
Street Mall that:
• Ensure continuous commercial frontage.
• Limitbreaks in the adjacent streetwall (the lower portion of a building
that is adjacent to a street; usually the first few storeys).
• Encourage limited setbacks for building entries and café space.
• Provide
unity and continuity in design details and unique public realm
treatments with opportunity for diversity in architectural expression.
• Demarcate defined zones for pedestrian, cycle, transit and general
traffic use.
• Provide infrastructure to support seasonal and special event closures.
• Ensure street furnishings exhibit designs unique to the Mall.
• Establish generous tree planting and green infrastructure features.
Figure 33: Public Realm Street Classification.

6.6.11 Develop and implement a wayfinding system, consistent with the

Downtown Victoria Beautification Strategy, that highlights connections
to adjacent areas and attractions.
6.6.12 Work with partners to develop cost estimates, an implementation
schedule and funding mechanisms to undertake the Government Street
Mall extension over time.
6.6.13 Develop, with partners, a program of active special uses and events
with a seasonal orientation and tie-in with commercial activities and
public holidays.
6.6.14 Develop a partnership program to support building façade and
storefront illumination to complement street lighting.
Figure 34: Government Street Mall Extension.

Conceptual illustrations of the northward extension of Government Street mall into the Rock Bay District.

SPECIAL STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS

6.6.15 Undertake (through the City’s annual Beautification Program) an
on-going program of innovative, high-quality, temporary and permanent
special streetscape improvements that accent prominent locations in
the Downtown Core Area and, where possible, support public events
and seasonal celebrations.
6.6.16 Target the completion of at least one streetscape project annually, either
initiated by the City or undertaken in partnership, and identify several
projects to commemorate the City’s 150 anniversary of incorporation
in 2012.
6.6.17 Undertake, in coordination with rapid transit planning, the
comprehensive redesign of Douglas Street to carefully incorporate
rapid transit service within a complete street design concept that:
• Highlights
the Yates/Douglas Street intersection as the hub of the
Crosstown development concept.
Chinatown overhead Heavenly Lights are an example of special
• Pays attention to adjacent building illumination, crosswalk paving, streetscape improvements.
public art, wayfinding signage, and possible ornamental treatment
of the intersection road surface.
Conceptual illustration of streetscape improvements to the Douglas/ Conceptual illustration of Douglas/Yates Crosstown Main Street concept
Yates Street intersection. looking north.

PUBLIC PARKS AND OPEN SPACES

6.6.18 Maintain and enhance the Downtown Core Area parks and public open
space system identified in Figure 35. (SEE FIGURE 35: DOWNTOWN CORE AREA
PARKS AND OPEN SPACES SYSTEM.)
6.6.19 Establish three new parks in the Downtown Core Area – in Harris Green,
in Rock Bay at the north end of the Historic Commercial District, and
at the Rock Bay waterfront at the north end of the Harbour Pathway, as
identified in Figure 35 – using the standards and guidelines of the Parks
Master Plan to determine appropriate size, functional requirements and
final locations for these parks.
6.6.20 Institute capital budget and development cost-recovery mechanisms
to secure dedicated funding for the acquisition and development of the
new parks.
6.6.21 Design and program parks and public open spaces to accommodate
diverse public activities and interests.
6.6.22 Establish pedestrian and cycling connections between parks and
public open spaces, proposed Greenways, and the Pedestrian
Network, including links to through-block passageways.
6.6.23 Prepare designs to update Centennial Square as the primary civic
open space in the Downtown Core Area, in concert with plans to renew
City Hall and locate new civic functions at the square, consistent with
revitalization plans for the square and the design criteria included in
Appendix 6: Centennial Square Guidelines.
6.6.24 Maintain and enhance Pandora Green as a public park and open space
for the Residential Mixed-Use District, consistent with the design criteria
in Appendix 7: Pandora Green Guidelines.
6.6.25 Enhance the public open space and pedestrian connections through
the Crystal Gardens block and Cridge Park to St. Anne’s Academy and
Beacon Hill Park, including improved wayfinding signage.
6.6.26 Establish new public and semi-public plazas and small open spaces
throughout the Downtown Core Area as private and public re-
development proceeds, consistent with the typology of plazas and
squares and accompanying design criteria in Appendix 8: Urban Plaza
Design Guidelines.
6.6.27 Enhance Bastion Square as a primary historic public space, consistent Figure 35: Downtown Core Area Parks and Open Space System.
with the design criteria in Appendix 8: Urban Plaza Design Guidelines.
6.6.28 Secure public plazas as a component of redevelopment at Ship
Point, at the Belleville Terminal and at key upland access points to the
Harbour Pathway.

6.6.29 Re-design the approaches to the Johnson Street Bridge, in concert with
work to replace or rehabilitate the bridge, to consolidate it as a defined,
attractive and active public square.
6.6.30 Maintain the integrity of the Inner Harbour Causeway, the Provincial
Legislative Grounds and the open spaces of the Royal BC Museum site
as components of Victoria’s Provincial Capital precinct and as the City’s
primary visitor area.
GATEWAYS
6.6.31 Design and develop urban gateways that signal and celebrate arrival
to the Downtown Core Area, at the four locations identified in Figure 36.
(SEE FIGURE 36: Potential URBAN GATEWAY LOCATIONS.)
6.6.32 Ensure gateways feature available City-owned sites, main approaches

and views towards the Downtown Core Area and, where feasible,
incorporate adjacent areas of green landscape.
6.6.33 Ensure gateways are individually designed to include landscaping,
sculptural elements, fountains, lighting, flags, or signage, or any
combination of these elements.
6.6.34 Ensure gateways relate to important pedestrian, cycling, and traffic
routes and the District to which they signal entry.
6.6.35 Consider the design and development of gateways as community
projects to mark the City’s 150th anniversary in 2012.
Figure 36: Potential Urban Gateway Locations.
Gateways may incorporate landscaping, signage, lighting, water features, flags,

or public art, in a variety of combinations. (North and East Gateways)

BEAUTIFICATION Figure 37: Core Area Beautification Districts.

6.6.36 Review and update the Downtown Victoria Beautification Strategy to
expand its strategies and design guidelines throughout the Downtown
Core Area, while respecting the context of each District and character
area. (SEE FIGURE 37: CORE AREA BEAUTIFICATION DISTRICTS.)
6.6.37 Ensure that all municipal street furnishings and equipment installed in
the Downtown Core Area are consistent with the Beautification Strategy.
6.6.38 Establish a building and feature-lighting program, consistent with
the revised Beautification Strategy, that is energy efficient, does not
illuminate the night sky, and provides:
• Façade lighting for historic buildings.
• Spotlighting for summit architectural features of taller landmark
buildings.
• Accent lighting for public art and the harbour bridges.
• Distinctive
linear lighting for the Harbour Pathway and Greenway
networks, coordinated with private lighting schemes and possible
partnership projects.
6.6.39 Review and update the City’s Hanging Basket program, giving
consideration to extending it in phases throughout the Downtown
Core Area.
6.6.40 Establish a program to place existing overhead utility wires
underground throughout the Downtown Core Area, and requiring all
new development to place existing and new utility lines underground
as a condition of development.
6.6.41 Update the City’s Public Art Policy, consistent with the Public Art
Guidelines in Appendix 9, and integrate a public art component in all
municipal public works projects, both small and large, in the Downtown
Core Area.
Encourage new building and streetscape lighting.

6.7 BUILT FORM – POLICIES AND ACTIONS

BUILDING HEIGHT
6.7.1 Accommodate a range of building heights consistent with the maximum
building height limits described in Figure 38. (SEE FIGURE 38: MAXIMUM
BUILDING HEIGHT RANGES.)
6.7.2 Undertake sun/shadow and wind studies for buildings with proposed
heights greater than 50 metres to determine their impact on adjacent
sidewalks and streets.
6.7.3 Encourage diversity in building heights to contribute to the development
of a varied, visually interesting skyline focused on the Douglas/
Blanshard and Yates Street corridors, with reference to the Tall
Building Guidelines in Appendix 10.
6.7.4 Encourage the siting of taller buildings in mid-block locations for east-
west oriented blocks to reduce potential shading and wind effects on
adjacent north-south streets.

Figure 38: Maximum Building Height Ranges.

Undulating “contoured hillside” skyline profile concept for the Downtown Core
Area, as viewed from Songhees Point—the shading indicates the general
anticipated location for increased building height.
Building height tiers up to a height apex in the Central Business District.
Taller new buldings should provide an attractive and varied skyline

backdrop to the Historic Commercial District, and express an enlarged
Central Business District.
Taller buildings should be distinguished by high quality, as well as by creative and

diverse design.

MASSING
6.7.5 Reduce building bulk of upper storeys to minimize the effects of
shading and wind vortices, to maintain views to the open sky, and to
avoid the visual presence of bulky upper storey building mass.
6.7.6 Avoid uniformity in building design through varied heights and massing
within setback envelopes. See examples illustrated in Figures 39, 40
and 41.
6.7.7 Encourage the use of terraced or stepped building forms to distinguish
building podiums from upper storeys.
6.7.8 Exclude parapets, articulated cornices and guardrails from vertical and
sloped setback requirements, to encourage architectural articulation in
building faces.
6.7.9 Evaluate tall building proposals and establish new zoning standards
with reference to the Tall Building Guidelines in Appendix 10.
Figure 39: Street Proportionality (20m).
Street proportionality: Streets up to 20m wide.

Street wall: typical maximum 10m – minimum 50% frontage required.
Similar scaled streetwalls on each side of roadway.

Figure 40: Street Proportionality (30 m). Figure 41: Street Proportionality (Douglas and Yates).
Street proportionality: Streets up to 30m wide. Street proportionality: Crosstown Metro street
Street wall: typical maximum 15m – minimum 50% frontage required. Street wall: typical maximum 15m – minimum 50% frontage required.
Similar scaled streetwalls on each side of roadway. Similar scaled streetwalls on each side of roadway.

STREETWALL CRITERIA
6.7.10 Encourage streetwall heights proportional to the width of street
rights-of-way, generally to a width/height ratio of 2:1, which results
in streetwalls of 10m to15m in height.
6.7.11 Coordinate setback requirements so that the relative scale of building
street-wall faces are similar on each side of a street, regardless of
differences in allowances for total building height.
6.7.12 Encourage streetwall elements similar in scale and character
to Victoria’s historic streetscapes.
6.7.13 Encourage higher secondary streetwalls on wider streets such
as Douglas Street and Yates Street, to reduce the visual scale of tall
buildings and add greater architectural formality. See Figure 41
for example.
6.7.14 Employ “built-to” requirements where appropriate to maintain
streetwall continuity.
6.7.15 Articulate streetwalls with recessed entries, small plazas, sidewalk dining
areas and inset or chamfered building corners where appropriate.
6.7.16 Encourage quality architectural materials and detailing in building
bases and streetwalls to enhance visual interest for passersby at grade.
6.7.17 Ensure the development of an attractive, human-scaled, interface
between building bases and sidewalks with reference to the Building
Base, Streetwall and Commercial Frontage Guidelines in Appendix 11.
BUILDING SEPARATION AND SITING

6.7.18 Establish appropriate clearances between residential building faces to
provide privacy, access to sunlight and views of both the city and the
sky, while allowing the adjoining party walls of lower floors to provide
continuous streetwalls where desired.
6.7.19 Maintain adequate separation between tall buildings to ensure
adequate privacy for building occupants and allow access to sunlight Healthy streets – attention to building set-backs, build-to standards, allowance for
and views of the sky from public streets. generous building podiums, and spirited streetscape design can help to continue
Victoria’s pattern of varied, intimate, attractive, commercially vital, pedestrian
6.7.20 Evaluate building proposals and establish new zoning standards based friendly streets.
on the detailed residential building separation and clearance guidelines
in Appendix 12: Building Types and District Siting Guidelines.
6.7.21 Ensure that different building types are located in suitable Core Area
settings based on the detailed Building Types and Siting Guidelines
in Appendix 12.

CHAPTER SEVEN: HERITAGE
heritage
7
7.1 INTRODUCTION Beginning in the 1970s, the City of Victoria embarked on than 30 years of
successful place-making. At that time, the City implemented a series of policies
The conservation of built heritage is a cornerstone of community sustainability. It intended to revitalize the Historic Commercial District by encouraging both the
increases a community’s: sensitive integration of new development and the retention and protection of
• Economicsustainability, by encouraging heritage property re-investment built heritage in ways that respect the context and unique qualities of particular
and cultural tourism. locations, such as Bastion Square, Chinatown and Centennial Square. These
• Environmentalsustainability, by supporting green building through the policies also encouraged land use and design in the Historic Commercial District
retention and re-use of buildings. consistent with its dense, diverse, low-scale, non-grid and small-lot lot character.
• Social
sustainability, by converting commercial heritage properties to a (In 1990, the City enlarged that focus in the Downtown Victoria Plan to protect
variety of housing types and tenures. built heritage throughout the Downtown neighbourhood through land use policies
that balanced new development and conservation.)
• Cultural
sustainability, by connecting people with the past through the
historic environment and architectural expression. Since 1982, the City of Victoria has also maintained a Heritage Register – an
official list of historic properties that City Council has approved as municipal
Built heritage is also significant in urban design and development because the
Heritage Resources – to publicly recognize the heritage value of the properties
historic fabric is the foundation upon which a city builds a sense of place.
on the list and to enable Council to monitor any proposed changes to them.
The Heritage Resources listed on the Heritage Register are either “designated”
7.2 HERITAGE – DOWNTOWN CORE AREA or “registered.” Designated resources are protected through a municipal
Much of Victoria’s lasting charm and character stem from its well-conserved heritage designation bylaw and cannot be altered or demolished without Council
Heritage Resources, many of which date from the earliest days of non-native approval. Registered resources do not have the legal protection of a municipal
settlement in British Columbia. Historic landmarks from the 1860s to the Modern heritage bylaw and do not require Council to approve any alterations. Instead,
Movement are a source of community pride. The intimate concentration of the City provides advice to property owners to encourage development and
built heritage in the Downtown Core Area invites residents and visitors alike to alterations that are sensitive to the heritage character and context of the building
explore the urban core and its surrounding neighbourhoods, where the historic and the area. The Province of British Columbia and the Federal Government,
streetscapes reinforce the sense that this is a unique and special place. through Parks Canada, also “designate” Heritage Resources of provincial and

national significance. However, this recognition is commemorative and symbolic 7.4 AREA AND CONTEXT PLANNING –
and does not have an impact on the heritage status of property at the municipal
level, or processes to monitor or approve proposed changes. POLICIES AND ACTIONS
To date, there are over 200 properties listed on the Heritage Register within the HERITAGE MANAGEMENT
Downtown Core Area. (see figure 42: heritage register properties.) The vast majority 7.4.1 Retain the historic built environment of the Downtown Core Area for
are in the Historic Commercial District, but there are also significant groupings present and future generations.
in the Inner Harbour District, the Central Business District and the Residential
7.4.2 Connect the management of Heritage Resources to Area-wide
Mixed-Use District, where Victorian church spires shape the skyline along
planning, urban design and site-specific development.
Quadra Street. The Rock Bay District also contains several Heritage Resources
that are remnants of an historical industrial landscape. 7.4.3 Develop and use a “Victoria Thematic Framework” to:
• Identify
Heritage Resources and features in the Districts of the
7.3 HERITAGE – PLAN Downtown Core Area (these may include individual heritage
buildings, heritage conservation areas, groupings of sites,
To reinforce the presence and value of the historic built environment in the
streetscapes, engineering structures, cultural landscapes and
Downtown Core Area as it grows significantly over the next 30 years, this Plan
design features).
builds upon Victoria’s legacy of successful heritage protection and sensitive infill
development that responds to the function, form and character of each district in • Produce Statements of Significance for each Heritage Resource.
the Downtown Core Area. • Guidepublic realm improvement projects that involve the
interpretation of built heritage.
It also:
• Works
to better integrate community planning – at both the Area and 7.4.4 Complete Statements of Significance for each Heritage Resource in the
neighbourhood levels – with heritage conservation. Downtown Core Area that:
• Supports the development and use of a “Victoria Thematic Framework” to: • Describes the Heritage Resource.
• Identify, evaluate and select additions to the Heritage Register. • Evaluates its importance.
• DevelopStatements of Significance that describe and evaluate • Providesa list of character-defining elements, including the materials,
Heritage Resources, which may include heritage buildings, heritage forms, location, spatial configurations, uses and cultural associations
conservation areas, groupings of sites, streetscapes, engineering or meanings of the Heritage Resource that must be retained to
structures, cultural landscapes and design features. preserve its heritage value.
• Implementnew urban design and interpretation initiatives, such as 7.4.5 Integrate the 2002 Heritage Strategic Plan policies as part of community
plaques, banners, markers and public art, to encourage more people planning within the Downtown Core Area.
to explore Victoria’s built heritage.
• Maintains
civic support for conserving and celebrating municipal Heritage
Resources by keeping existing financial incentives and adding new ones.
• Encourages public and private realm interpretation and education to enrich
residents’ and visitors’ experience of Victoria’s built heritage.

Figure 42: Heritage Register Buildings.

NEIGHBOURHOOD PLANNING 7.5.6 Continue to support CA-3C Old Town zoning and design guidelines and
7.4.6 Identify, protect and conserve historic buildings, ensembles, similar new guidelines for other heritage conservation areas.
streetscapes, structures, landscapes and features of heritage value in 7.5.7 Ensure the Development Permit Areas created within the Downtown Core
the Downtown Core Area. Area consider the role of heritage as an objective of form and character.
7.4.7 Select additions to the Heritage Register that have value to the city
and the neighbourhoods of the Downtown Core Area, and that are
HERITAGE PROPERTY PROTECTION
significant examples of heritage themes. 7.5.8 Add public and private property to the Heritage Register proactively.
7.4.8 Complete an inventory of the industrial heritage that remains in the 7.5.9 Review City-owned properties to identify any Heritage Resources to
Rock Bay District and propose additions to the Heritage Register. add to the Register.
7.4.9 Conduct inventories of built heritage in the Residential Mixed-Use District 7.5.10 Designate heritage property where threatened and address the issue of
with special consideration to recognition of the Quadra Church Precinct compensation on a case-by-case basis.
in order to propose significant sites for addition to the Heritage Register. 7.5.11 Review historic interiors for possible addition to the Heritage Register.
HERITAGE CONSULTATION 7.5.12 Inventory and evaluate the heritage value of pre-1975 City-owned
properties.
7.4.10 Engage with community stakeholders – such as neighbourhood
associations, organizations, Victoria Tourism, businesses, educational 7.5.13 Inventory and evaluate historic interiors in the Historic Commercial
institutions and the arts and culture sector – on heritage initiatives. District, then document significant sites and propose additions to the
Heritage Register.
7.4.11 Consult with community associations and other groups to identify
Heritage Resources and features in the Downtown Core Area districts, DISASTER MITIGATION AND POST-EARTHQUAKE
and to promote initiatives and events.
RECOVERY PLANNING
7.5.14 Develop mitigation strategies for Heritage Resources that include
7.5 SITE DEVELOPMENT – vulnerability mapping and seismic retrofits, and implement the Post
POLICIES AND ACTIONS Earthquake Policy for Heritage Buildings.
7.5.15 Integrate heritage conservation policies with the City’s Emergency Plan.
CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT
7.5.16 Provide financial incentives for seismic upgrades in the private sector
7.5.1 Respect the heritage context of the Historic Commercial District and
recognized historic areas of the other Downtown Core Area Districts in 7.5.17 Inventory and record the seismic upgrades of all heritage property in
zoning changes and site redevelopment. Old Town.
7.5.2 Ensure that development applications that involve a Heritage Resource 7.5.18 Draft a capital plan for post-earthquake reconstruction that identifies
conserve and integrate the character-defining elements of the Heritage priority sites and financial sources or strategies for its implementation.
Resource.
7.5.3 Support new infill, improvements and additions to existing buildings that
enhance adjacent Heritage Resources.
7.5.4 Support projects converting the upper floors of designated commercial
heritage properties to residential use to encourage the continued
revitalization of the Historic Commercial District.
7.5.5 Discourage development that involves demolishing a Heritage
Resource or removing part or all of an historic façade.

7.6 CIVIC SUPPORT – POLICIES AND ACTIONS PUBLIC EDUCATION AND INFORMATION
7.7.5 Communicate the benefits of Heritage Resource management to a wide
CONSERVATION OF BUILT HERITAGE range of audiences and community stakeholders.
7.6.1 Implement the Heritage Density Transfer to balance new development 7.7.6 Reinforce the efforts of local organizations and business owners to
with the rehabilitation and legal protection of Heritage Resources as a conserve and celebrate the Downtown Core Area’s Heritage Resources.
public benefit, where the owner of a Heritage Resource could transfer
unused density to a developer within specific parts of the Downtown 7.7.7 Update the City’s Community Heritage Planning website to
Core Area (SEE SECTION 4. DENSITY). communicate the presence and value of heritage resources in Victoria
to multiple audiences.
7.6.2 Allocate funding for initiatives or studies that address the policy
directions of the Heritage Strategic Plan (2002) in the Downtown Core 7.7.8 Use the Heritage Program website to increase the profile of heritage
Area. development projects in the Downtown Core Area that have received
Hallmark and B.C. Heritage Awards or otherwise serve as examples
7.6.3 Provide ongoing assistance for retaining and re-using designated of good practice.
commercial, industrial, institutional and large residential heritage sites
through the Tax Incentive Program (T.I.P.) in the Historic Commercial
District and the Building Improvement Program (B.I.P.) – administered
by the Victoria Civic Heritage Trust – across the city
7.6.4 Consider broadening the base for the Tax Incentive Program (T.I.P.) to
the Rock Bay District.
7.6.5 Continue to provide grants to rehabilitate and upgrade designated
heritage houses through the Victoria Heritage Foundation.
7.7 INTERPRETATION AND EDUCATION –

EXPERIENCE OF BUILT HERITAGE
7.7.1 Make improvements to the public realm to help interpret and explain
Victoria’s built heritage; these improvements might include banners,
signs, temporary markers, mosaics and plaques.
7.7.2 Consider requiring art with heritage content or heritage displays in
public spaces as a condition of Heritage Revitalization Agreements
or a Heritage Density Transfer (SEE SECTION 4. DENSITY).
7.7.3 Consider the Victoria Thematic Framework (SEE 7.4.3) in urban design
and beautification initiatives.
7.7.4 Develop an interpretation policy that requires the use of the Victoria
Thematic Framework in all public realm improvements that interpret
built heritage.

CHAPTER EIGHT: ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT
energy and
8
environment
8.1 INTRODUCTION 8.3 ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT – PLAN

A critical component of urban planning today is trying to manage growth and By being compact and walkable, with good transportation and infrastructure
development in a manner that not only maintains and enhances the health of systems already in place, the Downtown Core Area is a prime location for urban
natural ecosystems, but also addresses key issues such as climate change and intensification as the population continues to grow over the next 30 years.
energy security, and contributes to the overall livability of the urban area. However, that growth must be managed carefully to mitigate any potential impact
on the area’s natural ecosystems or quality of life for residents.
8.2 E
NERGY AND ENVIRONMENT – This Plan works to:
DOWNTOWN CORE AREA • Preserveand enhance the functioning of natural systems by encouraging
environmental sustainability in land development and re-development,
Current urban planning for Downtown Victoria as a population and employment
building design and transportation.
centre:
• Create
a special sustainability precinct within the Rock Bay District that
• Supports a multi-modal transportation system.
incorporates an even higher level of “green” infrastructure, site planning,
• Encourages resource-efficient development. uses and building technology.
• Supportsinfill and new development to reduce development pressures • Introduceelements – such as new or enhanced green spaces and urban
on the outer edges of the region and help preserve open spaces and forest – that maintain the livability of the Downtown Core Area.
agricultural lands.

CHAPTER EIGHT: ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT
8.4 E
NERGY AND ENVIRONMENT – 8.4.16 Increase the overall tree canopy cover where possible to help reduce
the heating effect of hard surfaces, such as sidewalks, roads and
POLICIES AND ACTIONS parking lots.
LAND DEVELOPMENT 8.4.17 Encourage projects that incorporate opportunities for urban agriculture.
8.4.1 Encourage higher-density development in locations that are within
walking distance of the Downtown Core Area’s Transit Network.
ENERGY AND EMISSIONS
8.4.18 Explore the use of incentives to encourage private development that
8.4.2 Encourage the re-development of contaminated sites to accommodate includes renewable district energy systems able to serve the Downtown
new development and to improve overall environmental conditions. Core Area.
8.4.3 Encourage site design and development practices that maximize 8.4.19 Encourage all new development to incorporate high levels of energy
energy- and water-efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. efficiency.
8.4.4 Incorporate permeable surfaces in the design of open spaces and
building setbacks to reduce storm water runoff. WATER
8.4.20 Encourage the use of alternative storm water management techniques
8.4.5 Encourage developers to adapt and re-use existing buildings.
that retain storm water on-site.
8.4.6 Develop building design guidelines that maximize active and passive
8.4.21 Investigate the use of incentives and/or higher standards to help reduce
solar gain and protect solar access.
water use/sewage conveyance in areas requiring holding tanks.
8.4.7 Encourage waste facilities (three stream) in new multi-residential
development. HARBOUR AREA
8.4.8 Develop energy-efficiency standards for new and existing buildings. 8.4.22 Minimize contamination entering the harbour through building and site
design.
8.4.9 Encourage green roofs and/or light-coloured roofs.
8.4.23 Restore shoreline conditions and enhance aquatic ecosystems as and
TRANSPORTATION when possible.
8.4.10 Actively promote alternatives to the single occupant vehicle.
ROCK BAY DISTRICT
8.4.11 Employ a range of Transportation Demand Management strategies (SEE
8.4.24 Develop a sustainability precinct in Rock Bay.
SECTION 5. TRANSPORTATION AND MOBILITY) to reduce parking requirements in
the Downtown Core Area. 8.4.25 Direct green demonstration projects to the Rock Bay District through
the use of development incentives, such as tax benefits and density
8.4.12 Incorporate storm water management and urban forest management
bonuses (SEE SECTION 4. DENSITY).
considerations into street redesign projects.
8.4.26 Study whether it is feasible to create a district energy system in the
GREEN SPACES AND URBAN FOREST Rock Bay District.
8.4.13 Encourage private and public development and renovation projects 8.4.27 Investigate the environmental benefits of locating a major city facility –
to provide the maximum amount possible of green spaces, natural such as a community centre, pool or library – in Rock Bay.
surfaces, plants and streetscaping.
8.4.28 Maximize the ecological functioning of parks and open space through
8.4.14 Encourage private development to expand and enhance on-site open their design and function.
space and landscaping to address urban runoff and drainage issues.
8.4.29 Establish a special Development Permit Zone in Rock Bay that requires
8.4.15 Encourage the use of native plants and trees in public and private a higher level of environmental performance.
landscaping.

CHAPTER NINE: COMMUNITY VITALITY
community
9
vitality
9.1 INTRODUCTION offers the greatest range of goods and services in the Region, with a local
market of approximately 12,000 people living within one kilometre of City Hall.
Vitality in an urban setting is usually defined in three ways: No other location in Greater Victoria provides more opportunity for face-to-face
• Socialvitality is a city’s ability to make the people who live and work there communication, interaction and exchange.
feel like they belong to or are a part of a community or neighbourhood. This But despite these strengths, the Downtown Core Area faces a number of
sense of belonging influences many aspects of urban life, including crime challenges.
rates and community safety.
Homelessness, poverty and issues of social disorder have become entrenched
• Economic vitality is a city’s ability to attract and retain businesses and the
in certain parts of the Core Area and have contributed to a growing sense of
jobs they bring with them.
insecurity and despair. Affordable housing is limited. The Core Area’s share
• Culturalvitality is a city’s ability to provide a range of arts and culture of the regional office and retail market continues to decline as suburban
activities that people value and look for opportunities to become involved communities offer more opportunity for their residents to shop and work closer
in, as active participants, viewers or supporters. to home. Established bus-based transit is nearing operational capacity in key
high-volume corridors, including Douglas Street. Aging infrastructure and public
9.2 VITALITY – CURRENT facilities need to be upgraded or replaced to support future population growth,
and the Core Area needs new attractions to enhance its place as a destination
The Downtown Core Area is the economic and cultural heart not just of the City
for business and pleasure travel.
of Victoria, but of the Capital Region as a whole.
It is the Provincial Capital and site of the Legislative Assembly. It houses the
headquarters of many provincial ministries, agencies and Crown corporations.
It has the region’s largest concentration of employment and is a hub of
transportation and commerce. It is home to major cultural institutions and
entertainment facilities, and is the Region’s primary tourist attraction. And it

9.3 VITALITY – FUTURE DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

9.4.6 Review and amend the Zoning Regulation Bylaw to establish minimum
To help ensure the social, economic and cultural vitality of the Downtown Core
requirements – including standards for indoor and outdoor common-
Area as it grows over the next 30 years, this Plan attempts to build on the
use and recreation space – for including family-suitable townhouses
Area’s significant strengths and to realize the opportunities new growth and
and apartments in the podium or street wall elements of new mixed-use
development can offer by:
and multi-residential developments.
• Promoting
a broader range of housing options to support a more diverse
mix of households. 9.4.7 Expand the use of heritage revitalization agreements and incentive
programs to upgrade and revitalize heritage buildings for market and
• Supportinginitiatives to decrease homelessness and increase community
non-market housing.
safety and civility.
• Pursuing ideas for making the City more attractive for residents and visitors 9.4.8 Encourage service providers who are developing new street
alike, through new or improved public amenities and recreational facilities, community-oriented facilities to establish Good Neighbour Agreements.
as well as expanded arts and culture and learning options.
SAFETY AND CIVILITY
• Providing additional office space.
9.4.9 Work with the Victoria Police Department to establish and implement
• Improving
transit options, both within the Downtown Core Area and across a co-coordinated program of community policing and para-policing to
the Region. help ensure around-the-clock personal safety, security of property and
public order.
9.4 SOCIAL VITALITY POLICIES AND ACTIONS 9.4.10 Establish a co-coordinated Graffiti Management Program, in partnership
with the Victoria Police Department and business and community
HOUSING AFFORDABILITY partners.
9.4.1 Support the development of non-market housing as the Downtown Core
9.4.11 Review, update and extend City and partner downtown street-cleaning
Area grows, working with provincial, regional, non-profit and industry
programs as the Downtown Core Area grows.
partners and with targeted investments from the Victoria Housing Trust
Fund, a reserve fund established by the City in 2004 to subsidize the 9.4.12 Establish and implement development permit guidelines for new fences
development of affordable housing. and gates to ensure they:
9.4.2 Amend the Zoning Regulation Bylaw to permit self-contained secondary • Are visually interesting, attractive and safe.
suites with separate hallway access in multi-residential and mixed-use • Maintain visual sightlines to the building face.
developments where appropriate. • Do not create fully enclosed building façades.
9.4.3 Support the development of small residential dwelling units in the 9.4.13 Prepare and implement a public washroom strategy that identifies
30 to 40 square-metre range in multi-residential and mixed-use locations for new or upgraded full-service public washrooms and
developments. establishes funding to install them.
HOMELESSNESS 9.4.14 Install freestanding public urinals in suitable high foot-traffic locations
9.4.4 Continue to support the work of the Greater Victoria Coalition throughout the Downtown Core Area as necessary.
to End Homelessness.
9.4.5 Continue to work with community partners to secure emergency
shelter for homeless people through the Greater Victoria Extreme
Weather Protocol.

COMMUNITY SERVICES PUBLIC AMENITIES

9.4.15 Work with regional partners and senior levels of government to explore 9.4.25 Secure new public amenities and public realm improvements as the
establishing secure funding that will permit Our Place and other social Downtown Core Area develops, in accordance with the bonus density
service providers to provide round-the-clock, seven-day-a- week system outlined in this Plan (SEE SECTION 4. DENSITY).
service to the street community as appropriate.
RECREATION
9.4.16 Review the need for new community services and facilities on an
9.4.26 Review and update plans for enhancing the primary recreation facilities
ongoing basis, as part of the monitoring strategy for the Downtown
of the Downtown Core Area – the Crystal Pool, Royal Athletic Park and
Core Area Plan.
the Victoria Curling Club – in light of the anticipated population growth.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS 9.4.27 Consider opportunities for providing new recreation facilities and
9.4.17 Update the City of Victoria Emergency Management Plan to prepare for services in the new parks proposed for Rock Bay and Harris Green (SEE
the challenges of an expanded, higher-density Downtown Core Area. SECTION 6. URBAN DESIGN), including appropriately scaled indoor facilities
9.4.18 Continue the seismic upgrading and rehabilitation of heritage buildings and recreational water access as appropriate.
through heritage revitalization incentive programs (SEE SECTION 4. DENSITY
ENTERTAINMENT AND SPECIAL EVENTS
AND SECTION 7. HERITAGE).
9.4.28 Establish a management strategy for the late night economy that will:
9.4.19 Review and update the Zoning Regulation Bylaw to establish standards
• Maintainthe Downtown Core Area as the Region’s primary
for providing on-site emergency preparedness facilities and equipment
entertainment district.
in new multi-storey commercial, residential and mixed-use buildings.
• Address issues of public disorder.
URBAN ANIMATION • Encourage the addition of new entertainment options suitable for
9.4.20 Encourage the development of outdoor café and dining areas on a broader range of ages and interests.
sidewalks, squares and plazas, in accordance with Appendix 13:
9.4.29 Continue to support special events and festivals at major public
Outdoor Cafés and Dining Place Guidelines.
open spaces – including Centennial Square, along the Inner Harbour
9.4.21 Maintain, review and extend seasonal lighting and decoration programs waterfront and in other existing and proposed public open spaces
as appropriate and with partners as opportunities arise. – through programming and by providing on-site infrastructure and
9.4.22 Review and update the City’s policy on public markets to: equipment.
• Determine guidelines and standards for maintaining and expanding 9.4.30 Work with partners to develop and equip one or more dedicated
existing markets and for establishing new markets. locations for major outdoor events and festivals in a central or waterfront
location, such as on the Rock Bay waterfront, public lands along the
• Identifythe conditions and thresholds that must be met to trigger
Inner Harbour, the Crystal Pool/Royal Athletic Park, or adjacent to the
the development of a central public market within the 30-year term
Save-On-Foods Memorial Arena.
of this Plan.
9.4.31 Continue programs that provide funding and support to non-profit
9.4.23 Review and update public space management policies and programs
organizations that host festivals within the Downtown Core Area.
with partners to ensure they are consistent with this Plan.
9.4.24 Review and update management programs and supports for major
public open spaces, such as Centennial Square, to ensure appropriate
and ongoing year-round events and activities.

9.5 E
CONOMIC VITALITY POLICIES 9.5.10 Work with industry and community partners to develop a seamless
network of wireless broadband service throughout the Downtown Core
AND ACTIONS Area.
PROVINCIAL CAPITAL OFFICE SECTOR
9.5.1 Work with the Province to meet the long-term office space needs of 9.5.11 Update the Zoning Regulation Bylaw to expand the capacity of the
ministries, agencies and Crown corporations, within transit-accessible Downtown Core Area, particularly the Central Business District, to
locations, in the expanded Central Business District and in the Inner accommodate new office development, consistent with the policies
Harbour District. contained in this Plan.
9.5.2 Work with the Province, the Provincial Capital Commission and the
Greater Victoria Harbour Authority to develop – with an appropriate mix RETAIL TRADE
of provincial, civic, community and private development – currently 9.5.12 Update the Zoning Regulation Bylaw to accommodate new residential
vacant and under-developed public lands along the Inner Harbour, in space – and increase the local consumer base – within the Downtown
accordance with the policies contained in this Plan. Core Area, consistent with the policies of this plan.
9.5.13 Work with partners to improve the frequency of public transit and level
ACCESS
of service between the Downtown Core Area and potential customers in
9.5.3 Work with BC Transit, the Ministry of Transportation, the Capital the rest of the Region.
Regional District and other partners to establish regional rapid
transit service between the Downtown Core Area, Saanich and the 9.5.14 Continue to work with public and private sector partners to maintain
West Shore, with longer-term potential for rapid transit service to the and enhance free circulating shuttle transit in the Downtown Core Area.
Peninsula and Swartz Bay. 9.5.15 Require new development to build at-grade building frontages suitable
9.5.4 Work with BC Transit to implement the Rapid Transit Plan. This will for retail trade on all commercial streets, as set out in this Plan (SEE
include establishing new routes, services, and bus exchange facilities SECTION 3. DISTRICTS AND SECTION 6. URBAN DESIGN).
for a proposed rapid transit corridor. 9.5.16 Participate with the Downtown Victoria Business Association, the
9.5.5 Work with the Province to develop a secure, efficient and attractive Greater Victoria Development Agency and business and community
marine transportation facility at Belleville Terminal, serving international partners to develop and implement a Downtown Retail Strategy.
car and passenger ferry service.
TOURISM
9.5.6 Work with marine air companies and Transport Canada to ensure 9.5.17 Design and implement a comprehensive wayfinding system, that uses
that efficient and convenient shoreside air transport facilities continue prominently displayed maps, clear and consistent signage and other
to serve the Victoria Harbour Aerodrome, as lands along the Inner mechanisms to make it easy for visitors to find attractions within and
Harbour waterfront are re-developed. adjacent to Downtown.
9.5.7 Support the development of a new and improved inter-city bus terminal 9.5.18 Continue to update and expand the range of walking tours, including
in the Downtown Core Area. tours using wireless delivery mechanisms.
9.5.8 Work with the Island Corridor Foundation and VIA Rail Canada to 9.5.19 Work with business, community and agency partners to develop a
ensure excursion rail service continues to terminate in the Downtown broader range of attractions in the Downtown Core Area, including
Core Area. those that cater to families with children.
9.5.9 Retain rail corridor access to the Downtown Core Area to ensure the 9.5.20 Continue to expand the capacity of the Victoria Conference Centre to
long-term potential for commuter and regular inter-city passenger rail attract convention business through ongoing marketing programs and
service that terminates Downtown. facility improvements.

9.5.21 Support the development of new hotels at appropriate locations 9.6.7 Encourage the development of a major First Nations Cultural and
where they can serve to support tourism and retail activities within the Learning Centre in the Core Area in concert with First Nations, senior
Downtown Core Area. levels of government, and business and community partners as
appropriate.
INDUSTRY
9.5.22 Continue to support the working harbour and marine industrial and EDUCATION AND LEARNING
transportation uses, consistent with the direction set out in the City of 9.6.8 Continue to work with Camosun College, the University of Victoria,
Victoria’s Harbour Plan. Royal Roads University and other public and private post-secondary
9.5.23 Develop and implement, as an immediate priority, a plan and strategy education providers to establish permanent academic and applied,
to transform and brand the Rock Bay District as “green” sustainability post-secondary institutions and facilities in the Downtown Core Area.
precinct, with an intensively developed mix of office, light industry, 9.6.9 Continue to support the establishment of English Language Training
live-work and complementary residential uses, supported by a district Schools within the Downtown Core Area.
energy system, new green infrastructure and building systems, and
9.6.10 Work with School District 61 to retain existing school facilities in areas
rapid and improved local transit service.
immediately adjacent to the Downtown Core Area, and to monitor the
need for a new elementary school as the population increases.
9.6 C
ULTURAL VITALITY POLICIES
9.6.11 Work with existing private schools to maintain their presence in the
AND ACTIONS Downtown Core Area.
ARTS AND CULTURE 9.6.12 Work with Greater Victoria Public Library partners to relocate the
9.6.1 Work with community partners to retain and enhance existing cultural Central Library from Broughton Street to an expanded modern facility at
facilities, including the Victoria Conservatory of Music, the Greater Centennial Square.
Victoria Regional Library, the Maritime Museum, the Royal BC Museum
and others.
9.6.2 Continue to provide financial support community organizations to
provide diverse cultural programming in private and institutional
facilities, including churches, throughout the Downtown Core Area.
9.6.3 Continue to maintain and upgrade the Royal Theatre and the
MacPherson Playhouse as primary civic performance halls.
9.6.4 Work with the Royal BC Museum to ensure that future expansion plans
contribute a signature, architecturally harmonious presence to the Inner
Harbour precinct, as well as modernized facilities and enhanced public
viewing galleries.
9.6.5 Work with community partners and senior levels of government to
establish a prominent new public gallery for the Victoria Art Gallery in
the Downtown Core Area.
9.6.6 Work with community partners to establish a Children’s Museum in the
Downtown Core Area.

CHAPTER TEN: IMPLEMENTATION
implementation
10
10.1 Implementation
This Downtown Core Area Plan is currently in draft form. Before it can be made
final and submitted to Council for formal approval, City staff will:
2. DEVELOP AN IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY
This overall strategy will include:
1. REVIEW AND IDENTIFY ANY REQUIRED AMENDMENTS TO • Acommunications strategy for (1) introducing the draft Downtown Core
NEIGHBOURHOOD PLANS Area Plan to the general public, communities, industry and special interest
This draft proposes that the Downtown Core Area Plan become the new groups, and (2) receiving and incorporating their feedback on it.
neighbourhood plan for both the Downtown and Harris Green neighbourhoods. • Adetailed description of each short- and long-term action identified in the
City staff must complete a more detailed and comprehensive review of these Plan, including timelines and funding sources.
neighbourhood plans to ensure that existing policies are adequately reflected in
• Afinancial strategy for securing the funding sources, financial mechanisms
the new Downtown Core Area Plan.
and partnerships required to implement the Plan’s actions that fits with the
In addition, although the Downtown Core Area Plan will not replace City’s overall Capital Plan Budget and departmental budgets.
neighbourhood and precinct plans for the North Park, Burnside, Fairfield or • Amonitoring strategy for (1) tracking and analyzing the overall
James Bay neighbourhoods, the City will need to amend them to align with implementation and success of the Plan, and (2) tracking development
the vision, goals and policies of the Downtown Core Area Plan. City staff will activity within the Downtown Core Area.
identify specific amendments to each plan as part of the detailed Implementation
• Areporting strategy for providing periodic biannual/annual reports to
Strategy (below).
Council – and to the public and other Plan stakeholders – on achievements,
progress, emerging issues and development activity.

CHAPTER TEN: IMPLEMENTATION
Once Council has given the final Downtown Core Area Plan its formal approval,
City staff will also:
1. DEVELOP NEW ZONES FOR THE ZONING REGULATION BYLAW

As soon as Council approves this Plan, City staff will review all land use
(rezoning) and development applications (permits) within the Downtown Core
Area against it, in addition to other existing policies and regulations, including
the Zoning Regulation Bylaw.
However, the Zoning Regulation Bylaw will require new comprehensive
development regulations (zones) to align fully with this Plan. While staff are
developing these new zones, they will either use existing zoning regulations or
site-specific zoning that reflects the development policies contained in the Plan.
2. REVISE OTHER CITY PLANS

City staff will revise other city-wide or master plans – such as the Official
Community Plan, Victoria Sustainability Framework and the Pedestrian Master
Plan – as required to maintain consistent policy direction with the Downtown
Core Area Plan.

urban design
appendices
table of contents
Appendix 1: Exterior View Guidelines................................. 1A
Appendix 2: Interior View Guidelines................................ 26A
Appendix 3: External View Guidelines.............................. 35A
Appendix 4: Street Typology Guidelines........................... 45A
Appendix 5: Through-block Passageway Guidelines....... 62A
Appendix 6: Centennial Square Guidelines...................... 65A
Appendix 7: Pandora Green Guidelines........................... 66A
Appendix 8: Urban Plaza Design Guidelines.................... 67A
Appendix 9: Public Art Guidelines.................................... 73A
Appendix 10: Tall Building Design Guidelines.................. 75A
Appendix 11: Building Base, Streetwall and
Commercial Frontage Guidelines............... 85A
Appendix 12: Building Types and
District Siting Guidelines............................. 87A
Appendix 13: Outdoor Cafés and Dining Places.............. 93A
APPENDIX ONE: EXTERIOR VIEW GUIDELINES
urban design
appendix
1 EXTERIOR VIEW GUIDELINES
View 1: Government Street (West) and

Belleville Street (North)
1. Songhees Point
EXISTING CONDITION
2. Songhees Skyline
The views west from Government Street and north from Belleville Street where
3. Ship Point
they run along the Inner Harbour include the Inner Harbour, Laurel Point, the
west side of the Outer Harbour, the distant Sooke Hills, Songhees Point, the
Songhees Hilltop and Ship Point. Foreground and mid-ground views include
the Inner Harbour Lower Causeway and the Ship Point waterfront.
VIEW CONSIDERATIONS
• Futuredevelopment of the Ship Point site should help frame the Inner
Harbour Basin and enhance public views from Government Street and Looking north from Belleville Street.
Belleville Street.
• Developmentof the Harbour Pathway may provide additional views
between the Inner Harbour Causeway and Ship Point.
• New buildings on the Songhees Peninsula will contribute to a new
skyline on the west side of the Harbour. All projects in this area should
be evaluated for their architectural quality and ability to enhance views
from Government Street and Belleville Street. 1. Songhees Point
2. Songhees Skyline
3. Ship Point
Looking southwest from Government Street.
City of Victoria | DRAFT Downtown Core Area Plan | appendix 1A

View 2: Humboldt Street (South, West and North)

at Wharf Street
Existing Condition
The views south, west and north from Humboldt Street at Wharf Street include
the Inner Harbour, Laurel Point, the west side of the Outer Harbour, the Songhees
Peninsula and the distant Sooke Hills, as well as the Parliament Buildings and the 1. Belleville Street
Belleville Street/Laurel Point skyline. This location also features the descent from
2. Laurel Point
Wharf Street to the Ship Point waterfront in the foreground.
View Considerations
• Future
development of the Ship Point site should retain open vistas of the
Harbour, particularly views to the opposite shore reaching from the Inner
Harbour Causeway to Laurel Point and the Harbour mouth.
• Future
development of the Ship Point site should be considered as
foreground elements for the views from Humboldt Street at Wharf Street.
skyline on the west side of the Harbour. All projects in this area should be View 2A: Looking south from Humboldt Street at Wharf
evaluated for their architectural quality and ability to enhance these views. Street.
• Design
of improved pedestrian connections to the Harbour, including
descending steps, ramps and tiers in an amphitheatre format, as well as
landscaping and lighting between Humboldt and Wharf Streets and the
waterfront, should enhance foreground views from this location.
1. Laurel Point
2. Sooke Hills
3. Harbour Throat
4. Songhees Point
View 2B: Looking west and north from Humboldt Street

at Wharf Street.
2A City of Victoria | DRAFT Downtown Core Area Plan | appendix

View 3: Courtney Street (West)

at Government Street
Existing Condition
The view west from Courtney Street at Government Street includes the Inner
Harbour, Laurel Point, the west side of the Outer Harbour and the distant Sooke
Hills, as well as the Government Street Mall.
View Considerations
• Future
development of the Ship Point site at the foot of Courtney Street
should not completely close the view of the Inner Harbour from Courtney
1. Sooke Hills
Street at Government Street.
• Future
development of the Ship Point site should both consider the 2. Laurel Point
view from this vantage point to the Harbour, and serve to frame it.
• Design
descending steps and ramps and tiers, and landscaping and lighting
between Wharf Street and the waterfront, should complement the
mid-ground view of the Harbour from this location.
View 3: Looking west from Courtney Street at Government Street.

View 4: Courtney Street (West and South)

at Wharf Street
Existing Condition
The view west from the end of Courtney Street where it meets Wharf Street
encompasses the Inner Harbour, Laurel Point, the west side of the Outer
Harbour, the Songhees Peninsula and the distant Sooke Hills. The view south
1. Parliament Building
from this spot includes the Belleville Street/James Bay skyline and the Parliament
and Dome
Buildings, while the foreground view features the descent from Wharf Street to
the Ship Point waterfront.
View Considerations
• Future
development of the Ship Point site at the foot of Courtney Street
should not completely close the view of the Harbour from Courtney Street at
Wharf Street.
• Future
development of the Ship Point site should consider the view from this
vantage point to the Harbour, and serve as both foreground and framing View 4A: Looking south from Courtney Street at Wharf Street.
elements for this view.
• Design
descending steps, ramps and tiers, and landscaping and lighting between
Wharf Street and the waterfront, should complement the foreground view of
the Harbour from this location.
1. Laurel Point
View 4B: Looking west from Courtney Street at Wharf Street.

View 5: Broughton Street (West) at Wharf Street

Existing Condition
The view west from Broughton Street at Wharf Street (at the Customs House)
is partly closed at the streethead, but includes side views of the Inner Harbour,
Laurel Point, the Parliament Buildings and James Bay’s Belleville Street area.
This view also features the descent from Wharf Street to the Harbour in the
foreground. 1. Laurel Point
2. Harbour Throat
View Considerations
• The
design of any new development at Laurel Point and along Belleville
Street should be evaluated for its effect on this view.
• Development on the waterfront surrounding the foot of Broughton Street
should not close off flanking views of the Harbour on either side of the
Customs House from this location and should minimize impacts on views
south along Wharf Street to the Parliament Buildings and the Olympic
Mountains beyond.
• Future
development of the Ship Point site’s Wharf Street waterfront parking View 5A: Looking southwest from Broughton Street
at Wharf Street.
lot should both consider the view to the Harbour from Broughton Street
at Wharf Street, and serve to frame it.
• Design
descending steps and ramps and tiers, and landscaping and lighting
between Wharf Street and the waterfront, should complement the
foreground view of the Harbour from this location.
1. Songhees Skyline
View 5B: Looking northwest from Broughton Street

at Wharf Street.

View 6: Fort Street (West) at Langley Street

Existing Condition
The view west from Fort Street at Langley Street takes in the Inner Harbour,
Songhees Point and elements of the Songhees Hilltop in the mid-distance.
The Sooke Hills provide a backdrop on the horizon beyond. This view is framed
by the heritage buildings of lower Fort Street, and features the descent from
Wharf Street to the Harbour in the mid-ground.
View Considerations
• New development on the Songhees Peninsula should be evaluated from
this vantage point for their effect on this view. 1. Sooke Hills
• New buildings on the Songhees Peninsula will contribute to a new 2. Songhees Waterfront
skyline on the west side of the Harbour. All projects in this area should be
evaluated for their architectural quality and ability to enhance this view.
• Development on the waterfront at the foot of Fort Street should not close off
the view of the Harbour from this location and should minimize impacts on
the distant elements of this view.
• Development at the waterfront on each side of this corridor should frame
this view.
• Designof improved pedestrian connections to the Harbour, including
Wharf Street and the waterfront, should complement the mid-ground view View 6: Looking west from Fort Street at Langley Street.
of the Harbour from this location.

View 7: Fort Street (West) at Wharf Street

Existing Condition
The view west from Fort Street at Wharf Street encompasses the Inner Harbour,
the Harbour mouth at Laurel Point, Songhees Point and the Songhees Hilltop.
The Sooke Hills provide a backdrop on the horizon beyond. This view also
features the descent from Wharf Street to the Harbour in the foreground.
View Considerations
• Thedesign and siting of new development on the Songhees Peninsula
should be evaluated from this vantage point for their effect on this view.
• New buildings on the Songhees Peninsula will contribute to a new 1. Songhees Skyline
skyline on the west side of the Harbour. All projects in this area should be and Sooke Hills
evaluated for their architectural quality and ability to enhance the view from
Fort Street at Wharf Street.
• Development on the waterfront at the foot of Fort Street should not close
off the view of the Harbour from this location and should minimize impacts
on the distant elements of this view.
• Development at the waterfront on each side of Fort Street should frame
this view.
Wharf Street and the waterfront, should complement the foreground view of View 7: Looking west from Fort Street at Wharf Street.
the Harbour from this location.

View 8: Bastion Square (West)

Existing Condition
The centre of Bastion Square (looking west) provides a framed view of the Inner
Harbour, Laurel Point, Songhees Point, the Songhees Peninsula, the Songhees
waterfront, Shoal Point and the west side of the Outer Harbour. The Sooke Hills
provide a backdrop on the horizon beyond. This vantage point also frames
a clear view of the Harbour entry channel.
View Considerations
• Designand siting of new development at Laurel Point, Fisherman’s Wharf
and Shoal Point areas should be evaluated from this vantage point for their 1. Laurel Point
effect on this view. 2. harbour throat
• Development on the waterfront west of Wharf Street should not close 3. Songhees Point
off views of the Harbour and the Harbour mouth between Laurel and
Songhees Points from this location, and should minimize impacts on the
more distant elements of this view.
Wharf Street and the waterfront, should complement the foreground view
from this location.
• Anydevelopment west of Wharf Street should frame this view, possibly
terracing down to the water to provide a foreground to the view. View 8: Looking west from the center of Bastion Square –
general harbour view.

View 9: Octagonal Deck (West and South)

at Bastion Square
Existing Condition
The Octagonal Deck at Bastion Square (looking west and south) provides
a focused view of the Harbour, extending from Laurel Point to Songhees Point
and including the west side of the Outer Harbour. The Sooke Hills provide
1. Laurel Point
a backdrop on the horizon beyond. This vantage point also frames a clear view
of the Harbour entry channel. To the extreme south along Wharf Street, the 2. Sooke Hills
Parliament Building’s dome and a glimpse of the Olympic Mountains are visible. 3. Harbour Throat
4. Songhees Point
View Considerations
• Development on the waterfront west of Bastion Square should not
completely close off the view of the Harbour from this location, or
compromise the more distant elements of the view.
• Development of the Ship Point site should not cut off the view of the
Parliament Building’s dome from Wharf Street at Bastion Square.
View 9A: Looking west toward harbour throat.
• Design of improved pedestrian connections to the Harbour, including
Wharf Street and the waterfront, should complement the foreground view
from this location.
1. Parliament Building
and Dome
View 9B: Look south toward the Parliament Building’s dome.

View 10: Yates Street (West) at Langley Street

Existing Condition
The view west from Yates Street at Langley Street includes the Inner Harbour and
the Songhees Hilltop, with some glimpses of the Sooke Hills beyond, all framed
by the heritage buildings along lower Yates Street.
View Considerations
skyline on the west side of the Harbour. All projects in this area should be 1. Harbour and
evaluated for their architectural quality and ability to enhance this view. Songhees Skyline
• Development on the waterfront west of Wharf Street should not completely

close off the view to the Harbour from this location.
• Design of improved pedestrian connections to the Harbour Pathway,
including steps, ramps, landscaping and lighting between
Wharf Street and the waterfront, should complement the foreground
view from this location.
View 10: Looking west from Yates at Langley Street.

View 11: Johnson Street (West) Between

Government Street and Wharf Street
Existing Condition
The view west along Johnson Street between Government Street and Wharf
Street includes the Inner Harbour, the Johnson Street Bridge, the Songhees
Hilltop and glimpses of the Sooke Hills beyond, all framed by the heritage
buildings of lower Johnson Street.
View Considerations
1. Harbour Bridge
• New buildings on the Songhees Peninsula will contribute to a new 2. Songhees Skyline
be evaluated for their architectural quality and ability to enhance this view.
• Development on the waterfront west of Wharf Street should not close off
views to the Harbour and the Bridge from this location.
• Design of improved pedestrian connections to the Harbour Pathway,
including steps, ramps, landscaping and lighting between Wharf
Street and the waterfront, should complement the foreground view
from this location.
View 11: Looking westfrom Johnson between Government

and Wharf Streets.

View 12: Pandora Avenue (West) Between

Government Street and Wharf Street
Existing Condition
The view west along Pandora Avenue between Government Street and Wharf
Street takes in the Inner Harbour, the Johnson Street Bridge, the Songhees
Hilltop and glimpses of the Sooke Hills beyond, all framed by the heritage
buildings of lower Pandora Avenue.
View Considerations
1. Songhees Skyline
be evaluated for their architectural quality and ability to enhance this view.
• Development on the waterfront west of Wharf should not completely close
off views to the Harbour and the Bridge from this location.
VIEW 12: Looking west from Pandora Avenue between

Government and Wharf Streets..

View 13: Fisgard Street (West) at Blanshard Street

Existing Condition
The view west along Fisgard Street at Blanshard Street includes the Chinatown
Gate, the Songhees Hilltop and glimpses of the Sooke Hills beyond, all framed
by the heritage buildings along Fisgard Street.
View Considerations
skyline on the west side of the Harbour. All projects in this area should 1. Songhees Skyline
be evaluated for their architectural quality and ability to enhance this view. 2. Chinatown Gate
• Development on the waterfront west of Store Street should complement the
view of the Songhees Hilltop.
• Futuredevelopment of the property at the south/west corner of Douglas
Street and Fisgard Street should frame this view.
• Design of streetscaping, lighting and landscaping should complement
this view.
View 13: Looking west along Fisgard Street from Blanshard Street.

View 14: Swift Street (West) at Store Street

Existing Condition
Due to the drop in grade as this block descends down to the water, the view
looking west from Swift Street at Store Street includes the Upper Harbour, set
against the backdrop of the Songhees Peninsula developments beyond. This
view also includes glimpses of the Sooke Hills on the horizon.
View Considerations
• Developmenton the waterfront on the east side of the Harbour should not 1. Skyline
compromise this view. 2. Songhees Waterfront
• Streetscaping along Swift Street should enhance this view.
• Developmentof streetworks, landscaping and lighting along Swift Street
should enhance this view.
• Development of the Harbour Pathway may enhance this view, including
possible lighting elements.
View 14: Looking west from the corner of Swift and

Store Streets.

View 15: Herald Street (West) at Blanshard Street

Existing Condition
The view west from Herald Street at Blanshard Street includes the Inner Harbour
and the Songhees Hilltop with the Sooke Hills beyond, all framed by the heritage
buildings along Herald Street.
View Considerations
• The
design and siting of new development on the Songhees Peninsula
skyline on the west side of the Harbour. All projects in this area should 1. Songhees Skyline
be evaluated for their architectural quality and ability to enhance this view. and Sooke Hills
• Developmenton the waterfront west of Store Street should retain views

of the Songhees Hilltop and the Sooke Hills beyond.
• Developments on each side of Herald Street should be designed to frame
this view.
View 15: Looking west along Herald Street from Blanshard Street.

View 16: Herald Street (West) at Store Street

Existing Condition
Due to the sudden drop in grade at the end of Herald Street down towards the
shoreline, the view west along Herald Street at Store Street includes the Upper
Harbour, set against the backdrop of the Songhees Peninsula developments
beyond and the Sooke Hills on the horizon.
View Considerations
• Development on both waterfronts west of this vantage point should be 1. Songhees Skyline
designed to conserve this view. and Sooke Hills
• Development along each side of Herald Street should frame this view. 2. Upper Harbour
Shoreline
• Streetscapeimprovements along Herald Street should be designed and
sited to complement this view.
View 16: Looking west from the corner of Herald Street and
Store Street.

View 17: Chatham Street (West) at Blanshard Street

Existing Condition
Due to a grade change as Chatham Street descends toward Store Street
(terminating at the historic Capital Iron Building), the view west along
Chatham Street at Blanshard Street includes the Upper Harbour, set against
the backdrop of the Songhees Peninsula developments beyond and the
Sooke Hills on the horizon.
View Considerations
should be evaluated from this vantage point for their effect on this view. 1. Sooke Hills
• Development on the waterfront west of the Capitol Iron Building should 2. Dockside Green
be sited and designed to conserve this view. 3. Capital Iron
• Development along each side of Chatham Street should frame this view.
• Streetscape improvements along Chatham Street should complement
this view.
View 17: Looking west from the corner of Chatham Street

and Blanshard Street.

View 18: Discovery Street (West)

at Blanshard Street
Existing Condition
The view west from Discovery Street at Blanshard Street includes a narrow
strip of the Upper Harbour at the end of a long downhill run, set against the
backdrop of the Songhees Peninsula developments beyond and the Sooke
Hills on the horizon.
View Considerations
1. Songhees Skyline
and Sooke Hills
• Developmenton the waterfront west of Government Street should be
designed and sited to conserve this view.
• Development along each side of Discovery Street should frame this view.
View 18: Looking west from the corner of Discovery and

Blanshard Streets

View 19: Discovery Street (West) at Store Street

Existing Condition
The view west from Discovery Street at Store Street includes a narrow strip
of the Upper Harbour through an industrial access lane, set against the
backdrop of the Songhees Peninsula developments beyond and the Sooke
Hills on the horizon.
View Considerations
• The
design and siting of new development on the Songhees Peninsula
• Development on the waterfront west of Store Street should conserve 1. Songhees Skyline
this view. and Sooke Hills
• Development along each side of the access lane should frame this view.
• Development
of access to the Harbour Pathway should conserve and
complement this view.
VIEW 19: Looking west from the corner of Discovery and

Store Street.

View 20: Pembroke Street (West)

at Blanshard Street
Existing Condition
Due to a grade change as Pembroke Street descends to Douglas Street, the
view west from Pembroke Street at Blanshard Street includes the Upper Harbour,
set against the backdrop of development across the water on the Songhees
Peninsula and the Sooke Hills on the horizon.
View Considerations
• The design and siting of new development on the Songhees
1. Songhees Skyline
Peninsula should be evaluated from this vantage point for their effect
and Sooke Hills
on this view.
• Developmenton the waterfront west of Government Street should
frame and conserve this view.
• Developments along each side of Pembroke Street should frame
this view.
• Developmentof streetscaping along Pembroke Street should
complement this view.
View 20: Looking west from the corner of Pembroke and

Blanshard Street.

View 21: Fort Street (East) at Vancouver Street

Existing Condition
The view east from Fort Street at Vancouver Street runs uphill to the Rockland
neighbourhood, with the landmark of Craigdarroch Castle as a backdrop.
The view also includes an established commercial streetscape defined
by landscaping and character lighting.
View Considerations
• Scale
of flanking commercial buildings may increase over time, with
possible upper-storey residential uses.
• Maintenance
of the commercial and retail streetscape should include 1. Craigdarroch Castle
on-going improvements over time.
• Historic pedestrian streetlighting should be maintained.
• The
backdrop view of Craigdarroch Castle should be maintained
by avoiding the growth of visual intrusions in the mid-ground.
View 21: Fort Street east at Vancouver Street.

View 22: Yates Street (East) at Vancouver Street

Existing Condition
The view east from Yates Street at Vancouver Street runs uphill view to the
well-treed Rockland neighbourhood, with the landmark City Water Tower
as a backdrop. The view also includes a developing commercial streetscape
defined by landscaping and character lighting.
Future Change
• Scale
of flanking commercial buildings will increase over time, with
probable upper-storey residential uses.
• Maintenance of the commercial and retail streetscape should be bolstered 1. Rockland Treescape
with on-going improvements over time. 2. Water Tower
• Street trees should be cared for with pruning or replacement as needed.
• Historic pedestrian streetlighting should be maintained.
• Thebackdrop view of the Rockland forest and the Water Tower should be
maintained by avoiding the growth of visual intrusions in the mid-ground.
View 22: Looking east along Yates Street from Vancouver Street.

View 23: Pandora Avenue (East) at Cook Street

Existing Condition
The view east from Pandora Avenue at Cook Street runs uphill to the east end
of Pandora Green at Chambers Street, with a focus on the First Church of Christ
Scientist. This view includes the Green itself, as well as surrounding street trees,
mature landscaping and character lighting.
View Considerations
• Scale
of surrounding residential buildings will increase over time,
with new multi-residential and mixed-use development.
• Maintenanceof the Pandora Green landscape should be enhanced 1. First Church of
with on-going improvements over time. Christ Scientist
• Treecanopies should be pruned to allow for a clear view of the

First Church of Christ Scientist along the length of Pandora Green Parkway.
• More elaborate, lower-scale landscaping can be developed on the Green.
• Landscape improvements may allow for more intensive activities, such
as a playing area.
• Pedestrian streetlighting may surround and lace through the Green.
• Surrounding boulevard street trees may be renewed.
View 23: Looking east along Pandora Avenue from Cook Street.

View 24: Blanshard Street (South) from

Fairfield Avenue
Existing Condition
Framed by recent buildings, the view south from Blanshard Street at Fairfield
Avenue runs downhill to the brick wall, garden, portico and bell tower of Saint
Anne’s Academy, with the treeline of Beacon Hill Park and the peaks of the
Olympic Mountains beyond.
View Considerations
• Futurestreetscape improvements should include the removal of power
1. Saint Anne’s
poles and overhead wiring.
Academy
• Use of pedestrian streetlamp standards may be extended throughout
this area. 2. Beacon Hill
Park Treeline and
• Ornamental boulevard street trees may be upgraded or renewed Olympic Mountains
as trees age.
View 24: Looking south along Blanshard Street from

Fairfield Avenue.

View 25: Quadra Street (South) at Burdett Avenue

Existing Condition
Framed by modest-scale buildings on each side and in the mid-ground, the view
south from Quadra Street at Burdett Avenue runs downhill between ornamental
boulevard trees to the extensive treeline of Beacon Hill Park and the peaks of
the Olympic Mountains beyond. The view also includes several notable large
sequoia trees and the residential roof-scape of the surrounding neighbourhood.
View Considerations
• Futurestreetscape improvements should include the removal of power
poles and overhead wiring. 1. Beacon Hill Park
• Streetlampstandards may be reduced or replaced with character Treeline and Olympic
standards over time as fixtures wear out. Mountain Peaks
• Use of pedestrian streetlamp standards may be extended through

this area.
• Ornamental boulevard street trees may be upgraded or renewed
as trees age.
View 25: Looking south on Quadra Street at Burdett Avenue.

APPENDIX TWO: INTERIOR VIEW GUIDELINES
appendix
2
View 1(A+B): Pandora Avenue at Wharf Street
INTERIOR VIEW GUIDELINES
EXISTING CONDITION
From Pandora Avenue at Wharf Street, the prominent view for both vehicles and 1. Street-head Site
pedestrians is to a vacant site, with the Johnson Street Bridge, the Harbour and
the Songhees skyline in the background and the Sooke Hills beyond.
VIEW CONSIDERATIONS
• Potential site for a future landmark.
• A new building developed in concert with the Janion Building could help to
seismically support and conserve the heritage structure and contribute to
this landmark site.
View 1A: Looking west on Pandora Avenue west of Government Street.
1. Street Bend Site
View 1B: Looking north on Wharf Street at Johnson Street.

View 2: Blanshard Street at Bay Street

(Armoury Site)
EXISTING CONDITION
The view along the west side of Blanshard at Bay Street includes a set of large,
vacant sites (the large site nearest the corner is part of the Bay Street Armoury
property), with a series of commercial sites to the south behind also visually
prominent because of the sweeping bend as Blanshard Street swings south-east
within this sightline. These sites are at the north end of the north/south corridor
set out in Cross Town Concept presented in the Downtown Core Area Plan,
which provides allowances for greater building density and height in this area
over time. 1. Street Bend Site
VIEW CONSIDERATIONS
• The
sites are visually prominent and provide the opportunity to develop
an impressive building landmark at the north entrance to the Downtown
Core Area.
• Sites
along Blanshard Street should be designed to provide quality
architecture with dramatic building massing and a skyline view along
this approach.
• Sites
may include taller building elements, prominent façade or streetwall
components, open space and landscape features, with public art.
View 2: Looking south and west from Blanshard Street
at Bay Street.

View 3: Douglas Street (North) Toward

Queens Avenue
EXISTING CONDITION
The Douglas Street view north toward Queen Street leads into a set of sites with
older, low-scale commercial buildings along the east side of Douglas Street.
These sites are visually prominent because of their location on this sweeping
bend of Douglas Street towards the northwest. The sites are near the north
end of the north/south corridor set out in the Cross Town Concept presented
in the plan.
VIEW CONSIDERATIONS 1. Street Bend Site

• Designnew development on the sites to provide a landmark building
to mark this sightline.
• Landmark features may include taller building elements, prominent
façade and streetwall elements, landscape or open space features,
artwork or feature lighting.
View 3: Looking north from Douglas Street to Queens avenue.

View 4: Douglas Street (South) Between

Queens Avenue and Princess Avenue
EXISTING CONDITION
The Douglas Street view south towards Queens Avenue leads into a set of
sites including a corner property with a recent, relatively low-scale commercial
building at the east side of Douglas Street. These sites are visually prominent
due to their location at this southwest bend of Douglas Street.
VIEW CONSIDERATIONS
• Redevelopmentor re-design of the corner site should provide a landmark
building and massing to anchor this sightline. 1. Street Bend Site
• Design
for these sites should take advantage of this prominent view and
the exposure to Douglas Street.
• Landmarkfeatures may include taller building elements, prominent façade
and streetwall elements, prominent building entry, landscape or open
space features, artwork or feature lighting.
• Development of this site may highlight views to sites further north.
• Designof new development at this location should be evaluated for
its potential to form a skyline landmark when viewed from more distant
vantage points.
View 4: Looking south along Douglas Street between

Queens Avenue and Princess Avenue.

View 5: Pembroke Street (West) Toward

Blanshard Street
EXISTING CONDITION
The Pembroke Street view west toward Blanshard Street terminates
at a streethead that consists of several sites currently occupied by older,
lower-scale commercial buildings.
VIEW CONSIDERATIONS
• Design of new development on these sites should provide a visually
interesting landmark termination to this streethead view.
1. Street Bend Site
• Landmark features may include taller building elements, prominent
façade and streetwall elements, landscape or open space features,
artwork or feature lighting.
• Newdevelopment at this location should be evaluated for potential skyline
landmark opportunities, when viewed from more distant vantage points.
View 5: Looking west along Pembroke Street towards the west

side of Blanshard Street.

View 6: Fisgard Street (West) at Blanshard Street

EXISTING CONDITION
The view from Balmoral Street to the southwest corner of Fisgard Street and
Blanshard Street leads to a property currently approved for development.
The site can also be viewed from north and south along Blanshard, which
bends slightly at Fisgard Street.
VIEW CONSIDERATIONS
• Designand siting of any new building on this site should take advantage
of views west on Balmoral/Fisgard, which bend at Blanshard, and views
north and south on Blanshard, to create a visual landmark. 1. Street Bend Site
• Landmarkfeatures may include taller building elements, prominent façade
and streetwall elements, prominent building entries, landscape or open
space features, public art or feature lighting.
View 6: Looking west from Balmoral Street across

Blanshard Street toward Fisgard Street.

View 7 (A+B): Blanshard Street at Balmoral Street

EXISTING CONDITION
The views east on Fisgard Street and southeast from Blanshard Street to the
block between North Park Street and Balmoral Street are to a block currently
occupied by several older commercial properties.
VIEW CONSIDERATIONS 1. Street Bend Site

• Thedesign and siting of new development at this site should take
advantage of views west on Fisgard Street, and north and south on
Blanshard Street to create a visual landmark.
• Landmark features may include taller building elements, prominent façade
and streetwall elements, building entryways, landscape or open space
features, artwork or feature lighting.
• Developmentproposed for this site should be evaluated for possible skyline
landmark opportunities, when viewed from more distant vantage points.
View 7A: Looking east on Fisgard to Blanshard Street.
1. Street Bend Site
View 7B: Looking south on Blanshard Street to North Park.

View 8: Blanshard Street (South) at Pandora Avenue

EXISTING CONDITION
The view looking southeast from Blanshard Street at Pandora Avenue over
the historic Temple Emanuel Synagogue leads to a site beyond between the
800-block of Johnson and Yates Streets currently occupied by the Telus Building.
VIEW CONSIDERATIONS
• Design and siting of taller buildings in this view should establish
a prominent terminating landmark, with the historic Synagogue
in the foreground.
• Landmark
features may include taller buildings, an articulated building 1. Street Bend Site
summit and feature lighting.
• Designand siting of new development should be evaluated for
potential skyline landmark opportunities, when viewed from more
distant vantage points.
View 8: Looking southeast on Blanshard Street to a potential

tall building site on Yates Street.

View 9: Meares Street (West) at Quadra Street

EXISTING CONDITION
The view looking west on Meares Street at Quadra Street currently leads to an
older, low-rise commercial building that, in its design, does not take advantage of
its streethead location.
VIEW CONSIDERATIONS
• Design
and siting of new development on this site should create a local
landmark and focal point for this view.
• Landmark features may include taller building elements, prominent façade
and streetwall elements, a building entry, landscape or open space 1. Street-head Site
features, artwork or feature lighting.
• Design and siting of new development on this site should take advantage
of the Pioneer Square spatial and overlook opportunities.
View 9: Looking west on Meares Street to Quadra Street site.

APPENDIX THREE: EXTERNAL VIEW GUIDELINES
appendix
3 external VIEW GUIDELINES
View 1 (A+B): Inner Harbour from Songhees Point

1. Empress Hotel
EXISTING CONDITION 2. Inner Harbour

From Songhees Point there is a prominent cross-Harbour view of the Inner Causeway
Harbour Causeway area, including the Parliament Buildings and the Empress 3. Royal BC Museum
Hotel. There is also a view to Historic Commercial District and the Inner Harbour 4. Parliament Building
District, and of the Downtown skyline as a backdrop to the Old Town area.
VIEW CONSIDERATIONS
• The
Inner Harbour Causeway area remains an iconic view of Victoria, with
the Parliament Buildings, the Empress Hotel and the Royal B.C. Museum
maintained as predominant landmarks.
• The
Central Business District provides a more intensive skyline with its
concentration of taller commercial and mixed-use residential buildings. View 1A: Looking southeast from Songhees Point to Inner Harbour.
• The
Old Town waterfront provides a sympathetic, low-scale foreground
to Central Business District skyline views.
• Old Town buildings may be accented with illumination.
• The
Central Business District skyline profile should include
night-lighting effects. 1. Johnson Street Bridge
• More
distant views to the north end of Douglas Street will provide a flanking 2. Old Town Area with
shoulder to the Downtown skyline. Central Business
• The Johnson Street Bridge will provide a side frame to this view. District Skyline
View 1B: Looking northeast from Songhees Point to Inner Harbour.

View 2: Inner Harbour from Laurel Point

EXISTING CONDITION
From Laurel Point, there is a panoramic view of the Inner Harbour, the Songhees
Peninsula, the Johnson Street Bridge, Old Town Area, and the Downtown skyline,
with flanking views to the Middle Harbour and the Inner Harbour Causeway 1. Empress Hotel
and the Empress Hotel and more distant views to the Upper Harbour and its
2. Inner Harbour
waterfront areas.
Causeway
VIEW CONSIDERATIONS 3. Royal BC Museum
• Thewaterfront and Old Town Area will retain their tiered, lower height-profile 4. Parliament Building
and fine scale built fabric.
• TheCentral Business District will fill in with more intensive commercial
development, providing an augmented skyline.
• The Rock Bay District will provide an additional backdrop.
• Developmenton the Songhees Peninsula will augment a developing
secondary skyline viewed from this location. View 2A: Laurel Point looking east to Inner Harbour/
• Background skyline buildings on both sides of the Harbour should aspire Causeway area.
to a high calibre of visual interest, with attractive upper terminations and
night illumination effects on the taller buildings.
• Harbour waterfront areas should be enhanced with lively marine-oriented
uses, waterfront activity, public open spaces and appealing landscaping
and lighting.
• Changes in this vicinity should not compromise visual access to the
Harbour, Songhees and Old Town views. 1. Johnson Street
Bridge
2. Old Town Area with
CBD Skyline
View 2B: Laurel Point looking north east to Old town

Downtown skyline.

View 3: Inner Harbour from Belleville Street

EXISTING CONDITION
Form Belleville Street, there is a panoramic view the Inner Harbour, the
Songhees Peninsula, Johnson Street Bridge, Old Town and the Downtown
skyline, with flanking views to the Middle Harbour and the Inner Harbour 1. Songhees Skyline
Causeway and the Empress Hotel, and more distant views to the Upper
2. Johnson Street Bridge
Harbour and its waterfront areas.
VIEW CONSIDERATIONS
• The waterfront and the Old Town Areas will retain their tiered, lower height
historic profile and fine scale built fabric.
• TheCentral Business District will fill in with more intensive commercial
development, providing an augmented skyline.
• The Rock Bay District will provide an additional backdrop.
• Developmenton the Songhees Peninsula will augment a developing
secondary skyline viewed from this location. View 3A: Looking north from Belleville Street at Oswego Street.
• Background skyline buildings on both sides of the Harbour should provide
a high calibre of visual interest, with attractive upper terminations and night
illumination effects.
• Harbour waterfront areas should be enhanced with lively marine-oriented
uses, waterfront activity, public open spaces and appealing landscaping
and lighting.
• Changes in this vicinity should not compromise Harbour, Songhees and 1. Johnson Street Bridge
Old Town views.
2. Old Town Waterfront
• Similarview opportunities should be considered with the revitalization and Skyline
of the Belleville Terminal area.
Viewe 3B: Looking north-east from Belleville Street at Oswego Street.

View 4 (A+B): Yates Street (West) from

Ormond Street
EXISTING CONDITION
This view runs downhill west along Yates Street to the Cross Town intersection 1. Sooke Hills
at Yates and Douglas Streets, with more distant views through the Historic
2. Songhees skyline
Commercial District to the Harbour and waterfront areas, and Background views
of the Songhees Peninsula, and the Sooke Hills. It is framed by a landscaped 3. Landscaped
street edge and Harris Green residential blocks, and is both auto- and Streetedges
pedestrian-oriented.
VIEW CONSIDERATIONS
• Theviews will fill in with more intensive residential and commercial
development, providing an augmented skyline and more elaborate
framing of this view corridor.
• Street landscaping and trees to be maintained and enhanced.
• Overhead wiring may be put underground. View 4A: Distant view along Yates Street (west) from
Ormond Street.
• Decorative pedestrian lamp standards to be maintained.
• Development on the Songhees Peninsula should emphasize architectural
quality to provide a distant secondary skyline to this view.
• Changes at the centre of this corridor view should maintain visual access
to the Harbour, Songhees and distant Sooke Hills views.
1. Harris Green
Building mass
2. Landscaped
StreetEdges
3. Sooke Hills
4. Songhees Skyline
View 4B: Looking west on Yates Street through Harris Green..

View 5 (A+B): Pandora Avenue (West) from

Chambers Street and Vancouver Street
EXISTING CONDITION
This view runs downhill west along Pandora Avenue and through the continuous
street canopy of the Pandora Green Parkway, with more distant views through the
commercial core to the Songhees skyline when approaching Quadra Street, and 1. Pandora green
background views of the Songhees Peninsula and the distant backdrop of the Parkway
Sooke Hills. Views, both auto and pedestrian-oriented, unfold progressively; taller 2. Downtown Skyline
buildings form a background skyline.
VIEW CONSIDERATIONS
• The
prospect will fill in providing an augmented backdrop skyline and more
elaborate flanking frames to this view corridor.
• Street landscaping and trees to be maintained and enhanced.
• Overhead wiring may be put underground.
• Development
on the Songhees Peninsula will present a more distant View 5A: Looking west on Pandora Avenue at Chambers Street.
secondary skyline.
• Changesat the centre of this vicinity should maintain visual access to the
Harbour, Songhees and distant Sooke Hills views.
• Seasonal landscaping may be added to the Green.
• City
sidewalk pedestrian light standards may be re-introduced on each
side of Pandora Green.
1. Pandora Green
Parkway
2. Downtown Skyline
View 5B: Looking west on Pandora Avenue at Vancouver Street.

View 6: Blanshard Street (South) from Hillside

Avenue and Bay Street
EXISTING CONDITION
Flanked by streetscaping along Blanshard Street, this is a prominent regional
roadway approach to the Downtown Core Area, providing progressively
unfolding south views of the Bay Street Armoury, the Downtown and
1. Downtown and Harris
Harris Green skylines and distant glimpses through the commercial core
Green skyline
to the Olympic Mountains.
VIEW CONSIDERATIONS
• The prospect will fill in with more intensive residential and commercial
development, providing an augmented skyline, and more elaborate
flanking side frames to this view corridor.
• Although limited, glimpses of the Olympic Mountains should be evaluated
in relationship to new development.
• Street landscaping and trees to be maintained and enhanced. View 6A: Looking south on Blanshard Street at
Hillside Avenue.
• Development of a highly visible site southeast of the Bay Street Armoury
may provide a landmark on this busy route.
1. Bay Street Armoury
View 6B: Looking south west on Blanshard Street at Bay Street.

View 7A: Douglas Street (South) from

Hillside Avenue
View 7B: Government Street (South) from
Hillside Avenue
EXISTING CONDITIONS 1. Skyline View
The views south along these prominent regional arterial and transit streets
unfold as a progressive series and are both auto and pedestrian-oriented.
They provide provides broad panoramic of the Downtown Core Area, as well
as view to street bends with potential landmark sites and limited background
views of the Olympic Mountains.
VIEW CONSIDERATIONS
• The
intervening area will fill in with more intensive residential and
commercial development, providing augmented skylines and more
elaborate flanking frames to these street views. View 7A: Looking south on Douglas Street at Hillside Avenue.
• Rapid
transit development will considerably influence the view along
Douglas Street.
• Street landscaping and trees will be maintained and enhanced.
• Overhead wiring may be put underground.
• Illumination
of building façades and pedestrian-scale street lighting
will enhance the appearance and function of these streets.
• Government Street Mall will eventually come within view. 1. Views of Olympic
Mountains
• Intersection
of Douglas and Hillside should be marked as a primary
gateway to the Downtown Core Area. 2. Historic Commercial
District
View 7B: Looking south on Government Street at Hillside Avenue.

View 8 (A+B): Upper Harbour from Bay Street

at Bridge Street
EXISTING CONDITION
This under-accessed waterfront view runs southeast to Rock Bay and south
to Barclay Point and includes foreground views of the low-rise industrial areas
north of the Historic Commercial District and more distant views through the
1. Industrial Waterfront
Historic Commercial District to taller buildings in the Central Business District.
It also has side-ground flanking views of the Upper Harbour and the Dockside 2. Rock bay skyline
Green project.
VIEW CONSIDERATIONS
• The Rock Bay District will develop with more intensive commercial,
light industrial and residential development, which will provide a more
urban skyline.
• Industrial marine-oriented uses will be retained along waterfront.
• The
Central Business District skyline will fill in to provide a prominent View 8A: Looking southeast from Bridge Street.
backdrop.
• Skyline illumination will add to the night time panorama.
• A Bridge over Rock Bay may provide a foreground element to the view.
• The Harbour Pathway and a waterfront park will provide a public waterfront
with enriched landscaping.
• Public water access will contribute to marine activity.
• Waterfront pathway lighting will enhance foreground view. 1. Rock Bay Skyline
2. Barclay Point
View 8B: Panorama looking south from Bridge Street south

of Bay Street.

View 9 (A+B): Upper Harbour from Bay Street

at Turner Street
EXISTING CONDITION
While currently not well known and under-accessed, this view runs south 1. Johnson Street
down the Upper Harbour, with the Johnson Street Bridge as a focal point and Bridge
impressive views of the Parliament Buildings and the Olympic Mountains as a 2. Olympic Mountains
backdrop. The downtown and Songhees landscapes provide a flanking frame.
VIEW CONSIDERATIONS
• Downtown Core Area to the east and Songhees Peninsula to the west will
fill in over time, providing an augmented skyline and a more elaborate
flanking frame for this view.
• The Harbour Pathway and a waterfront park will provide a public waterfront,
with enriched landscaping.
• Johnson Street Bridge renewal and lighting will enhance this view.
• Public water access will contribute to marine activity. View 9A: Panorama looking South on Turner Street at Bay Street.
• Waterfront pathway lighting will enhance foreground.
1. Johnson Street
Bridge
2. Parliament Buildings
View 9B: View detail looking South on Turner Street at Bay Street.

View 10 (A+B): Upper Harbour from

Point Ellice Bridge
EXISTING CONDITION
There is a panoramic view from Point Ellice Bridge southeast and south across
the Upper Harbour from the Bridge crest that includes both maritime activity and
movement of the Johnson Street Bridge. The view is both auto- and pedestrian-
1. Rock Bay Skyline
oriented, and has impressive foreground, mid-ground and background elements.
Skyline and waterfront views have great visual character, while views of the 2. Central Business
Songhees Peninsula area and industrial waterfronts provide picturesque side- District
frames. 3. Working Harbour
VIEW CONSIDERATIONS
• The Downtown Core area will fill in with more intensive residential and
commercial development, providing an expanded and more elaborate
skyline panorama.
• TheHarbour Pathway will provide an enriched waterfront edge and
View 10A: Panorama looking southeast from Point Ellice Bridge.
public activity.
• Waterfront lighting will detail and frame these views.
• Additional
marine uses, including floating public facilities, will help
to enhance these views.
• Distant
views of the Olympic Mountains south of the Downtown Core Area
should be conserved where possible as the skyline develops over time.
1. Central Business
District Skyline
2. Old Town Skyline
View 10B: panorama Looking southeast from Point Ellice Bridge.

APPENDIX FOUR: STREET TYPOLOGY GUIDELINES
appendix
Boulevards
4 STREET TYPOLOGY GUIDELINES
Building Base Three to four storeys.

Boulevards are characterized by high levels of traffic movement at higher Street-Level Commercial uses of varying size, including larger commercial
speeds than other streets, and serve as primary gateways into the Downtown Uses uses.
Core Area from other locations within the Region. Their gateway function is Front Setback Varied in order to accommodate pedestrian-oriented design that
emphasized through street trees and landscaping along both sides. Land use is built close to the front property line, as well as to accommodate
along a boulevard typically includes high-density commercial uses and larger, institutional and commercial uses that require vehicle parking
freestanding institutional uses or public parks and open space. and access from the front.
Façade Articulated, with multiple entrances, extensive glazing at the
Treatment pedestrian level, permeability, use of canopies and awnings to
provide weather protection for pedestrians and to provide relief
from building mass.
Well-defined building edges, entrances, consideration of corner
conditions.
High-quality materials and finishes.
Upper Storey To reduce shadowing on pedestrian realm and impact from
Setback building height and mass.
Sidewalk Width Minimum 3–5m depending on R.O.W. conditions.
Trees (Public) Single or double row on both sides of street.
Street Furniture Pedestrian-scale lighting on sidewalk and from building façades.
(Wide) Street Four travel lanes, two in each direction.
Characteristics May include a commercial side-lane located parallel to boulevard
that provides access to adjacent commercial businesses.
Alternating landscaped median and centre left-hand turn lane.
Medians provide pedestrian refuge for street crossings.
Shared curbside parking and transit stop lane on each side
of street.
Dedicated bicycle lane where part of bicycle network; shared
lane in all other instances.
Traffic Volumes Medium to high vehicle traffic.
Low to medium transit traffic.
Medium pedestrian traffic.

Figure 1A

Primary Commercial Streets Building Base Three to four storeys.

Primary Commercial Streets are the most prominent commercial corridors within Street-Level Active commercial uses of varying size, including larger
the Downtown Core Area and include a strong concentration of high-density and Uses commercial uses on certain streets.
intensive commercial uses along their length. Primary Commercial Streets carry Front Setback 0–2.5m with a minimum of 50 percent of building façade located
high levels of multi-modal traffic and function as continuous travel routes across at the front property line.
the Downtown Core Area. Traffic speeds along Primary Commercial Streets Façade Articulated, with multiple entrances, extensive glazing at the
are typically slower than Boulevards due to their location within the heart of the Treatment pedestrian level, permeability, use of canopies and awning to
Downtown Core Area, with frequent pedestrian crossings and intersections. provide weather protection for pedestrians and to provide relief
Primary Commercial Streets have well-designed public realm environments that from building mass.
relate to the adjacent land uses and transportation function of the street. The Well-defined building edges, entrances, consideration of corner
importance of pedestrian activity is evident through the provision of comfortable, conditions.
safe and animated pedestrian environments. High-quality materials and finishes.
Upper Storey To reduce shadowing and wind effects on pedestrian realm,
Setback reduce impact from building height and mass.
Sidewalk Width Minimum 4–6m depending on R.O.W. conditions.
Trees (Public) Single row on both sides of street.
Street Furniture High-quality street furniture placed within street furniture zone;
should not impede pedestrian flow.
Pedestrian-scale lighting on sidewalk and from building
façades.
(Wide) Street Four travel lanes, two in each direction.
Characteristics Shared curbside parking and transit stop lane on each side of
street.
(Medium) Street Two travel lanes, one in each direction.
Characteristics Shared curbside parking and transit stop lane on each side of
street.
Traffic Volume Medium to high vehicle traffic.
Medium to high transit traffic.
Medium to high pedestrian traffic.

Figure 2A Figure 3A

Commercial Streets Building Base Two to three storeys.

Commercial Streets accommodate the majority of commercial uses and Street-Level Active commercial uses, small to mid scale in size
commercial activity within the Downtown Core Area. Commercial Streets Uses
are characterized by strong concentrations of retail, office and mixed-use Front Setback 0–2.5m maximum with a minimum of 50 percent of building
development of varying sizes and have street widths that range from narrow façade located at the front property line.
to wide. Commercial streets provide internal circulation for traffic that results Façade Articulated, with multiple entrances, glazing, permeability,
in typically slower travel speeds and volumes. Commercial Streets contain Treatment use of canopies and awning to provide weather protection for
well-designed public realm environments that relate to the adjacent land uses pedestrians and to provide relief from building mass.
and the transportation function of the street. The importance of pedestrian Well-defined building edges, entrances, consideration of corner
activity is evident through the design and provision of comfortable, safe and conditions.
animated pedestrian environments. High-quality materials and finishes.
Upper Storey To reduce shadowing and wind effects on pedestrian realm and
Setback to reduce impact from building height and mass.
Sidewalk Width Minimum 2–3m for narrow street.
Minimum 3–5m for medium-width streets.
Street Furniture High-quality street furniture, placed within street furniture zone;
Pedestrian-scale lighting on sidewalk and from building façade
design.
(Narrow) Street Two travel lanes, one in each direction or both as one-way
Characteristics traffic.
Travel lanes are wide enough to accommodate shared bicycle
traffic.
(Medium) Two travel lanes, one in each direction or both as
Street Travel one-way traffic.
Lanes Shared curbside parking and transit stop lane on each side of
street.
Traffic Volume Low to medium vehicle traffic.
Low to medium transit traffic.

Figure 4A Figure 5A

Local Streets Building Base Two to four storeys.

Local Streets accommodate multi-modal traffic between the Downtown Street Level Commercial or residential
Core Area and adjacent neighbourhoods and traffic flow within individual Uses
neighbourhoods. Land use is generally residential development in mixed-use Front Setback 2.5–4m maximum for street level residential uses. Provides
multi-residential buildings, along with neighbourhood scale commercial uses. space for landscaping, at-grade use and increased privacy.
Local streets include pedestrian-oriented streetscape designs, generous 0–3m maximum for street level commercial uses.
landscaping and tree plantings that complement surrounding residential areas. Façade Residential uses should be expressed as a residential function
Treatment through façade design elements, such as individual terraced
entrances to the street, residential landscaping and windows.
Building base may include residential or commercial uses.
Upper Storey To reduce shadowing and wind effects on pedestrian realm
Setback and to reduce impact from building height and mass.
Consideration for building separation and siting.
Sidewalk width Minimum 2–4 m on all streets
Trees (Public) Single row on both sides of street
Street Furniture Limited amount of street furniture due to lower pedestrian flow
volumes.
High quality street furniture placed within street furniture zone;
façades.
(Narrow) Street Two travel lanes, one in each direction or both as one-way
Travel lanes are wide enough to accommodate shared bicycle
traffic
(Medium) Street Two travel lanes, one in each direction or both as one-way
Shared curbside parking and transit stop lane on each side
of street.
None to medium transit traffic.
Low to medium pedestrian traffic.

Figure 6A Figure 7A

Avenues Building Base Three to four storeys.

Avenues occur primarily in residential or mixed-use areas and accommodate Street level use Commercial, residential or mixed use
higher volumes of multi-modal traffic on multiple travel lanes. Avenues provide Front Setback 2.5–4m maximum for street level residential uses. Provides
continuous travel routes across the Downtown Core Area and include a strong space for landscaping, at-grade use and increased privacy.
concentration of residential and mixed-use development along their length. 0–3m maximum for street level commercial uses.
Avenues include well-designed public realm environments that relate to adjacent Façade Treatment Articulated, with multiple entrances, extensive glazing at the
residential land uses and the street’s transportation function. The importance of pedestrian level, permeability, use of canopies and awning
pedestrian activity is evident through the design and provision of comfortable, to provide weather protection for pedestrians and to provide
safe and animated pedestrian environments. relief from building mass.
Well-defined building edges, entrances, consideration
of corner conditions.
High-quality materials and finishes.
Residential uses should be expressed as a residential
function through façade design elements such as individual
entrances to the street, residential landscaping.
Building base may include residential or commercial uses.
Upper Storey To reduce wind effects and shadowing on pedestrian realm
Setback and impact from building height and mass.
Sidewalk width Minimum 4–6m depending on ROW conditions.
Trees (Public) Single or double row on both sides of street.
Street Furniture High-quality street furniture placed within street furniture
zone; should not impede pedestrian flow.
façades.
Medium Street Two travel lanes, one in each direction.
Travel Lanes Shared curbside parking and transit stop lane on each side
of street.
Traffic Volume Medium to high vehicle traffic.
Medium to high transit traffic.

Figure 8A Figure 9A

Pedestrian Priority Streets Building Base Two to four storeys.

Pedestrian Priority Streets are streets uniquely modified to create a distinctive Street level Active commercial uses (retail, restaurants) small to mid-scale in size.
public realm condition that promotes walking and cycling within attractive uses
and fine-grained commercial environments. Pedestrian Priority Streets have Front Setback 0–2.5m maximum with a minimum of 50 percent of building façade
a concentration of pedestrian-scaled retail uses, restaurants and entertainment located at the front property line.
activities, and may accommodate alternate modes of transportation, such as Maintains a consistent visual rhythm along the street.
cycling and transit, in addition to pedestrian activity. Pedestrian Priority Streets Façade Well-defined entrances, continuous use of canopies, awnings
have limited vehicle access and limited on-street parking in certain areas, and Treatment and building projections that provide protection from elements for
may be closed for seasonal or special events. pedestrians.
Transparent glazing to enhance building permeability.
Recessed entries and façade articulation to allow for patios, outdoor
seating and limited outdoor display.
Illumination of building façade.
High-quality detailed architectural designs that serve
to present individualized building facades.
Limited commercial frontage to encourage multiple uses within larger
buildings and along the block face.
Upper Storey To reduce wind effects and shadowing on pedestrian realm and impact
Setback from building height and mass.
To create a pedestrian-scaled streetwall.
To create a strong transition between the base and body of the building.
Sidewalk width Minimum 5–6 m
Street Well-designed and strategically located street furniture that is
Furniture appropriate for the high volume of pedestrian flow.
Street furniture should not impede pedestrian flow and should not
detract from the building architecture.
Pedestrian-scale lighting on sidewalk and from building façades.
Street furniture design should provide a sense of continuity along
the street.
Street Two travel lanes, one in each direction or both as one-way traffic.
Characteristics Traffic flows may vary between existing length of the Government Street
Mall and future extension northward from Yates to Pembroke Street.
Travel lanes are wide enough to accommodate shared bicycle traffic.
Minimal grade difference between street surface curb and sidewalk.
Minimal grade difference between street surface curb and sidewalk.
High pedestrian traffic.

Figure 10A Figure 11A


Esplanades Building Base Varied due to building designs and function.

Esplanades are long open streets adjacent to the Harbour, designed to Larger front setbacks reduce need for limited street wall height
encourage pedestrian movement within a scenic environment. The design conditions.
and function of Esplanades includes both the public sidewalks and streets. Street Level Active commercial uses (retail, restaurants, cultural, institutional)
The prominent location and function of these streets is complemented Uses in varying sizes.
by well-designed streetscaping. Front Setback Most existing buildings along ceremonial streets are set further
back from the front property line in order to allow for landscaping,
lawns, gathering space, plazas and public open spaces.
Larger setbacks are also appropriate for the typically larger
building forms that dominate the area such as hotel, government
offices, museums and tourist attractions.
Larger setbacks maintain and enhance a sense of openness
along the Inner Harbour Causeway.
Façade Highly articulated and architecturally designed buildings.
Treatment High quality materials that complement the context of the Inner
Harbour District.
Increased use of lighting for illumination of buildings and
public realm
Upper Storey Not required in most instances due to larger front setbacks.
Setback
Sidewalk width Minimum 4–6 m
Possibility for a double row of trees in the event of sidewalk
widening.
Street Furniture Well-designed and located street furniture appropriate for a high
volume of pedestrians.
Street furniture should not impede pedestrian flow nor detract
from adjacent architecture.
Pedestrian-scale lighting on sidewalk and from building façades.
(Medium) Two travel lanes, one in each direction.
Street Travel lanes are wide enough to accommodate shared or
Characteristics dedicated bicycle lanes.
Traffic Volume Medium vehicle traffic.
High pedestrian traffic.


Alleys Building Base Varied depending on buildings that line the alley.
Alleys are narrow streets that provide service, utility and pedestrian access to Street Level Smaller active commercial uses.
block interiors from adjacent streets. Several historic alleys in Old Town, as well Uses Small office space.
as new alleys as part of major redevelopments, provide primary links in the Opportunity for dual commercial frontages in some instances.
Pedestrian Network. New high-density areas on larger blocks may require the Front Setback No minimum setback from property line along alley.
development of new Alleys to provide service and emergency access to the
centre of the block. Façade Improve safety and aesthetics through glazing, identifiable
Treatment entrances, lighting of building façade, signage.
Upper Storey To create a pedestrian-scaled streetwall.

Setback
Sidewalk width Minimum 2m sidewalk, if a sidewalk is provided on a wider alley.
Narrower alleys may extend road surface entire width without
the need for a separate raised sidewalk due to limited vehicular
activity.
Trees (Public) Not required as they may interfere with vehicular movement,
commercial loading.
Street Minimal amount of public street furniture due to lower pedestrian

Furniture flow volumes and restricted space.
Pedestrian-scale lighting on sidewalk (if possible) and from
building façade.
(Narrow) One travel lane with one-way traffic.

Street Low traffic volumes allow lanes to be used by cyclists.
Characteristics
(Medium) Two travel lanes, one in each direction.

Street Option for one lane to be used for curb side parking.
Characteristics
Traffic Volume Low vehicle traffic including commercial vehicles.

No transit traffic.
Low to medium pedestrian traffic.


APPENDIX FIVE: THROUGH-BLOCK PASSAGEWAY GUIDELINES
appendix
Design Objective
5 THROUGH-BLOCK PASSAGEWAY GUIDELINES
Figure 18A
To accommodate well-designed through-block passageways that connect with
the Pedestrian Network.
Dedicated Alleys
(Example: the Hudson carriageway, between Fisgard and Herald Streets.)
1. Provide public access all-day, everyday. May include service vehicle and
parking access.
2. Residential lobby entries can open to these alleys and should include
architecturally enhanced frontages, street lighting, ornamental paving, trees
and planting.
3. A minimum 7m width (for a one-way vehicle route: 3m vehicle; 2m each side
pedestrian) or 10m (for a two-way/one-way vehicle route: two 3m vehicle
lanes; 2m each side pedestrian) is required, with flanking commercial uses
along 25 percent of the frontage preferred.
4. Footpath areas can be defined by paving texture or the use of bollards,
and paved surfaces may be flush without curbs. Vehicle lay-bys, parking
or fire-lane needs may increase required widths.
5. Mid-block interior courtyards may connect to these alleys and can be fenced
and gated for private access control.

Dedicated Exterior Walkways

Figure 19A
(Example: Trounce Alley.)
1. Provide public access during daylight hours every day. May be closed and
gated after business hours by agreement with the City.
2. Minimum 5m width with potentially greater widths for high foot traffic areas.
3. Provide clear and direct lines of sight, attractive and comprehensive lighting,
ornamental paving, and high quality architectural finishes for building faces.
Offsets in the passageway alignment should be avoided.
4. A minimum 50 percent commercial frontage should occupy the length of
the passageway. Street-type signage, storefronts and indented commercial
entries and display areas are encouraged.
5. Passages should be open to the sky, although they may be partly covered
or built-over to a maximum of 50 percent of the footprint of the passage.
Buildings that span portions of passageways should maintain at least two
storeys of open headroom clearance within the passageways. In sections
of passageways open to the sky, adjacent building faces should be set
back 1m horizontal for every 5m vertical, above 15m.
6. Avoid stairway grade changes in order to provide barrier-free access.

MINOR FOOT PASSAGEWAYS

(Examples: Dragon Alley and Fan Tan Alley.)
1. Provide secondary connections within private developments including
connections to private interior courts, or access to courtyard businesses.
2. For courtyard business, may be closed and gated after business hours
through agreement with the City.
3. Clear sightlines, attractive and comprehensive lighting, 2m minimum
width (3m recommended for higher foot traffic uses); quality finishes and
maintenance are encouraged.
4. Grade change, steps and ramps are discouraged but permitted for unique
circumstances. Safe sightlines and lighting are required.
5. Architectural grilled gating is encouraged for nighttime closure.
Figure 20A

APPENDIX SIX: CENTENNIAL SQUARE GUIDELINES
appendix
DESIGN OBJECTIVE
6 CENTENNIAL SQUARE GUIDELINES
13. Provide clear visual connections between the Square and enhanced transit
service on Douglas Street.
As Victoria’s central civic public space and home to leading civic, institutional
and cultural facilities, Centennial Square should continue to be revitalized with 14. Enhance pedestrian connections between the Square and surrounding
active, pedestrian generating uses at grade and beautified with new framing streets.
buildings, landscaping and public art that frame and better define the square.
15. Integrate new civic uses such as a Central Library and the revitalization
of City Hall into an overall design for the Square.
PLANNING AND DESIGN CRITERIA
1. Recognize the Square’s prominence and history. 16. Assess options to retain or redesign the Centennial Square Fountain to be
more interactive, playful and accessible.
2. Emphasize the Square as a focus for City and regional governance.
17. Evaluate possibilities for replacing the existing parkade with underground
3. Equip the Square with infrastructure to flexibly accommodate evolving uses, parking under Centennial Square.
activities and event programming.
18. Maintain and enhance the Square as the primary civic public space in the
4. Complement the original design – and the 1995 revitalization plan – with new Downtown Core Area.
additions and enhancements.
5. Enhance public safety, visibility and pedestrian activity.
6. Renew paving, hard and soft landscaping and lighting.
7. Surround the Square with supporting activity-generating uses, including
prominent outdoor dining and café areas that take advantage of southern
terrace exposure opportunities, and optimize the number of active,
pedestrian-generating building faces at grade.
8. Replace washrooms with enlarged purpose-designed public washrooms for
supervised daytime and nighttime use.
9. Promote and program diverse recreational and public activities throughout
the year.
10. E
nhance the potential of the Square as a festival, entertainment and events
site.
11. Organize uses to animate the Square both through the day and evening
though all the seasons.
12. Integrate planning for extensions of the Government Street Mall with visual Conceptual illustration of Centennial Square surrounded by new civic, cultural and
links and pedestrian connections to the Square. active commercial facilities, and an improved connection to Government Street.

APPENDIX SEVEN: PANDORA GREEN GUIDELINES
appendix
DESIGN OBJECTIVE
7 PANDORA GREEN GUIDELINES
16. Provide for passive and active recreational activities for residents
of surrounding neighbourhoods.
The west end of Pandora Green should be reconfigured for more active public
uses, to complement the proposed development of overlooking residential
buildings, including development of a small terminating plaza at Quadra Street in
front of the Victoria Conservatory of Music.
PLANNING AND DESIGN CRITERIA

1. Relate improvements to Pandora Green’s role as a Greenway and formal
civic open space.
2. Use mid-block crossings to improve access and calm adjacent traffic.
3. Link continuous pathways to all the blocks of the Green to increase use.
4. Add new crosswalks across Cook, Vancouver and Quadra Streets.
5. Carefully manage mature trees ensuring that new tree placement maintains
the formal tree-planting pattern.
6. Improve safety through upgraded feature and other pathway lighting.
Re-instate heritage lamps on Pandora Avenue.
7. Repair damaged sidewalks with updated paving and access features.
8. Visually define designated bikeways and upgrade bike safety elements. Pandora Green will be enhanced and updated providing an active green amenity for
surrounding increased residential uses.
9. Accent the Green with seasonal planting and improved landscaping.
10. Utilize excess road right-of-way for attractive public spaces.
11. Add a small plaza fronting Alix Goolden Hall – the “Music Plaza”.
12. Orchestrate the plaza design to complement the adjacent heritage building,
and to provide safely for both passive and programmed uses.
13. Phase re-development of all three blocks of the Green as a multi-year
project.
14. Draw connections with other public realm improvements in nearby areas.
15. Encourage new surrounding commercial uses and overlooking residences
to frame each side of the Green.

APPENDIX EIGHT: URBAN PLAZA DESIGN GUIDELINES
appendix
DESIGN OBJECTIVE
8 URBAN PLAZA DESIGN GUIDELINES
12. Allow night-time security gates where appropriate.

Ensure that new plazas, courtyards and small greens enrich the public realm 13. Orient active building commercial frontages to plazas.
of the Downtown Core Area.
14. Design to address the use and characteristics of the surrounding area.
Victoria has a notable tradition of public urban spaces. Bastion and Centennial 15. Plazas may provide distinctive identity features such as public art
Squares are primary city plazas that, with updating and improvement, can or water features.
adapt and evolve for future needs. As the Downtown Core Area becomes
more intensely populated, additional small public open spaces and greens will ILLUSTRATED TYPOLOGIES
become increasingly necessary as local gathering places. Plazas can be paired The following tables describe a variety of sizes and types of plazas and
with cultural or recreational uses and link to active pedestrian networks such courtyards with characteristics and features identified as guidelines for
as the Harbour Pathway or Greenways. Leftover spaces, such as excess road design and development. Approximate sizes range from pocket plazas
rights-of-way, provide opportunities to add new small public plazas and pocket (about 15–50m2), small plazas (50–100m2), medium plazas (100–300m2),
parks. Plazas can be public, institutional, private or semi-public/private. and large plazas (300–600m2).
GENERAL GUIDELINES
1. Encourage a diversity of small urban public spaces in a variety of locations
in the Downtown Core Area.
2. Maintain, enhance or replace existing plazas when removed.
3. Include new pocket parks or plazas as amenities for developing areas.
4. Relate to busy pedestrian routes, building entries and mid-block crossings.
5. Locate plazas adjacent to cultural, recreational or public facilities.
6. Optimize views, sunlight exposure and wind shelter.
7. Program active uses.
8. Use Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles to
enhance safety and security.
9. Locate active uses such as outdoor cafés, restaurants and temporary
markets on plazas.
10. Increase attractiveness with imaginative and durable finishes, landscaping,
lighting water features and art.
Urban plazas should provide a variety of public spaces that are integrated with the
11. Integrate plaza designs with adjacent building and sidewalk designs. pedestrian network.

Figure 24A:Pocket Plazas
Pocket Plaza Street Edge Location Street Edge Location with Corner Location
(15–50m² Approx.) Through-block Passage
Cross-section
Plan
• compact public urban open pocket space • compact public urban open pocket space • compact public urban open pocket space
Characteristics • public or private realm – informal – mid-block • public or private realm – informal – mid-block • public or private realm – informal – end block
• street-oriented – near mid-block crossing • street-oriented – at mid-block crossing • street-oriented – at corner – at building entry
• sidewalk adjacent – full public daylight access • sidewalk adjacent – full public daylight access • sidewalk adjacent – full public daylight access
Design Criteria • paving continuity/3–6m deep – 5–15m wide • paving continuity/3–6m deep – 5–15m wide • paving continuity/3–6m deep – 5–15m wide
• may be associated with building entry • may be associated with building entry • may be associated with building entry
• low fencing acceptable for plaza – no walls • low fencing acceptable for plaza – no walls • low fencing acceptable for plaza – no walls
• sun exposure – may be partly canopied • sun exposure – may be partly canopied • sun exposure – may be partly canopied
• may be gated, night closed or screened • may be gated, night closed or screened • may be gated, night closed or screened
• passive or active or programmed uses • passive or active or programmed uses • passive or active or programmed uses
• safe and attractive lighting, CPTED standards • safe and attractive lighting, CPTED standards • safe and attractive lighting, CPTED standards
• linked to pedestrian network, mid-block • linked to pedestrian network, mid-block • linked to pedestrian network, corner crossings
Amenities crossings crossings • landscape and water features, public art
• landscape and water features, public art • landscape and water features, public art • screening landscaping/sidewalk furniture
• screening landscaping/sidewalk furniture • screening landscaping/sidewalk furniture • may incorporate outdoor dining
• may incorporate outdoor dining • may incorporate outdoor dining
• North Causeway Plaza • Scotia Bank Plaza (Fort Street) • Royal Bank Plaza
Current Examples • Willy’s Bakery/Red Dragon Plaza • Market Square Plaza • Sussex Place Corner Plaza
Concept Illustrated

Figure 24A:Small Plazas
Small Plaza Street Edge Location Street Edge Location with Corner Location
Cross-section
Plan
• medium size public urban open plaza space • medium size public urban open plaza space • medium size public urban open plaza space
Characteristics • public or private realm – informal – mid-block • public or private realm – informal – mid-block • public or private realm – informal – mid-block
• street-oriented – near mid-block crossing • street-oriented – at mid through-block passage • street-oriented – at corner
• may link to through-block passage
• sidewalk adjacent – full public daylight access • sidewalk adjacent – full public daylight access • corner adjacent – full public daylight access
• may be associated with building entries • may be associated with building entries • may be associated with building entries
• partial low fencing acceptable for plaza – no walls • partial low fencing acceptable for plaza – no walls • partial low fencing acceptable for plaza – no walls
• may be gated, night closed or screened • may be gated, night closed or screened • may be partly gated, night closed or screened
• linked to pedestrian network, mid-block crossings • linked to pedestrian network, mid-block • linked to pedestrian network, corner crossings
Amenities • landscape and water features, public art crossings • landscape and water features, public art
• screening landscaping/sidewalk furniture • landscape and water features, public art • screening landscaping/sidewalk furniture
• may incorporate outdoor dining • screening landscaping/sidewalk furniture • may incorporate outdoor dining
• may incorporate outdoor dining
• North Causeway Plaza • Scotia Bank Plaza (Fort Street) • Royal Bank Plaza
Current Examples • Willy’s Bakery/Red Dragon Plaza • Market Square Plaza • Sussex Place Plaza
Concept Illustrated

Figure 23A:Medium Plazas
Medium Plaza Street Edge Location Street Edge Location with Corner Location
Cross-section
Plan
• medium size public urban open space/square • medium size public urban open space/square • medium size public urban open space/square
• street-oriented – near mid-block crossing • street-oriented – at mid through-block passage • street-oriented – at corner
• may link to through-block passage
• linked to pedestrian network, mid-block crossings • linked to pedestrian network, mid-block • linked to pedestrian network, corner crossings
Amenities • landscape and water features, public art crossings • landscape and water features, public art
• screening landscaping/sidewalk furniture • landscape and water features, public art • screening landscaping/sidewalk furniture
• may incorporate outdoor dining • screening landscaping/sidewalk furniture • may incorporate outdoor dining
• may incorporate outdoor dining
• North Causeway Plaza • Scotia Bank Plaza (Fort Street) • Royal Bank Plaza • Sussex Place Plaza
Current Examples • Willy’s Bakery/Red Dragon Plaza • Market Square Plaza • Music Plaza
Concept Illustrated

Figure 24A:Large Plazas
Large Plaza Street Edge Location Street Edge Location with Corner Location
Cross-section
Plan
• large size public urban open space/square • large size public urban open space/square • large size public urban open space/square
• street or courtyard oriented – near mid-block • street or courtyard oriented – at through-block • street-oriented – at corner
crossing passage • may link to through-block passage
• sidewalk adjacent – full 24 hour public access • sidewalk adjacent – full 24 hour public access • corner adjacent – full public daylight access
• linked to pedestrian network, mid-block crossings • linked to pedestrian network, mid-block crossings • linked to pedestrian network, corner crossings
Amenities • landscape and water features, public art • landscape and water features, public art • landscape and water features, public art
• screening landscaping/sidewalk furniture • screening landscaping/sidewalk furniture • screening landscaping/sidewalk furniture
• may incorporate outdoor dining • may incorporate outdoor dining • may incorporate outdoor dining
• Rotherham Place Plaza • Royal BC Museum (entry square) • Library Square on Blanshard
Current Examples • St. Andrew’s Church Green • Bastion Square (Market Square entry) • Sussex Place Plaza
• Christ Church Cathedral Green
Concept Illustrated

Figure 25A:Courtyards
Courtyards Small Courtyard with Medium Courtyard with Large Courtyard with
Through-block Passage Through-block Passage Through-block Passage
Cross-section
Plan
• small public urban open space/square • medium public urban open space/square • large size public urban open space/square
Characteristics • public or private realm – informal – mid-block • public or private realm – formal – mid-block • public or private realm – formal – mid-block
• courtyard oriented – at mid-block crossing • courtyard oriented – at through-block passage • courtyard oriented – predominate block centre
• must link to through-block passage
• linked to pedestrian network, mid-block crossings • linked to pedestrian network, mid-block crossings • linked to pedestrian network, mid-block crossings
Amenities • landscape and water features, public art • landscape and water features, public art • landscape and water features, public art
• screening landscaping/sidewalk furniture • screening landscaping/sidewalk furniture • screening landscaping/sidewalk furniture
• may incorporate outdoor dining • may incorporate outdoor dining • may incorporate outdoor dining
• Market Square (upper plaza) • Market Square • Rotherham Place Plaza • Library Square on Blanshard
Current Examples • St. Andrew’s Church Green • Sussex Place (interior plaza) • Centennial Square
• Rotherham Place Plaza
Concept Illustrated

APPENDIX NINE: PUBLIC ART GUIDELINES
appendix
DESIGN OBJECTIVES
9 PUBLIC ART GUIDELINES
Public art is:

• Is
prominently located, widely distributed and well integrated within the
public realm on both public and private sites throughout the Downtown
Core Area.
• Provides cultural stimulation, intellectual provocation and aesthetic delight.
• Is incorporated as part of public work projects.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
1. Provide public art in a range of sizes, scales and designs that have
a prominent or subtle visual presence.
2. Integrate public art in new public and private developments in a manner
that suits the location and complements nearby uses and activities.
3. Integrate public art in public works projects of all types and scales,
such as bridges, abutments, retaining walls, safety guards and drainage
infrastructure.
4. Install public art in public parks, plazas, approaches to building entries,
street corners or medians and other visually prominent locations.
5. Use public art as a gateway or transition between adjacent character areas,
or to mark significant street intersection locations.
6. Encourage public art in the installation locations illustrated in Figure 26A.
7. Consider thematically related art installations at major cultural facilities.
8. Orient artworks to various age groups and social interests.
9. Encourage public art that is dynamic, mobile and capable of cycling through
various locations.
10. Establish several sites for temporary or moveable public art installations.
11. Design public art installations to be safe, durable and easy to maintain.
12. Scale public art installations to the setting. Figure 26A
13. Where a public art installation includes a base, lighting or signage, these
elements should relate to the public art.

APPENDIX NINE: PUBLIC ART GUIDELINES
14. Public art may include text and graphics and may be self-interpreting.
15. Incorporate artist attribution and possible dedication text in the design, with
interpretive text optional.
16. Safety signage should be integrated in the art installation.
17. Art selection and provision will be guided by the City Public Art Policy.
Public art can be provided as freestanding artworks or integrated in public works projects.

APPENDIX TEN: TALL BUILDING DESIGN GUIDELINES
appendix
DEFINITION
10 TALL BUILDING DESIGN GUIDELINES
A tall building is greater than 10 storeys (30m) in height.
OBJECTIVES
1. Excellence, integrity and innovative design expression in tall buildings.
2. Neighbourly relationships to the surrounding pedestrian realm and to the
adjacent urban context.
3. Minimized overshadowing, wind vortices and impressions of visual bulk.
4. Improved building sustainability performance.
5. Positive contribution to the skyline.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
Siting 10. Orient building massing to street alignments using multiple orientations for
1. Relate the building to its immediate, near-by and more distant surroundings. sites with multiple street alignments, giving due consideration to factors such
2. Consider proximate and distant sightlines and skyline organization. as shadowing, views corridor impacts and presentation to distant views.
3. Avoid overbearing massing or visual impact on historic settings. Response to Context

11. Frame adjacent streets and open spaces with building bases, relating
Building Form/Orientation base-level entry areas to dominant street orientations.
4. Avoid freestanding towers without bases, setbacks or podium elements.
12. Relate elements of building massing to the massing of adjacent buildings.
5. Avoid austere boxy massing by subdividing building volumes to a context-
13. Correlate streetwalls to adjacent buildings, reflecting the scale and rhythms
related scale, and express the overall design as an integrated sum of its parts.
of building facades on each street face, balancing individual expression
6. Step back larger building masses to maintain a human scale at grade. with context.
7. Design topmost floors and penthouses to express the upper termination of 14. Create associated outdoor spaces adjacent to the street, particularly
the building. Illumination effects are desirable. supporting other nearby spaces, building entries, mid-block crossings
8. Use scale transitions to relate to nearby cityscape and heritage buildings. or through-block passageways.
9. Accented design quality is important for landmark sites, such as those at 15. Sidewalk edges shall correspond to adjacent conditions unless greater
street terminations, offsets or bends. setbacks are required for features such as plazas or outdoor patios.
16. Articulate building block corners using chamfers, setbacks or other corner
articulations.

17. Relate sidewalk canopies to the details, placement and coverage of adjacent SITE SERVICING, MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL FEATURES,
canopies while maintaining design individuality. AND PARKING
18. Complement existing street tree planting with new site landscaping and trees. 32. Locate air vents, transformers, gas meters and waste facilities away from
street faces and areas adjacent to sidewalks, and screen these from
BUILDING ENTRANCES, COMMERCIAL FRONTAGES sidewalk view.
AND STOREFRONTS 33. Screen rooftop mechanical units.
19. Give emphasis and clarity to building entrances using façade articulation,
34. Keep substantial air movement and sound features remote from the street.
canopies, lighting and signage as appropriate, and defining doorways with
reference to their relative prominence to the building. 35. Minimize parkade entry widths and curb cuts, and where possible
encourage shared parking access for adjacent developments.
20. Provide high visual access from the street to major public interior spaces.
36. Favour side, rear or side street access to drop-off, servicing, parking
21. Keep entrances visible in open areas for safety and space multiple
or parkades when possible.
entrances to provide fine-grain scale and rhythm to animate the street.
37. Provide efficiencies by means of shared lanes, waste areas and exit routes
22. Provide extensive storefront glazing for display areas, using illumination, and
for neighbouring projects.
signage as appropriate.
23. Encourage outdoor commercial merchandise display areas, using sidewalk Building Open Space Features
colonnades with indented display areas as appropriate to the context. 38. Include public, private or semi-private amenity open space within the
24. Express individual entrances in residential frontages with clear and safe property boundaries of tall building projects. Plazas, forecourts, courtyards,
sight lines, individual illumination and semi-private entry transitions, such as walkways and urban gardens are acceptable options.
raised terraces or recessed forecourts, landscaping, screening and privacy 39. Locate and design open spaces to encourage optimal levels of access and
features, privacy fencing, gateways, and other elements. Provide canopies use and for safety and security, using attractive and safe lighting as well
and weather protection for primary entrances. as security fencing and gating consistent with City standards.
25. Avoid obscured or indirect entrances and internalized entrances, such as 40. Consider sidewalk-oriented open space in the context of the overall
from parkades, that reduce safety and remove activity from streets. character of the block and street.
26. Ensure fully accessible entrances at continuous sidewalk grades. 41. Encourage design standard continuity for sidewalk widths, paving systems,
27. Accommodate forecourts leading to recessed entrances, particularly if used landscaping and lighting that flow from public rights-of-way into adjacent
for shopping or dining areas. private areas.
28. Provide separate, discrete and concealed loading, service and waste 42. Locate open space at street corners, at mid-block crossings, at through-
removal areas for larger buildings and commercial spaces. block passageways and adjacent to prominent building entrances, relating
building elements to adjacent open space.
29. Provide multiple entries and individual drop-off or lay-by areas for
larger buildings. 43. Allow for internal open spaces such as small plazas, through-block
passageways and courtyards.
30. Locate service, parkade and parking access to minimize interruption
of commercial street frontages. 44. Focus active building faces and uses to publicly accessible courtyards
and interior squares.
31. Inset high volume primary entrances for large buildings to provide adequate
circulation and exiting areas. 45. Encourage commercial frontages and entries onto commercial streets.
46. Arrange residential uses to open onto or overlook open spaces.
47. Orient landscaping and public art to open spaces.

Relationship to Heritage Buildings or Sites Skyline Contribution

48. Respect historic integrity of nearby buildings and areas. 63. Encourage a skyline profile with an undulating contour of gently stepping tiers,
rather than abruptly dramatic verticality or a sharply contrasting urban form.
49. Use siting clearances to adjacent heritage buildings to influence the location
of new taller buildings, with appropriate street setback ranges, and terraced 64. Orchestrate the skyline to be considered from various public vantage points,
building forms. including from the Inner and Upper Harbour, from Blanshard, Douglas and
Government Streets from the north, and Yates Street and Pandora Avenue
50. Respond to adjacent heritage buildings in the massing and detailing of a new
from the east.
taller building, particularly in the scale and detailing of the building base.
65. Encourage a finely grained skyline with intricate detail and gracefully
51. Respond to elements, such as window scale and rhythms, materials and
scaled towers.
colours, to enhance relationships between proximate buildings both old
and new. 66. Develop counterpoint secondary skylines across the harbour on the
Songhees Peninsula and the Belleville Street/Laurel Point area.
SCALE, DESIGN, AND DETAILING OF BASE ELEMENTS
67. Orchestrate the skyline to emphasize building relationships.
OF TALL BUILDINGS
52. Use context to provide cues to the scale and the design of the bases 68. Encourage a skyline palette that harmonizes with the warm brick and soft
of tall buildings. pastel tones of historic building materials for building bases, and a visually
lighter palette of materials, such as transparent or translucent tinted
53. Relate to adjacent street widths and the form of nearby buildings in new or coloured glazing, higher up.
podium design.
54. Integrate shop fronts, illumination, canopies and signage within the design
of podium elements for taller buildings.
SCALE, DESIGN AND DETAILING OF MID-BODY ELEMENTS

OF TALL BUILDINGS
55. The mid-body of taller buildings may be simplified in relation to their bases
and the summits, perhaps with a degree of unified repetition.
56. Relate the elements of subdivision of the mid-body of tall buildings
particularly to the surrounding building context.
57. Take advantage of building floor plate size limits in mid- or upper-level
portions of tall buildings to lend a graceful scale and elegance to their
overall form
SCALE, DESIGN AND DETAILING OF SUMMIT ELEMENTS

58. Express the top of tall buildings with summit design detail that articulates
the overall skyline.
59. Orient building summit design to a variety of vantage points.
60. Use architectural illumination to highlight tall building tops.
61. Avoid illuminated signs or logos at the top of tall buildings.
62. Articulated building crowns can be considered in groupings of
related designs.

CONTEXTUAL BUILDING DESIGN EXAMPLE

New building design should aim to respond to the specific characteristics of its
setting, thoughtfully contributing new interest and supportive qualities to the city.
The context of a project will often offer cues for creative new design.
Note: This example of a hypothetical building design on Douglas Street is
intended for illustrative purposes only and does not represent a prescriptive
design for development of this site.
1. Height constraint: 43.5m zoned height limit to remain within 90m adjacent
to landmark City Hall clock tower.
2. Articulated streetwall up to 15m height with a 1m horizontal setback for every
5m of additional height above.
3. Minimum 50 percent build-to frontage at sidewalk property line.
4. Taller building mass offset from neighbouring tall blocks.
5. Exterior wall finishes and window types vary with staged setbacks. Massing
organized to create compound setback “multiple streetwalls.”
6. Finely detailed masonry streetwall façades, thee to five storeys, with
expression of individual storefronts.
7. Asymmetrical façades framing corner.
8. Individual façade rhythms in streetwall, scaled to facing buildings.
9. Pedestrian sightlines to City Hall clock tower along Pandora Avenue retained.
10. Modernist building shell re-used for landscaped courtyard plaza. Figure 27A: Contextual building design example – the guidelines applied.
11. Primary entry concourse opposite City Hall entry.
12. Articulated and illuminated crest of building summit.
13. Accessible terraces and green roofs.
14. Parkade entrances off Cormorant Street, not Douglas Street.
15. Integrated sidewalk and building site paving.

DETAILED GUIDELINES
Building Setbacks Above Streets
1. To limit the perception of bulk from the street and to ensure public access to
sunlight and views of the sky for buildings sited on streets with rights-of-way
less than 25m wide as shown in Figure 28A, a setback ratio of 1:5 should
be applied, where for every additional 5m of height above 10m, the building
mass is set back 1m.
2. For buildings sited on streets with rights-of-way greater than 25m wide, as
shown in Figure 28A, a setback ratio of 1:5 should be applied above the 15m
height level.
3. For all streets in the Historic Commercial District, regardless of right-of-way
width, a uniform setback ratio of 1:5 should be applied above the
10 metre height level, unless otherwise recommended by the City’s
Senior Heritage Planner.
4. Encourage variation in building height and massing within building envelope
limits to create diversity in podiums, streetwalls, orientation and siting.
(SEE EXAMPLES IN FIGURE 32A)
5. Provide for terracing for tall buildings on wider commercial streets by

encouraging a secondary streetwall along 50 to 80 percent of the required
vertical setback line and between the 20m- and 25m-height levels
particularly for tall buildings on Douglas Street and Yates Street.
Vertical and Setback Building envelopes apply to buildings of all height ranges.
These setbacks will ensure that upper levels of buildings are located back from
streets. Vertical allowances at streets encourage the development of building
podia and streetwalls. Variation within the constraints of setback envelopes
enable individuality and diversity in building massing and design.
Figure 28A

Figure 29A: Example of building envelope and setbacks applied

to a 30m tall building.


Figure 32A
Typical 30m-high city block setback envelope, Sample city block schematic w 30m-high building Sample building schematic within 30 metre high city block
15m vertical face. setback envelope. setback envelope.
Typical 45 metre high city block setback envelope, Sample massing within typical 45m-high city block Sample building schematic within 60m-high city block
15m vertical face. setback envelope. setback envelope.

Floor Plate Limitations

The impact of intensifying building scale can be offset by limitations on floor
plate size for taller buildings. Constraints on floor plate size for higher levels of
buildings help avoid bulky, visually over-hanging taller buildings, and contribute
to a more graceful skyline. Lower floor areas need not be constrained in this way,
to encourage emphasis on podium elements at the base of taller buildings.
1. No limitations to floor plate areas for buildings that are less than15m in
height.
2. No floor area limits apply to levels up to 15m (four to five storeys) for
residential or commercial buildings, beyond those prescribed in the Zoning
Regulation Bylaw.
2. Residential floors plates above 15m should not exceed 930m2 (10,000 ft2)
gross area.
3. Residential floors plates above 30m should not exceed 650m2 (7,000 ft2)
gross area.
3. Commercial floors plates above 15m should not exceed 1500m2 (16,150 ft2)
gross area.
4. Commercial floors plates above 30m should not exceed 1,100m2 (11,840 ft2)
gross area. Figure 33A: Upper storey floor plate limitations diminish the impression of bulk
in taller buildings.
Schematic emaples of commercial and residential building forms with limited floor
areas for upper storeys of taller buildings.

Building Separation and Siting

A minimum separation distance between the faces of tall multi-residential and
mixed-use buildings enhances privacy, opens up views between buildings,
and permits access to sunlight and views of the sky. The following guidelines
(ILLUSTRATED IN FIGURES 34A – 35A) are based on the principle that building separations
should increase in relation to height.
1. For buildings up to 30 metres high:

Minimum setback from common side-yard property lines:
• Wall and window of a non-habitable room (including bathrooms,
storage rooms and offices too small for bedroom use): 2.5m.
• Window in a habitable room: 4m.
• Living room secondary windows: 4m.
• Living room primary windows: 7.5 m.
• Balconies: 3.5m.
Setback from common rear-yard property lines:

• Wall and window of a non-habitable room: 2.5m.
• Window in a habitable room: 4m.
• Living room secondary windows: 4m.
• Living room primary windows: 7.5m.
• Balconies: 5.5m.
2. For buildings that are in the range of 30 m–45 m high:

• Minimum setback from all common property lines: 6m. For living room
primary windows: 7.5 m. Secondary windows: 6m.
• Minimum clearance between towers either on single or separate
properties, above the 30m height level: 12 m. Between primary facing
living room windows: 15 m.
• Balconies: 5.5 m
Figure 34A: Illustrated example of building separation and siting guidelines applied
to 30m tall multi-residential buildings.
Building podiums may adjoin
common side property lines,
with separation distances
increasing in stages with
building height increases.

3. For buildings greater than 45 metres high: 4. Permitted podium elements of tall buildings and for streetwall-oriented
• Minimum setback from all common property lines: 6m. buildings with blind party walls (typically up to 10 to 15m heights, to match
For living room primary windows: 7.5m. Secondary windows: 6m. vertical streetwall allowances) do not require building face setbacks from
• Minimum clearance between towers, either on single or separate common property lines.
properties, above the 45m height level: 20m. Between facing living 5. Buildings over 45m tall should be offset to avoid the crowding of in-line
room windows: 23m. residential building faces.
• Balconies: 5.5m
Figure 35A: Illustrated example of building and siting guidelines applied to Figure 36A: Illustrated example of building and siting guidelines applied to
a multi-residential building taller than 30–45m. a multi-residential building taller than 45m.

APPENDIX ELEVEN: BUILDING BASE, STREETWALL & COMMERCIAL FRONTAGE GUIDELINES
appendix
DESIGN OBJECTIVES
11 BUILDING BASE, STREETWALL & COMMERCIAL FRONTAGE GUIDELINES
12. Minimum 50 percent build-to frontage should

be provided to sidewalk, plaza or property
1. The development of clearly defined, human-scaled and active streetwall
interfaces between building bases and the pedestrian realm, that contribute frontages for streetwalls. Greater build-to
proportion, intimacy and a level of design detail suited to the character extents are acceptable.
of the street. 13. Partial build-to frontages allow diverse setback
2. Strengthen the vitality of pedestrian-oriented retail trade on commercial streets. elements, such as building entries, corner
setbacks, or small plazas.
GENERAL GUIDELINES 14. Building frontages may be built entirely to
1. Design the base podium of taller buildings in an articulated manner that sidewalk or property lines, with the exception
relates to the overall building design while responding to cues from other of required inset entryways, particularly for
building frontages on the same block. smaller lot sizes.
2. Emphasize lower massing related to adjacent street frontages. 15. Encourage finely detailed streetwalls, in the
3. Encourage development of a variety of types of building bases for tall buildings. range of three to five storeys, with individual
storefronts on commercial streets.
4. Place low-scale elements along side street edges. Such bases may be
off-set and expressed independently from tower placement. 16. Streetwall heights that exceed three to five
storeys should be set back within defined
5. Emphasize architectural detailing of building faces oriented to sidewalks and
building envelopes.
public open spaces.
17. Subdivide streetwalls to create individual
6. Complement the scale of existing nearby building street frontages, on both
façade rhythms in response to adjacent
sides of a street, in the design of new building frontages.
building scale.
7. Use substantial and textured tactile architectural materials, such as brick or
18. Allow for indents or cut-outs in building
stone masonry, along with extensive storefront glazing.
streetwall faces, particularly for building
8. Emphasize parapet or cornice lines, using contemporary treatments where entry courts, inset corners or insets for other
appropriate. outdoor spaces.
9. Encourage glazed sidewalk canopies for commercial frontages, with solid or
fabric awnings a secondary option.
10. Integrate signage and lighting in façade design.
11. Base elements need not be entirely continuous along street frontages; some
portions of taller building massing can extend vertically to the ground plane Some older buildings provide models for
in areas setback from the street. Relate the massing of towers and bases scale, detail and height for new streetwalls.
sculpturally.

APPENDIX ELEVEN: BUILDING BASE, STREETWALL & COMMERCIAL FRONTAGE GUIDELINES
19. Building bases and streetwall segments may be of multiple heights, to

provide visual diversity, to conform to the scale or character of a street, or to
relate to conditions facing across the street.
20. Elements of streetwalls may return around corners and make other shifts in
plane, while maintaining design integrity.
21. Building bases and streetwall elements can make special design responses
to street corners, to street heads and inflected streets.
22. Building bases may feature multiple entrances, and multiple commercial or
residential frontages to support active and vital streets.
23. Streetwalls can be staggered in height and in setback location, or may be
multiple, with higher secondary streetwalls set back from the lower primary
street walls at the edge of side walks, particularly for commercial streets with
wider rights-of-way (25–30+ metre widths)
24. Integrate parkade entrances with streetwall designs.
25. Contemporary and diverse architectural design is encouraged for building
podia and streetwalls.
26. Ensure grade-level commercial frontages on commercial streets.
27. Storefront design should be diverse and attractive with clear, highly visible
glazing and integral signage and lighting.
28 E
ncourage projecting vertical signage at a pedestrian scale, either crafted
or manufactured to high design quality. Figure 37A: The design of streetwalls on new buildings should
29. Re-use noteworthy vintage and historic signage where possible. reflect or interpret the scale, height, rich detail and rhythm that
is evident in older buildings.
30. Use signage with integral innovative lighting, such as detailed neon or LED
lighting, at a scale sympathetic to adjacent building frontages.
31. Favour carefully designed, artful, retracting security screens rather than bar
grates, commercial scissor gates or roller blinds for security screening.
New buildings may feature a variety of streetwall and frontage expressions, relating to varing conditions of streets,
and to adjacent open space.

APPENDIX TWELVE: BUILDING TYPES AND DISTRICT SITING GUIDELINES
appendix
DESIGN OBJECTIVES
12 BUILDING TYPES AND DISTRICT SITING GUIDELINES
1. New building design exhibits variety and creativity.

2. New buildings suit the scale and context of individual character areas.
3. Building types are related to the circumstances and opportunities
of diverse locations.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
1. A diversity of building forms is desirable throughout the Downtown Core
area. Areas of taller height allowances should have buildings of a variety of
heights, including lower buildings, and stepped building forms.
2. The individual conditions of sites will influence building types and forms;
for example, small sites are unlikely to be suited to tall buildings.
3. Large corner and end-of-block sites can lend themselves to distinctive
building forms, such as atrium-type buildings.
4. The form of new buildings adjacent to heritage buildings should incorporate
elements complementary to this context.
5. The Detailed Building Typology Guidelines give an overview of the variety
of building forms suited to the various character districts of the Downtown
Core Area.

Figure 38A:building typologies – central district
Building Typologies: Low-rise Buildings Mid-rise Buildings High-rise Buildings

Central District
Building Typologies:
Elevations
Concept Images
• 15–20m range/urban commercial character • 20–45m height range range • 45–72m height range – urban commercial character
Typical Height Range • sited with mixed medium and tall height buildings • sited with mixed low and medium height buildings, • tall sited with mixed low/medium height buildings
summits vary
• low-rise buildings with set-back upper floors • low-rise mided with mid and high-rise buildings • high-rise buildings mixed with low, and mid-rises
General Design Criteria • emphasis on base and streetwall elements • commercial towers set-back from podium bases • commercial towers set-back from podium bases
and Characteristics • base, mid-body and sumit building features with varing 10–15m streetwalls, and 2-–25m with varing 10–15m streetwalls, and 20–25m
• setbacks abover varying 10–15m streetwalls secondary tier streetwalls, skyline contribution secondary tier streetwalls, skyline apex
• street oriented commercial bases • emphasize prominent entries and public spaces • emphazsize prominent entries and public spaces
• distributed throughout commercial core, relate • predominant commercial or hotel uses with • predominant commercial or hotel uses with
massing to adjacent existing building scales supporting retail or entertainment elements supporting retail or entertainment elements
• transition to adjacent lower height areas • build-to requirements for lower levels close to • build-to requirements for lower levels close to
• podium scale to relate to adjacent buildings sidewalks to enclose and support streets sidewalks to enclose and support streets
• podium designs emphasize architectural detail • street corner setbacks for pedestrian amenities • street corner setbacks for pedestrian amenities
• consolidated commercial street pedestrian realm • commercial street such as Douglas, Yates and • reinforce Douglas and Yates Street as primary
Related Amenities and • upgrade and anchor through-block passage Blanshard supported with multiple frontages metropolitan streets with high quality frontages
Public Spaces network with interior and exterior links • improved streetscape and through-block pedestrian • improved streetscape and through-block pedestrian
• underground parking links tied to new intensive development network, urban art, landscaping, water features
Additional Image Example

Figure 39A:building typologies – historic commercial district
Building Typologies: Low-rise and Waterfront Low-rise and Heritage Infill and Low/Mid-rise and Heritage Infill
Historic Commercial District Oriented Buildings Renovated Buildings and Renovated Buildings
Elevations
Concept Images
• 10–15m range, proximate to waterfront varied • 10–15m range, varied building heights • 15–30m height range (potential height exceptions
Typical Height Range heights relate to adjacent waterfront height range • heights may be stepped/varied to relate to context closely reviewed, possibly for public buildings)
• low buildings, adjacent to waterfront buildings • reuse and rehabilitation of heritage building stock • low and mid-rise buildings sympathetic to adjacent
General Design Criteria and • step heights towards intimate waterfront scale • fine scale, compatable new infill building forms historic, harbour, and industrial areas and localized
Characteristics • harbour orientation, view terraces and rooftops • building additons to complement context character cues – brick/masonry cladding emphasis
• commercial frontages reflect waterfront context • new buildings to be contextual to older building • mixed residential, commercial, light industrial uses
• pedestrian access, concealed minimal parking fabric with sympathetic scale and building materials • courtyard and mid-block lane opportunities
• commercial, visitor and recreational uses • mixed-uses with commercial and retail at grade, • massing with close street proximity and setbacks
• massing to consider public views to harbour residential and commercial uses on upper floors above 10–15m and 20–25m secondary streetwalls
• street crossings to connect to waterfront plazas • orientation to streets and alleys, pedestrian • street oriented commercial or light industrial bases
• orient public spaces and terraces to views emphasis with inner courtyards and passageways with upper level commercial or residential uses
• encourage marine oriented shops and activities • streetscape continuity/integrity of facade rhythms • larger buildings to avoid overscaling nearby
• provide for wind sheltered entries and spaces • detail of building lighting complementry to setting heritage context – provide for elements of terraced
• lighting oriented to streets and to the waterfront • colour polychromy to be compatable to context form to complement nearby older buildings
• finishing materials, colours complement context • detailed landscaping for adjacent open space • stepped or subdivided massing, relate to context
• harbourfront walkway – waterfront plazas • enriched, pedestrial scale streets, lanes • Old Town alleyway pedestrian network
Related Amenities and • view terraces – observatory look-outs • reinforced alleyway frontages and linkages • close access to Harbour Walkway system
Public Spaces • marine access piers, wharves and docks • internal commercial or residential courtyards • nearby access to cultural, reacreational facilities
• access to harbour transit and waterfront depots • connectivity to urban core cultural facilites • proximity to the civic centre and commercial core
Addition Image Example

Figure 40A:building typologies – Rock Bay District
Building Typologies: Low-rise, Waterfront and Heritage Mid-rise Buildings High-rise Buildings
Rock Bay District Context Infill Buildings
Elevations
Concept Images
• 10–15m, similar to existing industrial heritage buildings • 15–30m height limit (9–10 storey) • 45–50m height – north spine, skyline shoulder
Typical Height Range • heights step or terrace towards water • posibble multi-storey residential on commercial podium • heights mixed, with lower buildings, summits vary
base
• low buildings, multiple public waterfront access • low and mid-rise buildings sympathetic to adjacent • mid and high-rise buildings on podiums, shared bases
General Design Criterial • step towards waterfront, intimate marine scale historic harbour, industrial areas – masonry emphasis • emphasis on streetwall and mixed height elements
and Characteristics • harbour orientation, public and rooftop view terraces • sustainability district, industrial, residential or mixed • base, mid-body, parapet, and summit features
• reuse and rehabilitation of heritage building stock • courtyard and mid-block service lane opportunities • courtyard and mid-block service lane opportunities
• small scale infill building types, building additons • massing with close street proximity and setbacks above • setbacks above varying 10–15m streetwalls
• new buildings to be contextual to older building fabric 10–15m streetwalls • street oriented commercial and retail uses at base
with sympathetic scale and building materials • street oriented commercial or light industrial base • commercial, office, hotel, residential building options
• mixed uses with commercial and retail at grade, • potential courtyard oriented, upper level double loaded • individual articulation and contribution to skyline
residential and commercial uses on upper floors residential above commercial, light industrial • contemporary urban character/north gateway
Related Amenities and • Harbour Pathway and Rock Bay waterfront park • through-block passageways, internal courtyards • through-block passageways, internal courtyards
• street end views and routes to Upper Harbour • local parks, plaza spaces, regional transit access • regional transit access, close to recreation facilities
Public Spaces
Additonal Image Example

Figure 41A:building typologies – Inner Harbour District
Building Typologies: Low-rise and Waterfront Buildings Low and Mid-rise Low and Mid-rise:
Inner Harbour District and Infill Buildings Inner Harbour/Provincial Precinct
Elevations
Concept Images
• 0–15m height range, waterfront context • 15–30m height range, infill heights to relate to context • 15–45m height range
Typical Height Range • heights step or terrace towards the water • heights step back above 10–15m height • orgainize massing of height to avoid visual crowding for
the legistlature dome
• low buildings, good pulic access to barbour • reuse and rehabilitation of heritage building stock • reuse and rehabilitation of heritage building stock
General Design Criteria • step towards the waterfront, intimate marine scale • small and moderate scale infill building types, and • moderate and largerscale infill building types, and
• harbour orientation, public view terraces additions or adapted uses of existing buildings additions or adapted uses of existing buildings
and Characteristics • building faces and commercial frontages both on • new buildings tobe contextual to older building fabric • new buildings tobe contextual to older building fabric
harbour side and on streets – concealed parking with sympathetic scale and building materials with sympathetic scale and building materials
• marine transport, visitor and recreational uses • mixed uses with institutional, commercial, visitor or • mixed uses with institutional, commercial, visitor or
• massing to consider public views to harbour residential uses on upper floors residential uses on upper floors
• harbour walkway and public waterfront plazas • pedestrian orientation to streets and small plaza spaces • pedestrian orientation to streets and gathering spaces
• orient public spaces and terraces to waterfront • public emphasis, inner courtyards and passageways, • public emphasis, inner courtyards and passageways,
• sponsor marine oriented shops and activites prominence of outdoor dining areas prominence of ceremonial areas
• provide wind sheltered entries and spaces • streetscape continuity/integrity, facade rhythms • streetscape continuity/integrity, facade rhythms
• lighting oriented to streets and to the waterfront • street setbacks to provide for landscape features • street setbacks to provide for landscape features
• maritime themes may be referenced in designs
• harbourfront walkway – waterfront plazas • enriched pedestrian scale streets, public spaces • enriched pedestrian scale streets, public spaces
Related Amenities and • view terraces – observatory look-outs • formal plazas and landscaped areas to suit a provincial • formal plazas and landscaped areas to suit a provincial
Public Spaces • marine access piers, wharves and docks capital and tourist destination capital and tourist destination
• building service and parking access may be shared • public art, lighting, commemorative features • public art, lighting, commemorative features

Figure 42A:building typologies – Residential Mixed-use District
Building Typologies: Low-rise Buildings Mid-rise Buildings High-rise Buildings

Residential Mixed-use District
Elevations
Concept Images
• 10–20m range, heights tiered and mixed, set-backs • 20–45m range/45m discretionary height limit • 45–60m height range/60m discretionary height limit
Typical Height Range on upper stories 15–20m range • urban residential character/mixed building heights • east skyline shoulder – heights mixed with lower
buildings
• low-rise building types, residential street prescence • mided low, mid and high-rise buildings • mixed low, mid and high-rise buildings
General Design Criteria • emphasis on site landscape elements • consolidation of Harris Green and nearby areas • concentration in Harris Green and nearby areas
• tiered base, mid-body and rooftop features • surrounde the Yates St. spine as a central focus • emphasis on Yates St. as an east/west main street
and Characteristics
• setbacks above varing 10–15m bases • residential towers set-back from townhouse and spine with highest buildings and formal street
• provide for residential balconies and terraces commercial bases, emphasize multiple entries frontages
• street oriented residential and commercial bases • building setbacks above 10–15m streetwalls and • residential towers set-back from townhouse and
• scale and height transitions to adjacent districts 20–25m secondary tiers and setbacks commercial bases, emphasize multiple entries
• relate massing to adjacent buildings • mixed commercial and residential at grade, • building setbacks above 10–15m streetwalls and
• orient to imporved street and pedestrian realm predominant residential uses on upper floors 20–25 m secondary tiers especially on wider streets
• provide for outdoor cafe and dining spaces • provide through-block pedestrian links tied to • mixed commercial and residential at grade,
• upgrand and ancor through-block passage network intensive new residential development predominant residential uses on upper floors
with safe and attractive pedestrian links • provide for residential balconies and terraces • provide through-block pedestrian links tied to
• utilize service and fire lanes as amenity areas • utilize service and fire lanes as amenity areas intensive new residential development
• proximity to urban core community facilites • extended urban commercial/retail frontages • consolidate, extend commercial pedes frontages
Related Amenities and • compact landscaped exterior public spaces • elabourated passage network and local parks • through-block passage network with interior and
• enhanced pedestrian realm and retail frontages • actively utilized exterior public plazas exterior links, attractive lanes, underground parking
Public Spaces
• covered bicycle facilities, underground parking • covered bicycle facilities, underground parking • small plazas, greens, pocket parks and public art

APPENDIX THIRTEEN: OUTDOOR CAFÉ AND DINING PLACES
appendix
DESIGN OBJECTIVE
13 OUTDOOR CAFÉ AND DINING PLACES
Outdoor cafés and dining areas enliven streets and public places.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
1. Encourage outdoor cafés and dining places on public or private property,
coupled with adjacent indoor spaces suitable for cafés, bars, lounges,
and restaurants.
2. Permanent or removable low decorative fencing, planters, or landscaping
may define dining areas.
3. Site outdoor cafés on busy pedestrian routes, at building entrances and
at mid-block crossings, taking advantage where possible of streetscape
and distant views.
4. Site dining terraces in areas of exposure to sunlight, shelter from the wind
and protection from traffic noise.
5. Include temporary canopies or awnings that are carefully integrated with
the design of adjacent building facades.
6. Include signature lighting, signage, water features and art.
7. Design dining areas to integrate with building and adjacent sidewalk designs.

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executive summary................................................3 Rock Bay District – Plan...................................................... 25

City of Victoria | DRAFT Downtown Core Area Plan 1

2 City of Victoria | DRAFT Downtown Core Area Plan

City of Victoria | DRAFT Downtown Core Area Plan 3

4 City of Victoria | DRAFT Downtown Core Area Plan

City of Victoria | DRAFT Downtown Core Area Plan 5

6 City of Victoria | DRAFT Downtown Core Area Plan

Official Community Plan

Neighbourhood Regulation Special Policy

Figure 2: Relationships Between Plans.

City of Victoria | DRAFT Downtown Core Area Plan 7

continued page 11>

8 City of Victoria | DRAFT Downtown Core Area Plan

Figure 4: Downtown Core Area Neighbourhoods.

City of Victoria | DRAFT Downtown Core Area Plan 9

Figure 5: The Region.

Figure 6: Downtown Core Area Context.

10 City of Victoria | DRAFT Downtown Core Area Plan

City of Victoria | DRAFT Downtown Core Area Plan 11

ASSUMPTIONS 1.5 ORGANIZATION

12 City of Victoria | DRAFT Downtown Core Area Plan

8. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY

City of Victoria | DRAFT Downtown Core Area Plan 13

14 City of Victoria | DRAFT Downtown Core Area Plan

2.2 URBAN STRUCTURE –

City of Victoria | DRAFT Downtown Core Area Plan 15

16 City of Victoria | DRAFT Downtown Core Area Plan

2.3 URBAN STRUCTURE – PLAN

Figure 11: Movement.

Figure 12: Building Form.

City of Victoria | DRAFT Downtown Core Area Plan 17

2.4 URBAN STRUCTURE –

PARKS AND OPEN SPACES

18 City of Victoria | DRAFT Downtown Core Area Plan

Figure 13: Urban Structure Concept.

City of Victoria | DRAFT Downtown Core Area Plan 19

20 City of Victoria | DRAFT Downtown Core Area Plan

3.3 CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT – PLAN

OFFICE AND COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY

City of Victoria | DRAFT Downtown Core Area Plan 21

PARKING FORT STREET

CONNECTIVITY 3.5 HISTORIC COMMERCIAL DISTRICT

22 City of Victoria | DRAFT Downtown Core Area Plan

3.6 HISTORIC COMMERICAL DISTRICT – PLAN

3.7 HISTORIC COMMERCIAL DISTRICT –

COMMERCIAL AND RETAIL ACTIVITY

City of Victoria | DRAFT Downtown Core Area Plan 23

CENTENNIAL SQUARE GATEWAY

24 City of Victoria | DRAFT Downtown Core Area Plan

3.9 ROCK BAY DISTRICT – PLAN

3.10 ROCK BAY DISTRICT –

City of Victoria | DRAFT Downtown Core Area Plan 25

26 City of Victoria | DRAFT Downtown Core Area Plan

3.11 INNER HARBOUR DISTRICT

The IHD contains a working harbour with a number of marine-related businesses

The District is also home to a large number of Provincial Government offices

City of Victoria | DRAFT Downtown Core Area Plan 27

28 City of Victoria | DRAFT Downtown Core Area Plan

3.13.18 Consider improvements to the wayfinding system to better inform

SHIP POINT AND WHARF STREET PARKING LOT

3.14 RESIDENTIAL MIXED-USE DISTRICT

City of Victoria | DRAFT Downtown Core Area Plan 29

2.2 URBAN STRUCTURE –

2.4 URBAN STRUCTURE –

3.7 HISTORIC COMMERCIAL DISTRICT –

3.10 ROCK BAY DISTRICT –

3.13.18 Consider improvements to the wayfinding system to better inform

4.4 NON DENSITY BONUS AREA –

5.2 TRANSPORTATION AND MOBILITY –

5.4.36 Consider integrating the Crime Prevention Through Environmental 5.5 C

6.5.9 Give special design consideration to development applications located

6.5.12 Consider design solutions to distinguish the landmark opportunities

6.6.11 Develop and implement a wayfinding system, consistent with the