District of Oak Bay identifies next steps for District-owned properties

In April 2022, the District of Oak Bay invited expressions of interest in the District-owned properties at 1531 Hampshire Avenue and 1538 Monterey Avenue from non-profit operators positioned to provide supportive housing within the context of existing zoning for a lease term of up to three-years, starting approximately September 2022. Long-term use of the properties will be determined following completion of the District's Village Area Plan.  

Council received and considered several proposals and are excited to enter lease negotiations with the Inter-Cultural Association (ICA) of Greater Victoria to have Ukranian Refugees occupy 1531 Hampshire Road for a term of 3 years with the District requiring ICA to undertake all required repairs not considered to be the landlord’s ‘life and safety’ responsibilities. The District will shortly post notice of disposition for a lease, at a rent of $900 a month, for a term beginning upon completion of maintenance work to be undertaken by the District (anticipated for September or October 2022) and lasting until September 1, 2025.

“The District looks forward to moving forward with the Inter-Cultural Association,” said Mayor Kevin Murdoch. “Many community members have reached out to Council to express support for this kind use and we are excited for the opportunity to house and welcome more Ukranian Refugees in our community. This partnership will help add to the significant community actions already underway in support of the people of Ukraine, a country suffering unspeakable atrocities from the Russian invasion.”

For the property located at 1538 Monterey Avenue significant building deficiencies have been identified including foundation, roofing, and drainage issues. Anticipated costs of repairs are in the vicinity of $300,000.  Council has directed District staff to explore further uses that would offset some or all of those costs including, but not limited to, support for a non-profit use or using the property to accommodate the additional staffing needs to advance the accelerated infrastructure replacement project approved by Council at the June 27, 2022 meeting.  

- 30 -

For media inquiries, please contact:

Kevin Murdoch, Mayor
District of Oak Bay
250-896-4983
mayor@oakbay.ca