Research Guides

Research Guides

For records of extant buildings: all plans, drawings and other documentation about existing individual houses and other buildings/properties are still current business records, and are still with the Building & Planning department rather than in the Archives. Homeowners/authorized agents can apply for copies of those records from the Building & Planning Department. Their request form is here.

 

Archives Reference Library & Publications

Oak Bay Archives maintains, and welcomes offers of additions to, a reference library of local history publications, normally available to researchers.  ...read more

 

Oak Bay Street Names: Origins & Changes

Did you know that Beach Drive was once called Mount Baker Road?  Or that Windsor Road was known as Saratoga? Street names offer a fascinating view of how the municipality has developed over the decades. In the early years, names were given to Oak Bay streets without consideration of whether or not they duplicated names already in use in adjacent areas. As a result of this practice, names had to be changed on numerous occasions following complaints from postal authorities about confusion in mail delivery. At one time, there were three streets in Oak Bay with the name Gonzales!

Oak Bay Street Names - index of street names, origins and changes over time 

Article

Oak Bay: The Making of a Suburban Landscape by Dr Larry McCann, UVIC - "Oak Bay, located on the sea-rimmed, southeastern edge of Greater Victoria, was incorporated a century ago, in 1906. Today, it is home to nearly 18,000 people. For these residents and visitors, too, the physical landscape contributes mightily to Oak Bay's picturesque charm. Along the waterfront, wave-whipped bays, sandy beaches, and rocky ledges offer enduring natural beauty. Inland, just steps away from the sea and adding to Oak Bay's allure, are Garry Oak meadows, granite hills and knolls, and attractive gardens of exotic plants, shrubs, and trees... read more

     

     

    Contact Us

    The Archives are open to visitors & researchers in person by appointment in advance during staffed hours, normally on Tuesdays and Fridays 9:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Drop-in hours: Tuesdays 10-1. Enquiries are also welcome by email, phone and post. For all archives enquiries and appointment requests:

    Email: archives@oakbay.ca
    Tel: 250-598-3290 (please include an email address in your message if possible)
    Oak Bay Archives
    2167 Oak Bay Avenue
    Victoria, British Columbia V8R 1G2