288 replies to this topic

[Tony]

Could the Janion and other small sized strata apply and meet the same zoning requirements as the hotel are requesting?

[Victoria Watcher]

They could probably take one if those votes like some Vancouver stratas have to dissolve and sell the entire building. Or convert it. Not sure what is needed, 75% at least I’d guess.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 09 December 2024 - 09:52 AM.

[Victoria Watcher]

80% maybe.

https://www.bcrea.bc...ion-update-521/

I think it has the current zoning for a hotel.

[spanky123]

Heh. This is the owner of several Janion units. I mostly agree with her, but she’s very biased!

 

The real irony is that the "serviced apartments" get listed on Airbnb!

 

The fact that she has a horse in the race doesn't mean that her points of view are not valid. Hotels have been the big winners with revenue per night increasing 30% year over year. That is no doubt why they funded the anti-STR studies. Every extra dollar the multi-nationals make on a hotel room is one less dollar that gets spent in the local economy. It is not like tourists magically obtained an extra 30% in their vacation budget.

Edited by spanky123, 09 December 2024 - 10:01 AM.

[lanforod]

I think the government buying up most of the cheaper hotels has had a bigger impact on the hotel revenue increase.

 

Tricky to separate the two impacts, I suppose, both happened around the same time period.

[Mike K.]

In Qualicum, and Lilloet?

AirBnBs had a downward pressure effect on prices. You could book an entire unit for a week that would house multiple families, for what it would cost for 2-3 days at a hotel.

With AirBnBs gone, there is no longer any downward pressure on hotel rates from a competing lodging sector.

[Victoria Watcher]

 

 

$2,999,000

 

 

This is a tremendous opportunity to acquire a highway-side motel that has been operating successfully for years. Situated on 3.53 acres near the top of the Malahat and across from the Moon Over Water Lodge. The property features a single-family home with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and 2862 sq/ft. Built in 1974 and well maintained. The house also features a reception area to welcome guests.

 

Across the rest of the property you will find 11 bungalows totally 17 nightly suites.

 

With a range from studios up to 2 bedrooms there are accommodations for all types of travelers. The well maintained grounds feature a bbq area, small pond and recreation area for guests to unwind. This business has been well cared for by the owners for many years and now it's time for them to step aside. Come have a look and bring your ideas for the future of the Malahat Bungalows.

 

https://www.realtor....-malahat-proper

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 21 January 2025 - 05:38 AM.

[Sparky]

The Airport hotel is coming along.

 

[Mike K.]

It looks like it’s a project in Fort Mac!

[lanforod]

Not enough redneck pickup trucks in the photo for that .

[Victoria Watcher]

Formerly the Golden Spruce Motel located in Port Clements on Haida Gwaii. Health reasons caused this thriving business to close recently. Will need some work to bring it up to standard but now priced accordingly! Includes a great "owners house" with restaurant, reception, 2 kitchens and a private living area. Two separate wings with 12 motel units all with their own bathroom, just waiting for your ideas and enthusiasm. This is a great opportunity for a live/work operation on the amazing archipelago of Haida Gwaii with world renowned fishing, hunting, beachcombing and general enjoyment and appreciation of Mother Nature. 

 

 

 

$349,000

 

 

 

4 NEWCOMBE AVENUE
Port Clements, British Columbia V0T1R0

 

 

https://www.realtor....e-port-clements

 

 

1.1 acres.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 17 February 2025 - 04:58 AM.

[Victoria Watcher]

The best two hotels in the country are both located in Victoria, according to Tripadvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Awards “Best of the Best Hotels” in Canada for 2025 list.

 

https://cheknews.ca/...dvisor-1252906/

 

Abigail’s Hotel, located on the edge of downtown Victoria, was ranked the number one best hotel in Canada, followed by the Magnolia Hotel and Spa in second place.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 03 May 2025 - 01:27 AM.

[Victoria Watcher]

Sidney's 3% hotel tax lands provincial approval

The hotel tax will be implemented starting Aug. 1 and will be in effect until 2030



https://www.vicnews....pproval-7990246



I’m not generally opposed, the hotels themselves asked for this. But I think the money woukd be best spent on street and storefront beautification, and maybe for some special events. Not general destination marketing, that has a very questionable return.

I saw an ad on CBC the other day it was either for Manitoba or Saskatchewan. A tourism ad trying to be as good as the Newfoundland ones. But come on, I’m not going to a Manitoba for my summer vacation.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 07 May 2025 - 12:46 AM.

[Barrister]

Vic Watcher, how about Manitoba for your winter vacation.

[Victoria Watcher]

New Sidney hotel by Marriott set to open near YYJ in November

TownPlace Suites will have a soft launch prior to its expected opening date of Nov. 1


https://www.vicnews....ovember-8009054

[Victoria Watcher]

$1,695,000

 

 

332 Catherine St
Victoria, British Columbia V9A3S8

 

 

https://www.realtor....a-victoria-west

 

 

The Spinnakers Heritage Guest House is now available as a turnkey hotel opportunity. Built circa 1901 and fully renovated in 1999, it offers 5 unique guest suites over two levels. Each unit reflects the charm of the era, with 5 bathrooms—4 featuring jetted tubs and 1 with a shower. A separate bonus coffee kitchen, recently added behind the main house, is available for private guest use. Guests enjoy a truly Victorian experience just steps from the seawall. The building is fully sprinklered and equipped with 2 gas hot water tanks and 200 Amp service. A fiberglass shingle roof was installed in 2016. RJ-2 zoning adds significant value—especially in a city where short-term rental options have been reduced. Located in the vibrant Songhees neighbourhood next to an iconic pub, this offering is a rare gem with a high walk score and lasting appeal! 

 

 

[Victoria Watcher]

JBW Commercial is pleased to present a unique opportunity to acquire the 'Grouse Nest Lodge', a substantial ±83.5-acre oceanfront estate in the serene East Sooke area, offering significant development potential in one of Vancouver Island’s most naturally beautiful and rapidly evolving coastal communities. This remarkable property features a mix of old-growth forest, open clearings, and nearly a full kilometer of low-bank waterfront along the sheltered waters of Sooke Harbour. The parcel is zoned for mixed-use and is positioned to support a variety of future land uses, including medium-density residential, eco-tourism, and potential marine-related amenities. With its expansive size, zoning flexibility, and proximity to essential services and transportation infrastructure, 1424 Gillespie Road represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a signature waterfront community, retreat, or resort development on Vancouver Island’s west coast. 

 

$6,995,000

 

 

1424 Gillespie Rd
Sooke, British Columbia V9Z0Z2

 

https://www.realtor....d-sooke-17-mile

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 03 June 2025 - 12:12 PM.

[Victoria Watcher]

2022:

 

 

After they bought the fabled Grouse Nest property in East Sooke last June, Brian and Sharon Holowaychuk started work on realizing their vision for the site.

 

They got all the preliminaries done to turn the ramshackle former resort, which shut down decades ago, into something special. The blueprints show a swank restaurant at the water’s edge, an art gallery on the second level with a stunning event space overlooking Sooke Basin, and conversion of the attached six-bedroom residence into a rental home.

 

Thousands of dollars worth of building permits were issued and tear-down work on the 1960s-era décor was just getting underway on the huge renovation project.

Then Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24.

 

The couple felt compelled to do something, so in short order they decided to make a major pivot. The new plan is to refurbish the place to welcome as many Ukrainian refugees as possible and accommodate them by any means necessary. It would provide a refuge for as long as needed from the war.

 

The 33 hectares of secluded wilderness, with its moss-shrouded rainforest and hundreds of metres of waterfront, is about as far as it’s possible to get from the tanks, artillery fire and upheaval driving millions of Ukrainian people from their homes.

 

Renovation projects always change on the fly, but the abrupt Grouse Nest reset could be one of the most dramatic.

 

The original plan is now shelved indefinitely. The Holowaychuks are expediting work on what they are calling the Ukrainian safe haven project. (Ukrainiansafehaven.org)

 

 

]...]

 

 

The Grouse Nest resort has been dormant for decades through intermittent ownership changes, some of whom started development proposals that went nowhere. It’s been the periodic topic of speculation and intrigue ever since. Occasional media references often include the word “mysterious.”

 

 

https://www.timescol...efugees-5164891

 

 

 

 

 

 

2018:

 

 

Mysterious East Sooke ‘Grouse Nest’ up for sale

 

Luxurious East Sooke property on selling block for $6.98 million

 

 

https://www.sookenew...for-sale-145120

 

 

 

 

2016:

 

It’s hard to find a piece of real estate in our region with a history more fascinating and mysterious than Grouse Nest.  Our illustration today shows Grouse Nest under the tenure of Rod and Isobel Knight, in the late 1950s, when it was a popular resort.

 

 

The original Grouse Nest, much earlier than this photo, was the weekend/summer home of Victoria financier George Gillespie, of Gillespie Hart & Co. Located in a picturesque cove at the far eastern end of Sooke Basin, it was a centre for social activities of well-known Victoria families.  One of the Gillespie sons, Alexander, also built a home in 1911 on the East Sooke shore, called Glenairley. When a gravel road connected East Sooke Road to Sooke Road in 1929, it was named after George Gillespie.

 

https://www.sookenew...use-nest-124656

 

 

 

 

 

2017:

 

 

Big Fat Deal: $12 million for a Vancouver Island party place

Inside a 12-bedroom, 14-bathroom, 15,000-square-foot former resort on 82 acres of East Sooke waterfront.

 

https://www.bcbusine...nd-party-place/

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 03 June 2025 - 12:19 PM.

[Victoria Watcher]

April 5 this year:

 

 

With Heavy Hearts, We Remember Brian Holowaychuk

It’s with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Brian Holowaychuk. Brian was a big friend and supporter for ukrainian newcomers.

Brian was more than a kind and generous soul—he was a true humanitarian whose life was dedicated to helping others. Alongside his wife Sharon, he created the Ukrainian Safe Haven in East Sooke, opening their home and hearts to families fleeing war and hardship. His compassion and quiet strength changed countless lives, and his impact will be felt for generations.

Born from Ukrainian heritage with grandparents that came from the Ukraine as children, Brian has put his life long dream of a world class resort on hold so that he can focus on helping the people of the Ukraine in every way he can.

To know Brian was to witness genuine humility, warmth, and a deep-rooted belief in the power of community. He didn’t seek praise—he simply showed up, time and time again, with love and action.

Brian’s passing leaves a hole in our hearts, but his legacy of love, kindness, and service lives on.

 

 

https://www.facebook...81750694199295/

In the meantime, if you’d like to honor Brian, consider supporting the Ukrainian Safe Haven or simply extend a helping hand to someone in need—just like he always did.

Rest easy, Brian. Thank you for everything

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 03 June 2025 - 12:44 PM.

[Mike K.]

That’s quite the story. It surprised a lot of people to see this site opened up to refugees. Over the years I met a few who lived out there when they’d come into Sooke’s town centre.