9407 replies to this topic

[Mike P.]

That will impact the Island Blueprint location on Quadra and Fort quite a bit, no? That’s where they have a lot of art supplies.

Quality framing crew there.

Definitely, and Metropol print shop recently moved almost kitty corner from Monk Office in the 800 block of Fort Street, across from that new condo development in the red building space that used to be a restaurant before covid.

Edited by Mike P., 05 November 2025 - 06:57 PM.

[Mike K.]

Oh man.

Someone sent me photos of an assault against a downtown fashion retailer that occurred yesterday. A woman apparently tried to steal something from a Government Street store, and was confronted, then launched into an attack on the female store worker. I have photos of the incident, and it’s so jarring.

I cannot believe what has become of my city.

[aastra]

Unprecedented situation, no doubt. Who could have possibly predicted it?

 

 

 

Times-Colonist
February 9, 2003
 
Give our regards to Broad Street Series: The Red Zone
 
As Stuart Clarke touted the benefits of street revitalization, a greasy-haired young man with khaki pants and a weathered overcoat bolted from his store with $1,000 in merchandise. Clarke had been talking about how improvements to Broad Street had chased away some of the street people from around Robinson's Outdoor Store and neighbouring shops.
 
The police and city officials acknowledge problems with addiction and homelessness and have developed a downtown action plan that also involves health officials.
 
Most say Victoria has one of the safest downtowns in North America. Others say the street population problems are chasing away tourists and shoppers.
 
Still others suggest it is all about perception.
 
Clarke and some of his staff easily caught up with the thief, recovering four expensive waterproof jackets. However, they had no interest in holding him for police.
 
Apart from their major concern being getting the jackets back, they feared that the man could have been violent, perhaps even pulling a dirty needle on them.
 
And, they said, no one wants to miss a day's work to sit in court only to have the thief get a slap on the wrist.

Edited by aastra, 07 November 2025 - 11:29 AM.

[Victoria Watcher]

A little bit of video on A&B Sound here:

 

https://youtu.be/G_s...c0m6SFioK&t=284

 

Including an exterior shot of the Victoria store.

 

 

There is a bit about Kelly's too, around 12:30.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 11 November 2025 - 05:41 AM.

[Victoria Watcher]

$12,000/Monthly

 

Unique opportunity to lease a full retail building in the heart of downtown Victoria’s Old Town District. The subject property lends itself to a wide variety of commercial uses, benefitting from high-exposure signage facing Government St, a diverse mix of interior spaces, exceptional ceiling heights, and character-rich heritage elements throughout. For parties interested in only the Main Level and Lower Level, please reach out to discuss further. The subject building is situated next to the intersection of Government Street and lower Johnson Street, Victoria’s two most popular shopping corridors. The area is characterised by high year-round foot traffic from both tourists and locals alike, contributing to the vibrant and active atmosphere that Victoria’s Old Town District is best known for. 2025 triple net expenses estimated at $4,435 per month.

 

https://www.realtor....ctoria-downtown

 

 

 

 

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 18 November 2025 - 05:25 AM.

[Victoria Watcher]

$68/square feet

 

Prime Government Street retail space available for summer 2026. This space has had a full renovation and is in exceptional condition including beautiful brickwork and high ceilings. Included is free use of basement storage and second floor office/storage. There is a convenient dumb waiter installed for move of inventory between the floors. Available May 1, 2026 

 

https://www.realtor....ctoria-downtown

 

 

 

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 18 November 2025 - 05:26 AM.

[Victoria Watcher]

Mall landlord Oxford is fighting another real estate firm to keep Fairweather Ltd. from reviving the defunct Les Ailes de la Mode department store at Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto.

 

In new court documents, Oxford argues Fairweather is not suitable for the former Hudson's Bay space measuring more than 300,000 square feet because most of its other locations are about three per cent of that size.

 

It also alleges Fairweather is "not a financially healthy retailer" and its stores "look and feel temporary and downmarket," which is the antithesis of the luxury vibe Yorkdale projects.

 

"I cannot overemphasize how inappropriate and detrimental it would be to have Fairweather occupy the most prominent premises at Yorkdale for even one year, much less the next 50 years as contemplated by the proposed Fairweather transaction," said Nadia Corrado, a vice-president with Oxford, in a Thursday affidavit.

 

"This would have the effect of compromising decades of significant investment and planning by Oxford and create a cascading negative effect for Yorkdale’s existing tenants."

 

Fairweather is a womenswear brand that was created in 1867. It is now owned by business mogul Isaac Benitah. He and his family members have run home goods chains Wyrth, Bombay and Bowring as well as apparel retailer International Clothiers.

 

 

https://www.nsnews.c...oxford-11500741

 

 

 

Ouch!

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 18 November 2025 - 06:48 AM.

[Mike K.]

I'm hearing Ark @ Home has closed down. They had operated for decades on Government at Chatham in the strip mall fronting Government. Is anyone down there to get eyes on the building?

[Victoria Watcher]

$1,350,000

 

 

1168 Burnside Rd W
Saanich, British Columbia V8Z1N6

 

 

Colliers is pleased to present 1168 Burnside Road West, a well-maintained three-storey mixed-use residential and commercial building located along Burnside Road West in Saanich. The property represents an excellent opportunity for an owner-occupier or small business seeking a standalone building with strong street visibility and flexible zoning that accommodates a wide range of commercial uses. The property is improved with a commercial unit on the lower level and a residential studio and primary residence on the upper levels. The residential studio is currently separated from the primary residence. The studio was previously part of the primary residence where the doorway and stairs remain in place which offers the opportunity to expand the primary residence or combine all the units together. Given the current zoning permits daycare use, the property could represent an excellent daycare opportunity with all units delivered vacant possession.

 

https://www.realtor....strawberry-vale

 

 

 

 

 

 

2009:

 

[Victoria Watcher]

 

 

$40/square feet

 

 

1322 Government St
Victoria, British Columbia V8W1Y8

 

Rare opportunity to lease a small-format retail shop along Government St. Located at 1322 Government Street, this boutique retail space offers 742 square feet and benefits from year-round foot, vehicle, and bicycle traffic. Situated near several thriving and established shops, the unit features an open-concept plan, storage space, and one private washroom. The flexible OTD-1 zoning allows for a variety of business uses. This is the perfect opportunity to join retailers like MEC, DUER, Arc’teryx, and Complex Clothing. 

 

https://www.realtor....ctoria-downtown

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 19 November 2025 - 10:24 AM.

[Mike K.]

Penny Lane Property Management has taken over a small office/commercial building at Haultain Corners, which had been the focus of a small development effort some time ago.

 

Mid-Island strata and property management firm Penny Lane opens Victoria office

https://victoria.cit...ictoria-office/

 

Here's the former proposal from 2018: https://victoria.cit...nwood-oaklands/

[Kyjen]

I'm hearing Ark @ Home has closed down. They had operated for decades on Government at Chatham in the strip mall fronting Government. Is anyone down there to get eyes on the building?

 

Took a look, appears closed. No note posted on door regarding closing or moving.

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[Mike K.]

Thank you, Kyjen.

That’s too bad. They were there for so long.

Curiously, Heat Savers is located just up the road on Government north of Bay. Two fireplace dealers blocks apart in downtown Victoria made for good Victoria trivia.

[Matt R.]

Able has the auction coming up soon. There is a great walk through video on their FB page.

https://www.ableauct...n=6767127563360

[Mike K.]

Thanks, Matt!

Some nice stuff in there.

[Matt R.]

There sure is. I think I saw my Pacific Energy Alderlea T5 in there, which I love to bits.

Sure do love the woodsmoke on this island at this time of year.

[Sparky]

Pacific Energy has been one of the leaders in the wood heater industry from the get go in the late 70’s.

When the oil embargo hit and the price of heating oil went through the roof, these guys from Duncan showed up and designed a product that exceeded what was available at the time.

There you have it kids. That’s the story of returning to heating with wood.

[Victoria Watcher]

Able has the auction coming up soon. There is a great walk through video on their FB page.

https://www.ableauct...n=6767127563360

 

Oh ya, good find Matt.  That video is kind of cool.

[Mike K.]

I have a pacific energy stove, it’s lovely. Burns clean without catalytic converters. Now that’s a smart design.

[Mike K.]

Will the former HSBC spot on Douglas at Courtney lease up this decade? You’d think it would be considered a prime spot.