Office space and office building development in Greater Victoria/south Vancouver Island

Why is the eastbound lane of the 900 block of Pandora Ave labelled "Meth Ch"? 

Perhaps originally for Methodist Church (now the Victoria Conservatory), but "meth" could probably be interpreted differently for this area today

The developer has confirmed high profile tech firms are eyeing the project.

 

Plans for downtown Victoria's $100 million Telus Ocean tower tweaked as approvals process continues

https://victoria.cit...cess-continues/

 

This is what the article said. I think they are different.

 

“There are multi-billion dollar technology companies searching for iconic office space in Victoria, and without projects of this calibre we have nothing to offer them".

I can confirm that there is actual interest in this project from specific entities, too.

Westshore welcomes BC Public Service’s first fully mobile workspace
Share News Release Langford
Thursday, February 18, 2021 10:30 AM
BC Public Service employees who live in the Westshore and surrounding communities can now work closer to home at the new Westhills ShareSpace – a modern, spacious and flexible co-working office.

“Today, we’re opening the door to a new way of working for the BC Public Service,” said Premier John Horgan. “Having the option to work and collaborate in a bright, open and innovative workspace near home will be a game changer for many people – giving them more time with their families, cutting commute times and helping reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.”

Premier Horgan was joined by Mitzi Dean, Minister of Children and Family Development and MLA for Esquimalt-Metchosin, to celebrate the official opening of the office. The event included a tour of the office to see some of the unique design features and learn more about the new co-working space.

“We’re using technology and innovation to change the way we live and work,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Citizens’ Services. “The new office model will help us keep pace with a growing mobile workforce, support collaboration and shared ideas in the BC Public Service and give people the flexibility they need and want.”

Over 2,000 B.C. government employees – more than 20% of the BC Public Service employees who work in Victoria – live in the Westshore area. Many have long advocated for an office space close to home due to the time and money they spend commuting each day. The new office will help ease commute times and support government’s goal to lower greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants by reducing congestion and traffic idling.

“This is an exciting day for many people living in the Westshore,” Dean said. “Commuting to Victoria for work takes precious time away from our families and creates harmful emissions. This beautiful office will give people the flexibility they need to balance their home and work lives and reduce environmental impacts.”

During COVID-19, the occupancy of the office has been reduced from 100 to 50 people to ensure physical distancing and worker safety. A COVID-19 safety plan, including behavioural and wayfinding signage, is in place, per the direction and orders of the provincial health officer and WorkSafeBC.

“I’m so excited for this space to open, as it’ll make a huge difference on my commute time to work and will allow me to spend more time with my family,” said Su-Mei MacDonnell, B.C. government employee and Colwood resident. “Having the choice and flexibility to be able to work at this ShareSpace location is fantastic.”

The more than 930 square-metre (10,000 square-foot) office space is modern, green and fully accessible. It includes a mix of co-working and private rooms, natural light with floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor patio and workspace with views of Langford Lake. Innovative office technology is used throughout, such as interactive room and desk-booking apps, digital signage and audio-visual meeting systems. It also has electric-vehicle charging stations, bike storage, day-use lockers and showers that promote active and green transportation options. With brightly coloured felt pendant lighting, exposed natural B.C. wood elements, textured graphic and interactive walls, the space aims to inspire creativity and provide a collaborative, healthy and positive work environment.

“This is an exciting day for Langford and employees of the provincial government who live in the Westshore,” said Stew Young, mayor of Langford. “For over 25 years, I have been advocating for government offices in Langford. My hope is this office will be the first of many. Having this hub in Langford will allow residents to work close to home, get out of traffic, and spend more time with their families, creating a better work/life balance.”

Located at 1311 Lakepoint Way in Langford, the Westhills ShareSpace office was announced as part of a pilot in November 2019.

Hearing through the grapevine that a few Provincial ministries are quietly looking to sub-lease their remaining space/time in some of their office space in downtown Victoria.

 

Westshore's mobile workspace may not be a temporary thing.

Edited by spanky123, 18 February 2021 - 12:03 PM.

This does follow the livable communities model but I do wonder if there is some unintended impact.  The downtown core has gone from supporting employment for the region and supporting tourism to what now?  The tourism will eventually come back provided that we can avoid further ghettoization.   Employment is another matter.  How many employees will not return to downtown?  How many supporting jobs will also disappear?  Are there estimates?

Two office buildings are underway in Langford, one at Peatt and Hockley, the other at McCallum and City Gate (across from Costco). Langford City Hall is also on the move. A large firm is currently looking at establishing an office in Langford (preferably).

^Latest estimate I have seen is that 40% of the office workforce doesn't plan to return. I think it is too early to tell how that holds, but I think it is safe to say that there will be no large scale return to work until restrictions have been lifted which is looking like year end at the earliest when everyone is vaccinated.

 

The big variable I think are Federal and Provincial workers. I keep hearing stories that staff in buildings downtown are complaining about personal safety due to crime in the area and are saying they do not want to return to work on that basis alone.. 

Edited by spanky123, 18 February 2021 - 01:37 PM.

...I keep hearing stories that staff in buildings downtown are complaining about personal safety due to crime in the area and are saying they do not want to return to work on that basis alone.. 

I know at least half of my colleagues will return to the office at least part time when restrictions are lifted. Working from home is fine for a while, but keeping a team together requires more than Skype and MS Teams.

I am sure the CoV will respond with a few more parklets and food carts and all will be well.

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

 

The property is located in Bastion Square, the historical heart of Victoria and a focal point of pedestrian and tourism activity. The area supports restaurants, bars and retail stores while the upper floor spaces accommodate business offices. The building is home to the very popular restaurant and pub known as The Local. It's a place that residents and tourists alike gather to enjoy delicious food in an unparalleled setting with the benefit of one of Victorias best patios. Likewise, the Farmhouse next door is a well known café restaurant offering some of the Citys finest coffee, sandwiches and food fare with a fantastic upper patio overlooking the Square and with views of the Inner Harbour. Triple Play Sports is another tenant and a popular collectibles store selling gaming, memorabilia and sports cards. Also, a destination retailer at the subject property is Quest Reality Games, a new premium interactive real life escape room facility, offering indoor and outdoor escape games. 

 

$9,700,000

 

 

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 18 February 2021 - 02:51 PM.

I know at least half of my colleagues will return to the office at least part time when restrictions are lifted. Working from home is fine for a while, but keeping a team together requires more than Skype and MS Teams.

 

So lets say 1/2 of the staff go to the office 2 days a week. That means an average 20% of pre-pandemic numbers.

So lets say 1/2 of the staff go to the office 2 days a week. That means an average 20% of pre-pandemic numbers.

That's not entirely true. Some staff were already working from home part time before the pandemic. I expect things to go back to something similar to that eventually. I'd suggest closer to 50% pre-pandemic numbers when restrictions ease, at least in government offices.

^Latest estimate I have seen is that 40% of the office workforce doesn't plan to return. I think it is too early to tell how that holds, but I think it is safe to say that there will be no large scale return to work until restrictions have been lifted which is looking like year end at the earliest when everyone is vaccinated.

The big variable I think are Federal and Provincial workers. I keep hearing stories that staff in buildings downtown are complaining about personal safety due to crime in the area and are saying they do not want to return to work on that basis alone..

As soon as I have the green light I'll be back in 100% of the time; working from home is awful in a 1BR apartment. If I had a bigger place with an actual home office then I'd be tempted to split time.

... If I had a bigger place with an actual home office then I'd be tempted to split time.

 

That just might explain the push into the suburbs.

That just might explain the push into the suburbs.

It's one of the factors, yes. People generally accept a smaller space in town because of the trade off benefits of faster commutes and more amenities. Now few people commute and the amenities are closed, so...

Quality Mixed Use Office/Retail Heritage Building, Close to Town & Law Courts. Excellent On Street Parking Plus 7 Private On Site Spaces. Six Commercial Units, Approximately 6,004 Square Feet On Three Floors + Basement. Actual Address is 1177-1185 Fort and 1045 Linden. Vacancy provides live/work opportunity. 

 

 

$2,100,000

 

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

$450,000

 

The opportunity to purchase a strata office space in Downtown Victoria. The space is within the iconic Mosaic building which was originally built in 1963 as the Royal Trust Building then was converted in 1999 to 85 live/work strata units. Located in the amenity rich Harris Green Neighbourhood and at the entrance of Cook Street Village this space offers the convenience of numerous retail shops, restaurants, and services steps away.

 

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

$450,000

 

The opportunity to purchase a strata office space in Downtown Victoria. The space is within the iconic Mosaic building which was originally built in 1963 as the Royal Trust Building then was converted in 1999 to 85 live/work strata units. Located in the amenity rich Harris Green Neighbourhood and at the entrance of Cook Street Village this space offers the convenience of numerous retail shops, restaurants, and services steps away.

 

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

 

Assessed value is $292K. Who do they think they are selling to BC Housing?!

Cascadia Architects moving to bigger digs then?