Research and Development

Community Access

Victoria International Marina is committed to being a proud asset of Victoria and the working Harbour communities. The ambience of the facilities will equal the finest waterfront locations found anywhere in the world, and the marina's location will enhance public access to the water and public walkways.

Public Access

The marina docks will be accessible by the public during marina operating hours, allowing tourists and Victorians alike the opportunity to get right down to the water's edge on Victoria Harbour. Whether you are a local resident, a restaurant guest, or a Westsong Walkway walker, you can come down to the dock and enjoy the water's edge and boats up close.

Public Art

In a tradition that began with the bronze Victoria Pacifica fountain on the neighbouring Westsong Walkway, a local sculptor will be commissioned to create a life-size bronze of the Giant North Pacific Octopus, one of the most unique marine creatures featured in record books as the largest in the world.

Kayak Access

A dedicated paddling channel for non-powered recreational vessels, located between the marina and the shoreline, will allow kayaks, dragon boats, and outrigger canoes to safely paddle past the marina as they travel along the waterfront. The marina will also provide a landing dock for paddlers so they can come to the coffee house for a snack or drink, visit with friends, or use the marina as a safe haven in rough conditions. And, due to the lack of kayak storage facilities on the water in Victoria, we'll be offering kayak storage on the dock!

Coffee House

The Coffee House will offer premium coffee, beverage and food service, and will act as a historical guide of Victoria’s Harbour. A display of historical photographs, art and artifacts from sources, including the Victoria Maritime Museum, will celebrate Victoria's long and proud marine history.

Restaurant

Designed with its unique surroundings in mind, the restaurant will be a destination well worth a visit for both residents and visitors alike, offering a relaxed waterfront dining experience. Imagine lunch or dinner with friends, enjoying unparrelled views of Victoria Harbour at work. Float planes, kayaks, boats, harbour ferries, the Coho and Clipper all provide theatre on the water.

Seakeepers Sea Kiosk

The International Seakeepers Society, headquartered in Monaco and Florida, has developed an interpretive ocean facility which will be installed in the Marina building. A kiosk presents real time video footage of ocean life, and layman explanations for the myriad of environmental and other problems facing the oceans. Visitors will learn about the various threats to the ocean’s health, what scientists are trying to learn and why data collection from around the world is so critical, as well as what we can do to help restore the oceans to good health. It is the intention of the Marina to offer school groups and marine enthusiasts the opportunity to come and learn about the ocean through this Sea Kiosk system.

Community Comment

The Victoria International Marina project has been welcomed by residents, business organizations, educational institutions, governments and community associations from throughout the Victoria region as well as yachting industry leaders in British Columbia, Washington and Alaska. The Victoria International Marina enables Victoria to become the primary gateway to the Pacific Northwest coast for both Canada and the United States.

The CAN-AM Oceanic Yachting Alliance (COYA), representing the states of Washington and Alaska and the Province of British Columbia, has named the marina and Victoria as the entry location for visiting luxury yachts from around the world.

Expressions of support have been received from dozens of community leaders and organizations.

"On behalf of the OCEAN Industries British Columbia association, I am writing today to express our support for the Victoria International Marine and ask that the New Government of Canada complete all processes required to allow Community Marine Concepts to proceed with the construction of this world class development."
Brian H. Barnett.
Chairman and Chief Governance Officer
OCEAN Industries British Columbia
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Gentlemen,

I realize there is a lot of debate about the proposed marina for the inner harbour here in Victoria including that of an upcoming Public Hearing where a couple of former mayors are opposing this development. These individuals as well as other special interest groups seem to forget about the economic spinoffs that will be created with this new marina.

I am in full support of this project. I live in a condo on the outer harbour area and am able to watch the various vessels and planes come and go throughout the day. The proposed marina would be a welcome addition to our beautiful harbour. While the economy has tanked, it will come back and those individuals who own these vessels will flock to our harbour not only because of the beauty but also because we live in a safe and stable country. The additional monies spent in our City will carry us through for a long time to come.

In addition, more people will start walking along Westsong Way to enjoy looking at these vessels and perhaps stop in at the proposed restaurant for a meal. We have such a beautiful city full of treasures, this proposed marina will be a welcome addition.

I am therefore asking that full approval be given to proceed with this project.

Sincerely,

Shirley Waldon

Good Morning, Mr. Baird,

Please accept my vote to complete the aspirations and benefits of the proposed Victoria International Marina, a project that will benefit both the Capital of BC and the marine Gateway to the Pacific.

J. H. Potter, BSc.,
Marine Consultant, Sidney, BC.

Dear Sirs and Honorable Members:

Please accept this note as one of full support of the proposed new marina site in Victoria – Victoria International Marina.

We are land developers in the Comox Valley, and have been studying marina sites in our area for over 4 years now. It is our firm belief, that there is a huge need for a facility like this, for local and tourist use. The lovely City of Victoria is the gateway that will bring many to it, and further up the Georgia Strait to places like Comox and Campbell River.
This particular site seems most conducive to a first class facility as the design reflects, and we support the efforts and dedication of the developers and their approach. Having been close followers of the principals for some years now, we can state, they are among the very best in our business, and their list of major accomplishments is growing annually.

Please give this project the attention it rightly deserves, and no doubt the right thing will be done in the end.
Regards and best wishes,

Kip Keylock
Ocean Estates Developments

Dear Sirs,

I would like to add some input to the Victoria International Marina controversy. I was a founding Director of the Victoria/Esquimalt Working Harbour Assoc., have been in the marine tourism business in Victoria for over 20 years, am a marina manager and whale watching captain.

I asked a friend of mine who captains a large yacht, well over 100 feet, that stays in local waters what his thoughts were on this marina and some of the issues around it. I share them.

The large yacht business is big and growing. We have about six shipyards in BC that specialize in such yachts and ship them all over the world. We also refurbish a number of cruise ships. We have a large compliment of very well trained respected personnel that can build, repair and crew these yachts in Victoria and Sidney.

There are only three slips in Victoria large enough for boats his size. My friend advises other yachters with similar boats not to come to Victoria or BC as there will likely be no facility for them to moor. He says that the BC/Alaska coast is becoming extremely popular because of its beauty, safety, friendly Canadians and the English language and that if there were more facilities to handle boats his size more would come and make a home here.

These vessels spend a lot of money here. They do not have everything they need on board as some profess. They fuel at local ports. They buy fresh groceries each week. They make local purchases for repairs and maintenance from a few dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars yearly. The owners make business investments in the community. They and their crews purchase art, clothes and books and go to concerts, shows, pubs and restaurants. Some of their children are schooled here.

The vessel my friend captains is used about 60% of the year. About 20% of the time is spent on maintenance and about 20% on lay up during the winter. These vessels, unlike many smaller yachts, are used extensively.

You need a large marina to pay for a large breakwater to protect any vessels at this location. There is heavy wave action in this area which was originally intended to be curtailed by a complimentary breakwater opposite Ogden Point. There is no reason why this marina can’t handle smaller vessels as well as large ones.

In all the years I have gone in and out of Victoria Harbour twice a day in the summer season I have rarely seen kayakers in this area although this marina has arranged to accommodate them. We have been told by the experts that airplane and vessel safety will not be affected. The vessels we are talking about have highly skilled captains with international certification. It’s the small ones that are the danger. For those who complain about noise, smell and views I say move.

This harbour is the reason Victoria is here. It has been a working harbour since day one. If you think it’s crowded now take a look at some pictures from 100 years ago. Many people have worked for a long time to re-establish a viable working harbour that will benefit our community. If we want to encourage and support this economic source we must support the infrastructure they need. The yacht industry is good business.

Bill Day
ecotourscanada.com

Hello,

I was just waking by the water and walked past a couple of people standing around asking for signatures for their petition to not build the mega yacht marina. I disagreed with them, I feel that these yachts will be a very positive addition. I believe some people aren't really given the chance to really envision what this addition will bring when they are told "it will block the walk way", "you won't be able to see the water or mountains" and "it goes from there all the way to there". I am a resident at Shutters and think that the yacht marina will make my walk even more enjoyable. I imagine myself walking down the path looking at the water and the mountains taking the first turn and seeing the glimpses of a beautiful world class yacht on a summer day. The addition to this part of the walk way would be a very good thing for our community. There should be someone standing there holding a petition against their petition.

Alfred Kong

"This letter is in support for the proposed Victoria International Marina"
Steve Thorpe-Doubble
Chemainus Quay & Marina Complex ltd.
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"On behalf of the BC Yacht Brokers Association, I would like to express our support for the proposed Victoria International Marina and encourage your government to move forward with approval of the proposal submitted by Community Marine Concepts."
Alan Stovell, President, BC Marine Trades Association
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“I bought a condo many years ago in the Songhees as it promised a marina and restaurant. It never happened even though it was approved. I sold.”
Fred Miller, Victoria
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“The addition of the proposed marina in Victoria's harbour will be a wonderful asset for the city.”
Bev Highton, Victoria
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“Having worked within the large yacht industry, I can tell you they are powered by high-tech engines that are more fuel efficient than most boats in our harbour, including mine.”
Samuel L. Livingstone, Cordova Bay
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“I believe the project will have strong city-wide support and I strongly support the concept...”
Tony Cox, Victoria resident and former News Director
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“...there is a desire within the community to preserve and enhance the concept of a working harbour that supports and generates new ways to support and generate additional economic opportunities to our citizens.”
Brian Wesley, Chairman Business Victoria Economic Development Commission
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“The first mega yacht marina that you propose would attract additional high end visitors to Victoria and create an economic ripple effect with positive benefits...”
Ken Norie, President VIH Aviation Group
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“Your marina proposal is an outstanding example of the type of project that we strongly support. It has been professionally designed to minimize its impact on the environment, the waterfront, on marine and floatplane traffic, while providing a service to the marine and mega yacht industry that is sadly lacking within Victoria Harbour.”
Barry Holmes, Chair
Ocean Industries BC

“I am also convinced that the aesthetic impact on the marine entrance to Victoria will be positive…”
John G. Sanderson P. Eng
Founder and President, Victoria Esquimalt Harbour Society
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“The proposed Victoria International Marina project does not pose any undo risk to seaplanes operating in and out of the Victoria Harbour.”
Wayne McNeal, President
McNeal & Associates Consultants Ltd.
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"Hyack Air fully supports the proposed Victoria International Marina...”
James T. Allard, Vice President
Hyack Air
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“I enthusiastically support your proposed plans for the Port of Victoria Yacht Club as the next step on the road to marine industry development on the west coast of Canada.”
Brian H. Barnett
President and Chief Executive Officer
OCN- Ocean Crewing Network
President, Ocean Industries, BC
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“Will be a definite asset to the harbour."
Captain John (Jack) Bragg, MNI, President
The Greater Victoria Marine Air Safety Society
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"No issues regarding soil contamination with the upland commercial development is expected from this project.”
Chris Zamora, R.P.Bio. Senior Biologist
Chatwin Engineering
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“You are creating a landmark that puts Victoria on the world map…”
Wayne Strandlund
Fisgard Asset Management
Past President, BC Real Estate Assoc.
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“Our city’s harbour is for everyone and this proposal will only increase the enjoyment of the harbour for residents and visitors.”
David Davies, President
HarbourWerks Strategies
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“The economic development opportunities and community benefit are significant.”
Bruce Carter, Chief Executive Officer
Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
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“Given the insight and the long term involvement of the principals behind this proposal, it is encouraging to see that they are finally in a position to proceed with this much needed facility.”
Paul Hadfield, President
Spinnakers Brew Pub
Vice-Chair Tourism Victoria
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“The Westbay Performance Paddling Club and its 75 members endorses this exciting project…”
Pete Hartman, President
Westbay Performance Paddling Club
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"I know from personal experience that marina visitors return a considerable dividend to the community in terms of spending at restaurants, hotels, retail, and marine suppliers."
Rick Arora
Art Dealers Collections
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"The marina will increase public access to the waterfront in Vic West. By making the floats fully accessible to the public, they will have a greater opportunity to enjoy the harbour."
Mark W. Flynn
Flynn Brothers Publishing
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"The proposed marina at the Songhees land is a positive step for Victoria. I work in the tourism industry in downtown Victoria and welcome the creation of additional marina space in the Inner Harbour."
Martin Arora
Madison Avenue Holdings LTD.
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"A marina that caters to large yachts of 80 feet and longer would be a valuable asset to our marine surroundings. Currently, there are no facilities in our area that can service these large vessels."
Greg Evans
Maritime Museum of British Columbia Society
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"The facility may well be the catalyst we are looking for when it comes to closer contact with the other professional marine associations. We look forward to seeing the Marina as a showpiece in the harbour very soon."
Captain James K. Steele
Nautical Institute
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"Having reviewed this proposal and as a resident of Victoria living close to the harbour I see this as a benefit to downtown living and therefore wish to express my support to Council."
William Nixon
Retired Police Chief
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"From my understanding, this marina has been in the plans for over fifteen years and I sincerely believe it will not only enhance this already coveted part of our waterfront, but add vitality to the area and improved waterfront access for all."
Tom Woods
Rock Solid Foundation
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"The proposed Victoria International Marina, with its inspired design, is an excellent example of high quality marina development.. and gives us business confidence as we develop the full market potential of this area."
Rick Gladych
Yacht Path Pacific, L.L.C.
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Economic Benefits

A welcome boost to the economy

Victoria is fast becoming the gateway to one of the world's 'must-see' cruising grounds, the BC coastline to Alaska. Global yacht transportation company Yacht Path now advertises Victoria as one of the world's top 16 destinations, and due to a worldwide shortage of slips for large vessels, Victoria and the marina will welcome the world's most beautiful vessels to our shores, and with them, an economic windfall.

A 2006 survey conducted by Genesis Public Opinion Research Inc. and Smith Gunther Associates found that the recreational boating industry in BC generated $1.35 billion in direct and indirect impacts. Estimating total impacts of BC's recreational boating industry, the $1.35 billion increased to $3.3 billion with $475 million in taxes. Marinas are significant contributors to this impact, with total revenues from BC marinas of $283 million in 2006. This does not include ancillary services that are typically located near marinas to service recreational boats.

Yet 26% of survey respondants in the 2006 study indicated that the availability of slips greater than 50 feet was a serious or prohibitive impediment to business. Victoria International Marina is meeting an identified need for larger slips to accomodate the trend of larger yachts on the West Coast.

The yacht charter industry has historically followed the routes of the major cruise lines at points around the world. In 2005, yacht carrier ships brought approximately 34 large yachts to Victoria from the Caribbean, Florida, and California. In 2006, four carrier shiploads doubled the amount, and in 2007 approximately 12 shiploads were scheduled. Crew and owners then boarded the yachts for cruising on the west coast. With the Victoria International Marina, Victoria will now be able to host these luxury yachts in our harbour over longer periods.

Data released by the International Super Yacht Association in January 2007 indicates that industry growth rates and dollar volumes have skyrocketed over the past ten years. Currently, each luxury yacht spends an average $2.5 million on operations annually and upwards of $5 million if the vessel is also in the charter business.

A study of one major yacht region found that a 50m charter vessel had direct financial impact of approximately $2.83 million to $5.9 million annually. When viewed over a six year period, the direct economic impact of a single large charter yacht is estimated to be $29.6 to $61 million.
^{Source: International Super Yacht Society Conference}

Job Creation

Construction of the marina will create an estimated 229 direct and indirect jobs. Once operational, the facility will generate jobs in the marine industry, tourism, hospitality, and retail sectors.

As the luxury yacht industry grows there is an increasing demand for qualified crew. Globally, there were more than 770 new luxury yachts on order for 2007 and an estimated shortage of 7000 qualified crew members. Due to the high training standards in this country, qualified Canadians are highly sought after and with an international marina at their disposal, opportunities will be even more readily available for our mariners. The directors of the Victoria International Marina are encouraging training opportunities with local post-secondary institutions such as the marine division of Camoson college.

Once complete, the marina will welcome lucrative tourist and destination traffic to the city and generate 'spin-off' income that will affect nearly every sector of the economy, from marine suppliers to retail, accommodations and attractions.

Environment and Safety

Studies by the Province of British Columbia and the Victoria International Marina indicate that the marina will not degrade the marine environment. In fact, the clean-up of debris and wood waste on the harbour floor to develop the marina is expected to provide new sub tidal marine habitat. The removal of soft wood and mud overlying firm and compact sediment will recreate new usuable habitat for larger marine organisms.
Source: Victoria International Marina Traffic and Communications Plan prepared by MacNeal and Associates.

Design

Having a positive impact on the marine environment and the restoration of sea life has been considered in every step of the planning for the marina. The buildings will be environmentally sensitive and constructed on pilings, rather than on floats, as recommended by the Environmental and Fisheries Ministries of the Federal Government. In addition to many aesthetic benefits, this piling method of construction will allow natural light to feed the area beneath the structures and will enhance sea life propagation.

The Victoria International Marina team are dedicated to making the marina as friendly to the surrounding environment as possible and have studied the lessons learned from other similar projects around the world, assigning development experts for every aspect of the marina. Simple but crucial items such as providing enough power for the yachts will eliminate the need to use generators. Yachts will use the existing marine fuelling station near Fisherman's Wharf, avoiding unpleasant fumes in the marina. Each slip will be equipped with a dedicated state-of-the-art sanitary waste removal system eliminating the possibility of waste leakage. The area will be protected by a floating concrete breakwater system to reduce wave action.

Lime Bay

The team at Community Marine Concepts is particularly pleased with the results of the clean-up of Lime Bay, which is adjacent to the site of the new marina. Lime Bay had been heavily polluted with city garbage and industrial refuse in the water and along the banks. In 1988 and 1989, 16 acres of shoreline were cleaned and restored. In 2005, 2006, and 2007, underwater surveys, scanning, seabed sampling, filming and chemical analysis showed that their efforts had been successful and Lime Bay had enjoyed a substantial resurgence of sea life and an expanded variety of biological development.

The Marina Site

Studies of the seabed in the marina site have revealed a situation not unlike that of Lime Bay prior to remediation. There is more than a metre and a half of bark and wood chips left behind from 60 years of log booms. Once restored, the seabed will likely enjoy the same resurgence as Lime Bay and biologists expect a substantial increase in sea life.

Ocean Stewardship

An integral part of the vision of Victoria International Marina is the conservation, study and enhancement of the marine environment. To this end, we are honoured to partner with the International Seakeepers Society and to be the location of their first Canadian monitoring station. Through this partnership, Victoria International Marina will monitor and sustain the marine environment by providing constant data collection to scientists around the world. Through the publicly accessible interpretive Sea Kiosk that will be located at the Marina, visitors and the local community will have the opportunity to witness real time video of ocean life and to be educated in the myriad of problems facing the world’s oceans.

While the Victoria region hosts one of the most attractive shorelines on the west coast of North America, it was determined during the studies that there is a distinct lack of information available to the community about the challenges of the local ocean. For instance, there are 18 species of shark that migrate and patrol the west coast of Vancouver Island and approximately 13 variations that enter the Strait of Juan de Fuca. These include Great Whites, the Salmon Shark, and many other species. We also are uniquely privileged to be home to the world's largest octopus species, which lives in the region from Campbell River down to Seattle.

Harbour History

The northwest industrial waterfront of the City of Victoria Harbour, approximately 35 acres, was named the “Songhees’ after the aboriginal people who gathered there to trade with the Hudson Bay Company Fort built in March of 1843. The Provincial Government of British Columbia purchased the land from the residents and gave them larger tracts of land in the Esquimalt Harbour area in about 1908. The Province then developed the land between the railway and the harbour for industrial use.

Original Songhees Masterplan, including world-class marina component

The original Songhees plan created by the city and province was illustrated with a three dimensional model. subsequently all harbour plans, official community plans, have depended on the marina complex to provide a community center ambiance.

At the end of the 1970’s, the outer harbour land known as the Songhees lands was used entirely for industrial and waste purposes. In 1982-1984, the BC Government developed a concept to reclaim the area for upscale housing, parks and marine recreation. In consultation with the City of Victoria, general areas for condominium housing, hotels and a substantial marina were designated. A building design, guidance and approval committee was appointed by the City and the Province. The photograph above illustrates the three dimensional model of the Songhees area as it was planned in the mid 1980's by the Province and the City.

Robert Evans (2nd from right) at Songhees Lands sod turning ceremony

At the sod turning ceremony officials included Malcom Lyle Director, Provincial Government Ministers Terry Huberts, Bill Reid, R Evans President, and City Counselor Eric Simmons.

In 1986, Pacific National Investments Ltd. President Robert Evans agreed to purchase and develop the westerly 16 acres, which consisted of land that was being used for coal yards, a city garbage dump, rail yards, barge landing and a shingle mill.

The Province/City/Developer Agreement called for the developer to restore the environment and build parks, streets and a waterfront walkway on 60% of the land, which was then donated to the City. The remaining 40% was designated for six building sites, three of which would be integrated with a world class marina.

Pacific National Investments hired architects John Worden from San Francisco and Richard Hulbert of Vancouver, both internationally known for their waterfront projects, to work with Victoria architects Wagg & Hambleton. Hulbert’s other projects included building designs for the EXPO 86 site in Vancouver and the Gold Coast waterfronts in Australia. Wagg and Hamilton were successfull in designing a compatable combination of land, water, and building relationships for the Songhees area.

The team created the land, buildings and marina plans to incorporate the general directions of the Songhees Design Approval Committee that called for buildings of two to eight storeys that were complementary to the 'Old English' harbour ambience of Victoria with its five globe street lights, world famous Empress Hotel, the Parliament Buildings and Government Street.

Construction of the waterfront walkways, streets, parks and the first two residential buildings, the Royal Quays Condominiums adjacent to the marine lots, were completed in the summer of 1990. The curved stone-faced esplanade incorporated the municipal services and the surface access connections for the marina complex, fronting the park walkway and the Royal Quays residences.

The Songhees lands now contain condominiums and townhouses, completed and underway, that along with several projects across the water, will house approximately 7,000 residents. Five-star hotels are directly connected to the site by water taxis, the waterfront walkway and roads in a similar fashion to Vancouver’s False Creek/Yale Town/Granville Island format.

The missing component from the original plan is the international marina complex, with waterfront activities in this harbour area for Victoria residents and visitors. The Victoria International Marina will complete the Songhees waterfront vision commenced over 20 years ago.

The layout and scale of the marina has been altered over time as new ideas and information have become available. The size of the facility is now less than half of what was originally desired by the provincial and city planners. Expanded float plane use in the harbour and consideration for neighbouring residents has also influenced the scale and nature of the project.

Market conditions are now ideal for a world-class marina that can attract major economic benefits to the city as well as allow everyone to interact with the harbour in a facility that complements the neighbourhood and the city.

Questions

In the interests of public communication and education, Victoria International Marina is pleased to provide detailed information about issues such as environmental studies, wave attenuation, and the development approval process.

Frequently Asked Questions

A number of questions are asked regularly by people wishing to learn more about the marina project. You will find below, a Marina Frequently Asked Questions document answers many of the most common queries we receive.

Marina Frequently Asked Questions.pdf

Floatplane Concerns

A study on the effects of the VIM floating wave attenuators in relation to the floatplane taxi-/run-way corridors, commercial and recreational boating traffic, and marine infrastructure on the southern shore by ASL Environmental Sciences Ltd is provided below.

wave attenuation report.doc

An opinion letter regarding the impact of the wave attenuator from McNeal & Associates, aviation consultants is provided below.

McNeal & Associates Letter re. wave refraction.pdf

Victoria International Marina’s Traffic and Communication Plan, put together by expert aviation consultant McNeal & Associates, is provided below.

X-Report-Final-CommunicationPlanReportMarch 3,2008.pdf