PREVENT THE LOSS OF CHARACTER HOMES IN VICTORIA'S NEIGHBOURHOODS!

Don't let our character homes disappear like Vancouver's.

Sign our petition and show your support for our proposal to be presented to Victoria City Council. This initiative is being brought forward by concerned Victoria residents with the support of local neighbourhood associations, heritage advocates and other stakeholders.

As B.C. is known as one of the world's top real estate markets, our historical housing stock is at risk. Last year, demolition permits issued by the City for single-family and duplex dwellings increased by over 140%.

But it is not too late to act! "Victoria has what Vancouver is now missing: character homes that are still affordable to the middle-class buyer, minimal traffic, and a supply of tasteful housing stock, including some of the best heritage housing in the country." – Globe and Mail

Unless a character home in Victoria is heritage designated, the City is limited in its ability to protect these homes from ending up in the landfill. Preserving character homes not only protects the desirability, liveability, and uniqueness of established neighbourhoods for residents and visitors, it also ensures affordable housing in Victoria. In addition, keeping character homes out of our landfills should be a mandate of a city that is serious about being an environmental steward.  

In order to ensure Victoria’s character homes are better protected, we propose a solution to amend current by-laws with two over-arching goals:

1. Deterring property owners from demolishing character homes and sending high-value/non-renewable building materials (including old growth lumber) to the landfill.

2. Requiring a minimum standard of upkeep to protect a home from weather damage, thereby eliminating instances of "demolition by neglect."

Have your voice heard and support the protection of our beautiful Victoria neighbourhoods! Once these character homes are demolished, they are gone forever! Thank-you for your support.

To access a .pdf of our proposal that will be brought forward to City Council, click on: Proposal to Victoria City Council