Lawsuit filed and request for funds to support
On July 3, 2025, the City of Victoria approved the rezoning for the Bayview Place II nine-tower development that surrounds the E&N Roundhouse in Vic West by amending the Official Community Plan Bylaw.
The E&N Roundhouse is one of the last surviving roundhouses in Canada with its associated rail yard, turntable, and shops intact (six buildings in total). It was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1992 by Parks
Canada who also issued a Commemorative Integrity Statement for it. It anchors the Vic West community, symbolising Victoria’s industrial and transport history.
We believe this decision violates the Official Community Plan Bylaw, heritage
standards and guidelines and conservation policies that are supposed to protect
one of the city’s most important heritage sites. The decision also impacts property
values and neighbourhood liveability for those closest to the project.
The Roundhouse is under threat after the Mayor and seven Councillors approved,
with dissenting (Hammond and Gardner) 9 high-rise towers up to at least 32 storeys
that will surround and obscure it. The Heritage Advisory Panel to the City Council
turned the project down outright. The Advisory Design Panel to the City Council
was broadly cautionary and critical, expressed concern about the scale, massing,
and number of towers proposed and noted its adverse impact both visually and in
terms of heritage setting.
So that’s why we have filed a class action lawsuit in the BC Supreme Court.
On behalf of all Victoria residents, we are seeking recognition of the loss of
community heritage value.
On behalf of nearby residents within 200 metres, we are seeking
compensation for property value loss, construction impacts, and loss of
amenity.
What Our Lawsuit Alleges
The claim, filed at the Victoria Registry of the BC Supreme Court, alleges that:
The City approved the OCP Amendment Bylaw in breach of its obligations
under the Official Community Plan, heritage standards and guidelines and
related conservation policies.
The City disregarded warnings from experts, advisory bodies, and residents
about heritage impacts.
The City relied on inaccurate or incomplete information.
The approval amounted to misfeasance in public office and created a
public nuisance affecting both the wider community and immediate
neighbours.
These allegations have been made in a legal proceeding and will be
adjudicated by the court. We emphasise that the allegations are unproven at
this stage and form part of our argument before the court.
Our Goal
We are raising $45,00 to cover the initial costs of this legal action, including: legal
fees and court costs, expert reports on heritage and property impacts, filing fees,
transcripts, disbursements and other necessary litigation expenses.
If sufficient funds in support of this legal action are not raised, the case will be
discontinued, and any donations will be refunded less the GoFundMe payment
processing fee of 2.9%. To receive any refund contributors must include their name
and contact details.
Why This Campaign Matters
The Roundhouse is one of Victoria’s most important heritage sites. Allowing high-rise
towers to overshadow and diminish it is not just a planning mistake, it’s a permanent
loss to Victoria’s identity and foreshadows how the city will go if we do nothing. We
care about protecting Victoria’s heritage and ensuring that planning decisions
respect the City’s own binding commitments to the community.
How You Can Help
1. Donate as every contribution strengthens our case.
2. Share this campaign with your friends, neighbours, and networks.
3. Stand with us to protect the Roundhouse and hold the City accountable.