Why We’re Raising Funds

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).

• 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 two 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 lawsuit in the BC Supreme Court and we will seek certification as a class action:

• On behalf of all Victoria residents, we are seeking recognition of the loss of community heritage value.

• On behalf of nearby residents within some 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.

The full Notice of Civil Claim is available in the Facebook discussion group <StopBayviewRezoning> https://www.facebook.com/groups/2042420195916788

NB. 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 $45,000. 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.

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.