Once there was the Cambie Esquimalt, then the Cask & Keg liquor store and soon the Gateway will move into 858 Esquimalt Road in Esquimalt’s West Bay Village.
That plot of land was first home to a watering hole called the Halfway House beginning in 1860. It continued its life as a pub and a place where weary heads could lay in Esquimalt for over 150 years as the Cambie and the Esquimalt Inn, before becoming the Cask & Keg which closed its doors in 2022.
Late last year, the building that was built by settlers in 1859, was torn down to make way for a new multi-purpose building that will feature businesses and residential opportunities.
The Township of Esquimalt saw the potential in the land and approved rezoning for a retail and residential development in accordance with their West Bay Local Area Plan.
PC Urban is developing with architects WA Architecture handling the design and Fiera Real Estate taking the reins on marketing, sales and rental opportunities.
The developer says that upon completion, this property will revitalize the neighbourhood and provide vibrancy and sustainability to the West Bay area.
The building will include nearly 200 new condos that will be available as rental properties, purpose-built for families with access to outdoor living space and amenities on the rooftop and ground-level which will include recreation and pet-friendly spaces and gardens.
As part of the rezoning agreement, PC Urban will be aiding in developing Esquimalt road with fresh landscaping and boulevard widening. They are also trying to bring transportation options to the area with a potential deal with a carsharing company to have vehicles always available for residents and public use.
In addition to the carsharing deal in the works the building is situated along an arterial bus route on Esquimalt Road and easy access to bike lanes which connect to Victorias all ages and abilities cycling network. For commuters, every residence will have access to bicycle storage and parking.
The Cask & Keg will be returning to the property in the ground-level retail spaces with over 4,500 square feet of space and one other retail space will be available with over 2,000 square feet of space. What will move into the second commercial space is still to be determined.
A ground-breaking ceremony will be held on Thursday, February 9th at 11 a.m. featuring Esquimalt Mayor, Barbara Desjardins.
