Esquimalt/Victoria West
Located west of downtown and across the blue Johnson Street bridge, Esquimalt is home to the Pacific Fleet of the Canadian Navy. Originally the location of the British Royal Navy's pacific fleet, the area was built around naval life and shipbuilding. In 1912, Esquimalt was incorporated as a city. The neighbourhood is now a mix of character residences, apartments/condominiums and modern single family homes. Its central location and features such as the West Bay walkway, a boardwalk between Esquimalt and Victoria and the Gorge Vale Golf course make Esquimalt a desirable place to live.
Vic West offers many of Victoria's best condominuim buildings including Dockside Green, a LEED Platinum development, Bayview, and the numerous buildings in the Songhees district of Vic West. The Victoria International Marina, designed to accommodate luxury yachts (65-145 feet in length) is scheduled for completion in 2010. The project has been met with some opposition from the community including a few former mayors, however public consultation and hearings are not required as no rezoning is necessary to complete the project. The marina will offer public amenities such as a coffee house, restaurant, a kayak landing and a kayak overpass bridge to allow kayaks access through the marina.