History of 1322 Rockland                                                                    May 2009


“Schuhuum,” the Native word for “windy spot,” was built by W. Ridgeway Wilson in 1894 for Hewitt Bostock, owner of the The Province newspaper. In 1925, McClure designed the coach porch for his client William Agnew. His daughter, Kathleen Agnew, who was a devout church member, remained in the home with her three servants. She donated her large 2.1 acre property in 1950 to the Anglican Church Women (ACW) to house about twenty five senior citizens. It was a generous gift, not just to the ACW, but also to the Rockland community and the city. Her gift preserved this signature historic property for a half century as a tax-exempt Anglican Church property dedicated to non-profit residential housing for senior citizens.

The ACW received public funds to upgrade services provided on the premises and successfully operated the care-home until 1998. At that point, the B.C. Government withdrew financial support and the ACW ceased operation in 1999.

The ACW leased the property to the “Baron of Beaverton” for $1.00 per year for 99 years. The relatives of Kathleen Agnew were not consulted in this and learned of the change only when they read the Portland Oregonian report on the lease. Federal Government Revenue Ministry standards required that the property be sold or leased at current market value, but although the church was advised, no enforcement followed.

Subsequently, the ACW sued the “Baron” and a settlement was negotiated. The Baron lived on the property tax free for some period before Mayor Lowe wrote the Bishop to determine if there was a change of use. The property then lost its tax exemption and was taxed as a single-family dwelling.

In 2002, an application for a large, for-profit, assisted living for seniors complex was submitted to the City of Victoria.  The proposal process was never completed.

In 2003, the present owner purchased the property as two separate titles: Parcel A (the Mansion sited on 2 acres of land) and Lot 2 (Royal Terrace). The initial proposal for the property, which did not materialize, was for a care-home similar to the 2002 proposal.

In April, 2005, a rezoning which would increase the density from the currently permitted 7 townhouses to 46 apartment/townhouse units was tabled by Council. Council instructed the applicant to return with plans which “better reflect the guidelines of the Rockland Neighbourhood Plan.” Subsequent plans for 28, 22, & 29 condo/townhouse combinations appeared during the following three-year period. The last plan was withdrawn early in 2008.

As can be seen from the above, all stakeholders - Council, the owner, developers, residents and the Rockland Neighbourhood Association - have  deliberated over the development of this signature property in the heart of our community.

In closing, it should be pointed out that Rockland’s small footprint is occupied by only 3,565 residents (2006 census). Since our Rockland Neighbourhood Plan was developed, the composition of the community has changed significantly. Today we accommodate Government House, a Friary, three churches, the Art Gallery, Langham Theatre, over fifteen bed & breakfasts, three senior rest-homes, two supportive housing projects, one daycare, condominium developments, and numerous historical mansions, each with four to eleven rental apartments. Contrary to popular belief, Rockland’s resident population has more renters than single-family occupants. We are an integrated residential single/multiple family neighbourhood, according to our plan.

We are a historical neighbourhood, providing public access to our historical mansions with a wonderful urban forest, yet having only a tiny park space. It is our understanding that the residents of Rockland would like to retain the existing ambience of our neighbourhood.

Please give some thought to our future, formulate your statements and questions for the information meeting on May 13th, and come and make your opinion known.
 
Zoning and Land Use Information

The property is currently zoned R-N-2 Rockland Residential Nursing Home District.

The Permitted Uses are

A.    All of the uses permitted in the R1-A Rockland Single Family Dwelling  District
B.    Nursing Homes subject to the following regulations

i)    the uses carried on in a building constructed prior to 1985
ii)    notwithstanding Clause (i) an addition of up to 269.42 sq. M may be added to    the building or structure after 1985

"Nursing Home" means a facility where regular care or supervision is given by a health care professional as well as assistance with the performance of the personal functions and activities necessary for daily living for persons such as the aged or chronically ill who are unable to perform them efficiently for themselves.

One of the permitted uses in R1-A is a Rest Home Class “B.”

“Rest homes - Class B means a facility in which food, lodging and care are provided with or without charge to more than two but not more than twenty persons, other than members of the operator’s family, who, on account of age, infirmity or their physical, mental or psychiatric condition, are given personal care, but does not include a facility in which persons are detained as prisoners pursuant to judicial process, or a facility in which persons are treated for alcohol or drug addiction.”


The terms Rest Home and Nursing Home are no longer in use by the Province and VIHA.

Two types of Residential Care licensed by VIHA are described in the Community Care and Assisted Living Act as:

b) Mental Health and Substance Use, being residential care for persons who are in care primarily due to a mental disorder, substance dependence or both:

c) Long Term Care, being residential care for persons with chronic or progressive conditions, primarily due to the aging process:

It is the belief of City of Victoria officials that the intended use with the proposal by VIHA is permitted under the R-N-2 zoning.