Victoria, BC– The Capital Regional Hospital District (CRHD) is seeking community input on the future use of the Oak Bay Lodge property. The CRHD is responsible for a comprehensive planning and consultation process for the future use of the property, and the first round of consultation is now open for public participation.
“Working with the community to reimagine the future use of the property is a high priority project for the region,” said CRHD Board Chair Denise Blackwell. “We look forward to delivering a project that considers local input and places the individual at the centre of care, supporting our long term goal for an improved healthcare facility.”
The CRHD is planning two online open houses on January 21 and January 26, 2021 to outline elements of the project and seek input from the public on regional healthcare-related priorities for the property. This consultation period will run until February 4, 2021.
The CRHD has completed Phase 1 of an Environmental Site Assessment and Hazardous Materials Assessment, which supports the conclusion that demolition of the existing building is necessary for any future use of the property to proceed. The CRHD is in the process of applying to the District of Oak Bay for a permit to demolish the existing building. It is anticipated that this application will be submitted to the District in early 2021, and that upon approval, the remediation and demolition process could begin in early 2021 and would take 8-10 months.
Capital region residents are invited to visit www.crd.bc.ca/oakbaylodge to review the discussion guide, provide input through an online feedback form, and to sign up for the online open houses. Input from the public will be used to support planning efforts with partner agencies at Island Health to develop potential options for a second round of consultation, expected in the spring of 2021.
A corporation of the CRD, the Capital Regional Hospital District partners with Island Health and community stakeholder agencies to develop and improve healthcare facilities in the Region, including replacing buildings that have reached the end of their economic and functional life. Through capital and other community investments, the CRHD supports a healthy, vibrant and livable region for all citizens.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Andy Orr, Senior Manager
CRD Corporate Communications
Tel: 250.360.3229
Cell: 250.216.5492