Densifying Victoria's skyline
Date
2025
Authors
Andrews, Janet
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Volume Title
Publisher
University of Victoria
Abstract
The regulation of building heights has played a significant role in the history of urban planning and remains a contentious issue in contemporary urban politics. As the capital of British Columbia, Victoria has long resisted calls to increase building heights in contrast to cities like Vancouver. Yet recent developments have seen Victoria’s skyline increasingly shift upwards as the city seeks to address the housing crisis. Designed by a Vancouver-based developer, the proposed One Victoria Place would bring the ethos of what planning theorists call “Vancouverism” to downtown Victoria’s Business Sector Zone. Although One Victoria Place is yet to be approved, the 35-story building has set a baseline for Victoria’s skyline. If approved, the building will be the tallest on Vancouver Island. “Vancouverism” prioritizes high-rise urban development and is influenced by the natural environment surrounding Vancouver. Using One Victoria Place as a case study, the following infographic highlights how “Vancouverism” is coming into the development of Victoria’s downtown core; exploring community input and how it will influence Victoria’s skyline.
Description
Keywords
densification, Vancouverism, buildings, Victoria, urban design, architecture, urban development, skyline