Envision the Future

The Capital Regional Hospital District (CRHD) is responsible for a comprehensive planning and public consultation process for the future use of the former Oak Bay Lodge property at 2251 Cadboro Bay Road. Working with the community to envision the future use of the property is a priority for the CRHD. This project presents an important opportunity to identify and address the growing healthcare needs for the region.

In 2021 the CRHD completed two rounds of community consultation on the future use of the Oak Bay Lodge property. Island Health also completed a functional program of the site in 2021. The priorities identified were a community hub with a focus on seniors' care including community health services, long-term care housing, alternative assisted living, hospice and respite, adult day programming, restorative health, and primary care network spaces.

Building on the functional program developed in 2021, Island Health issued a request for proposals for an Oak Bay Lodge Economic Feasibility Study in January 2024. This study will identify services suitable to relocate to the Oak Bay site and undertake a financial analysis of new development and non-Island Health services, providing recommendations on next steps based on the study outcomes.

Study outcomes will also be shared with each organization Board. Approval from the Island Health Board, the Ministry of Health and the Capital Regional Hospital District Board are key to the redevelopment of the Oak Bay site.

A third round of community engagement may be undertaken prior to submission of a development proposal to the District of Oak Bay. The District of Oak Bay is responsible for the review and approval of any rezoning applications for the site. The community will have an opportunity for feedback again at this stage through the District of Oak Bay.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of the Capital Regional Hospital District?

  • The CRHD is responsible for providing the local share of capital funding for healthcare infrastructure in the region.
  • Working with Island Health, the CRHD supports a healthy region by investing in healthcare services and capital strategic priorities:
    • Upgrades and renewal of existing health facilities and medical equipment to meet changing service requirements and prolong the economic life of buildings;
    • Replacement of existing buildings that have reached the end of their economic and functional life; and
    • New projects and expansion of existing facilities to meet increasing demand for healthcare services.
  • As the owner of the Oak Bay Lodge property, the CRHD is responsible for leading a comprehensive planning and consultation process for its future use.

What is going to happen to this property?

  • The first priority for the Capital Regional Hospital District (CRHD) is to ensure that the future use of the property is aligned with our organization’s core mandate, which is to develop and improve healthcare facilities in the Capital Regional District in partnership with Island Health.
  • The CRHD is committed to a comprehensive planning and consultation process designed to better understand community interests related to the property. There were two rounds of public consultation to seek feedback on the future use of the property.
  • Round One took place between January 6 – February 4, 2021 and Round Two took place between July 8 and August 6, 2021, with online open houses, discussion guides and feedback forms providing the opportunity for community input.

Why is the building being demolished?

  • As part of a review of the existing building at the Oak Bay Lodge site, the CRHD concluded the building is beyond its useful life and is exploring the potential redevelopment of the site.
  • This was publicly reported to the Capital Regional Hospital Board in September 2020 and formed the basis for the approval of a comprehensive planning and consultation process.
  • Demolition of the existing property is necessary for any future use of the property. The property is currently undergoing abatement and a request for a demolition permit will be submitted to the District of Oak Bay in Fall 2021. 

What is the timeline for this development?

Considering the feedback it has received from the community consultation, the CRHD will continue to advance options and discussions with Island Health ahead of finalizing the redevelopment concept. The CRHD will be in a better position to update the timeline for redevelopment when these discussions are concluded. 

What opportunities do people have to provide input?

The community consultation process for the future use of the former Oak Bay Lodge property has now been completed.

Project information including the Round One consultation summary report is readily available on this web page (under Resources).

For those who do not have internet access or are not comfortable with using online formats, we also have paper copies that can be requested and sent by mail. 

Could the site be used to address urgent housing priorities in the future?

  • It is the intention of the CRHD to ensure the future use of the property is aligned with our mandate to develop and improve healthcare facilities in the CRD in partnership with Island Health.
  • Other potential uses could be explored after exhausting all healthcare options at the property, including the potential of affordable housing.
  • It is important to remember that the CRHD and Island Health do not provide housing services, but could consider partnering with a third-party as part of a future mixed-use redevelopment proposal that would be submitted for rezoning to the District of Oak Bay.

What role does Oak Bay have in this process?

  • The District of Oak Bay is responsible for the review and approval of any rezoning applications for the Oak Bay Lodge property. If you have questions about their review and approval processes, please contact the District directly.

Where did all the seniors who lived at Oak Bay Lodge go?

  • The majority of the residents of Oak Bay Lodge have successfully transitioned into the new 320-bed residential care facility The Summit at Quadra Village.
  • The Summit is a state-of-the-art long-term care facility that serves seniors who have dementia or complex care needs. The Summit was built to replace the aging Oak Bay Lodge and Mount Tolmie care homes.

Why is the consultation process taking place now during COVID-19?

  • The CRHD is committed to the safety and well-being of all of the region’s residents and continues to follow the advice of the Provincial Health Officer.
  • All public engagement opportunities have been carefully planned with all appropriate consideration for the public health advice around COVID-19.
  • The two-round CRHD consultation process for the future use of the Oak Bay Lodge property is based on safe engagement practices, including online open houses and online feedback forms. This process will not only be safe, but will encourage more people to participate.