Article

Oak Bay

Published Online January 9, 2008

Last Edited March 4, 2015

Oak Bay, incorporated as a district municipality in 1906, population 18 015 (2011c), 17 908 (2006c). The District of Oak Bay is located on the southeast corner of VANCOUVER ISLAND, adjoining the city of VICTORIA. It is surrounded by JUAN DE FUCA STRAIT on the south and Haro Strait on the east.

Oak Bay, incorporated as a district municipality in 1906, population 18 015 (2011c), 17 908 (2006c). The District of Oak Bay is located on the southeast corner of VANCOUVER ISLAND, adjoining the city of VICTORIA. It is surrounded by JUAN DE FUCA STRAIT on the south and Haro Strait on the east.

Oak Bay has developed into a high-quality residential area and retirement community, and contains no large industries. It is governed by a mayor and 6 councillors, and shares some responsibility with the Capital Regional District.

A strong British influence can be seen and heard in the many tea shops, English-style buildings, English accents and private schools. The townscape includes many fine examples of British Columbia's grandest architectural era, including many residences designed by Francis M. RATTENBURY. Oak Bay also contains the oldest continuously occupied dwelling in western Canada - Tod House, built in 1851 for John Tod, a Hudson's Bay Company fur trader. Tod was also a member of the legislative council of Vancouver Island from 1851 to 1858. He bought 40 ha of land for his "Oak Bay Estates" and the name was eventually transferred to the municipality. The community is noted for its many Garry OAK trees. The most famous annual event is a giant tea party held in early June.