Do business here.

Lekwungen Territory

Esquimalt is the home of the Lək̓ʷəŋən (Lekwungen) people, known today as the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations. The Lək̓ʷəŋən People have hunted and gathered here for thousands of years. This area, with its temperate climate, natural harbours, and rich resources, was a trading centre for a diversity of First Peoples. When Captain James Douglas anchored off of Clover Point in 1842, he saw the result of the Lək̓ʷəŋən People’s careful land management, such as controlled burning and food cultivation. These practices were part of the land and part of Lək̓ʷəŋən culture. (Source: Songhees Nation)

17,500

residents

43

average age of residents

$60,424

median household income

Top fields of study:

  • Social & behavioural sciences, law

  • Business, management & public administration

  • Business, management, marketing

  • Architecture, engineering

  • Health & related professions

    *Data from Statistics Canada, 2016 Census Data

Business Resources

901 Esquimalt Road

  • 901 Esquimalt Road, within the West Bay Landing mixed-use building at the intersection of Head Street and Esquimalt Road.

  • 1,142 square feet

  • $28.00 per sq. ft.

  • A great opportunity to lease a high-traffic corner location.

    The space benefits from a covered entryway and great street front exposure on to Esquimalt & Head St. Large floor to ceiling windows on both sides let abundant natural light into the space & there is patio potential for a café/restaurant user.

    The c2 zoning allows for a wide variety of uses and there are great signage opportunities.Several large-scale buildings are in various stages of development & this area of Esquimalt is poised for significant growth with this location at center ice.Hundreds of residential units are within a moment’s walk as well as a commercial plaza where the new primary care facility is located.

    The area draws customers from not only Esquimalt but from across the city.The building was recently painted and the exterior is receiving upgrades to lighting, signage, & new awnings in 2022.

    The landlords are looking for a creative, community-minded tenant to contribute to the vitality of this great neighbourhood.

775 Lampson

102-517 Gore

Commercial Opportunities

  • Unit 775 Lampson Street in the industrial neighbourhood of Esquimalt.

  • 0.23 Ac

  • $18.00 per sq. ft.

  • Economical bulk warehousing opportunity. +/- 10,000 square feet with office/lunchroom. Gross rent with reasonable annual escalations. Currently set up with several large climate controlled spaces with grow lighting. Ideally suited for specialist growing operation. One overhead door 12'x12'. Subsub Lease to 30th August 2027. Bring your ideas! (id:1937)

  • Unit 102-517 Gore Street in the West Bay area of Esquimalt.

  • 680 square feet

  • $2,250 per month

  • Rare opportunity to lease a street level walk-in, commercially zoned, live/work unit in the brand new and iconic Westbay Quay development. Nestled in a quiet neighbourhood mere steps away from the inner harbour and boardwalk. The live/work designation allows for a number of different commercial uses within the space including but not limited to personal service, business and professional office, and home occupation. A rare opportunity to operate your business/practice out of the front room while still allowing for privacy in the main bedroom and living area of the space. The Tenant shall be responsible for water, electricity, cable, and telephone. The property also includes +/-280 square foot private patio area, 1 secured underground parking stall, 31 covered visitor stalls, 1 large storage locker, additional storage rooms for bike and kayak storage, and 5 open parking stalls directly in front of the space.

1235 Esquimalt Road

  • 1235 Esquimalt Road within the Town Square development.

  • 33,143 square feet total - see listing for more details

  • Various prices

  • This new commercial building comprising approximately 28,000 SF of Class A office space, offering four floors above the new Esquimalt Public Library, is part of a comprehensive development with multifamily residential and exceptional public areas. 1235 Esquimalt Road will be developed to the highest quality providing exceptional employee comfort and efficiency. The building will be ready for fixturing mid 2020.

400 Head

Get your space listed here!

  • 400 Head Street in the West Bay area within Lapis 6.

  • 1,098 square feet

  • $30.00 per sq. ft.

  • The Westbay Quay development features 85 residential units and 7 commercial strata units along Head Street. The mixed use project will promote “forward living” at the heart of a thriving neighborhood with beautiful amenities and marina access.

    The 'Lapis' Building contains 6 commercial strata units and 8 live-work units. The 'Topaz' Building contains 66 residences and live-work units.

    The 'Lapis' Building contains 6 commercial strata units and 8 live-work units.

    The 'Topaz' Building contains 66 residences and live-work units.

    The 'Sapphire' Building contains 7 luxury residences and 1 commercial strata unit.

Do you have a commercial space available for lease? Contact us to get your unit listed.

Listings are provided for informational purposes only. The Chamber provides no guarantee of their accuracy, and information is subject to change.

Visit listing link for up-to-date information and contact the agent for details.

Strategic Location

Located on the tip of the largest island on the Pacific coast, Victoria is the southernmost major city in Western Canada. Access Vancouver and Seattle quickly and easily with a wide range of transportation options, all within the same time zone. Travel between downtown centres can take as little as 35 minutes by float plane to Vancouver and 45 minutes to Seattle, making same-day meetings possible.

Serious Talent

Leverage experienced local talent to launch a business or build out a team. Our talent pool has been carefully fostered through one of the highest-ranked school systems in Canada. Local post-secondary institutions excel in innovation and technology-related teaching and research and are helping graduates integrate with local business through co-ops, incubators, accelerators and business centres. The region also benefits from the spillover effect of nearby tech hubs like Vancouver and Seattle.

Business Advantages

Benefit from newcomer-friendly immigration and visa programs designed to attract foreign talent and companies to our region. Our overall corporate tax rates are the most competitive in the G7. And a broad system of tax credits and incentives involving research and development, business investment and entrepreneurs support companies establishing a regional platform.

Better Affordability

Improve your bottom line, with business costs that are typically lower than Vancouver, Seattle or Silicon Valley. Operating costs like wages, utilities and commercial space tend to be lower, comparatively. Residential properties are also less expensive, making it feasible for employees to grow their families and call Greater Victoria home for the long run, resulting in a more stable workforce.

Attractive Lifestyle

Simply put, the mild climate and unsurpassed quality of life here is a huge incentive for people to stay in the region, which can help with employee retention. Shorter commutes and a multi-modal transit system make getting to work better and faster. Coffee shops, restaurants and craft breweries celebrate local ingredients and producers. After work and on weekends, the lively local cultural scene, outdoor recreational opportunities and family-friendly parks and services keep everyone busy and healthy.

5 Reasons to do Business Here

The South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP) is the economic development organization for Greater Victoria, located on BC’s West Coast. The organization comprises 50+ members, including ten local governments, seven First Nations, three post-secondary institutions, seven industry associations and non-profits, and more than 20 major employers.

Learn more about the region in the Invest Victoria Executive Summary.