Council resolution is required to authorize alterations/renovations to the facade or exterior, as well as demolition which requires the removal of the Heritage Designation.  Applications will be referred to the Heritage Steering Committee, which will report back to Council with its recommendations within 30 days of referral.  Advice to the owner on alternative solutions may also be provided.

Restrictions

Once designation of a property is approved by Council, that status, along with its restrictions, passes automatically to future owner(s) upon change of ownership.

The British Columbia Local Government Act allows Municipal Council to designate heritage structures and to take whatever steps are necessary to preserve heritage properties. In Oak Bay, this means once a building or structure is designated, it cannot be demolished, the facade or exterior of a building may not be altered, and designated land cannot be built upon, without prior approval or resolution of Municipal Council.