The owner of a historically significant Oak Bay house designed by architects Francis Rattenbury and Samuel Maclure will be at council tonight seeking approval to demolish the house.
The two-and-a-half story stone house at 599 Island Road was built in 1909 for Dr. Oswald Meredith Jones, B.C.’s preeminent surgeon, according to historian Stuart Stark’s Statement of Significance. The house is on the Community Heritage Register. The all stone construction is rare and the slate roof is one of three remaining in Oak Bay.
Council approved proposed renovations to the home last year, but after the owner started construction, they determined that the home is not built to seismic code. Citing that reason, the owner wishes to demolish the home.
The Heritage Commission and municipal staff do not support the request due to the historical value of the home. Staff’s recommendation to council is to deny the application.
Also on the agenda tonight is the first, second, and third reading of the bylaw amendment that would allow portable stoves and barbecues on the beaches in Oak Bay.
Council will also address a development permit application to construct a storage area for small watercraft at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club.
The council meeting begins at 7 p.m. at Oak Bay Municipal Hall.
keri.coles@oakbaynews.com
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