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What about Homes, Townhouses, or Condos for Sale in James Bay
James Bay a close to the downtown core little Peninsula surrounded by water was like so many areas in Victoria formerly used by the Indians and then by the white settlers as farm land before being further developed; it was so named after the Hudson Bay Company factor James Douglas who is considered by many to be the founder of Victoria. Douglas brought in cattle, horses and seed, and the Company's cows browsed where now the Law Courts stand. The Indians thought the cattle a conveniently docile species of deer until public whippings restrained their hunting ardour.
By the late 1800's James Bay had already become very popular as a residential area. There were 26 homes on Menzies Street between Bellevue and Dallas Road, most of them with large grounds. Usually there were only two houses to a block. Among residents were John A. Kerr, Wm. McDowell, Captain J. J. Irving, H. A. Rudge, Frederick Elworthy, Thomas Trounce who was responsible for Trounce Alley, Timothy Tobin, Captain D. Urquhart and Theodore Davie whose first wife was Blanche Baker of Saanich; she was only 14 when he married her. In 1970, Premier Robson's house, built in 1885 at the northwest corner of Michigan and Government Streets and next to it the house of his son-in-law and daughter Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Hunter, were being used as government offices. Robson, a compulsive talker, was the powerful boss "axeman" of politics in his time.
An 800-foot long James Bay bridge (on the site of the present Causeway) was built in 1859. Maintenance seems to have been substandard: a piledriver and four men fell through the rotten planking nine years later. Before the bridge was built, passage from Government Street to the three or four houses in James Bay meant walking (in winter wading), or riding the trail skirting the mud flats where the Church of Our Lord now stands on Humboldt Street. For many years tides came right up to the Church. The old bridge from Johnson Street to the Indian Reserve was removed in 1860 thus enabling the waterfront mooring area to be extended. Many wharves went in. The first Parliament Buildings were put up in this period. They have remained an economic mainstay of Victoria ever since.
Today, James Bay is one of the most coveted residential areas of Victoria due mainly to it's close proximity to the downtown core, Beacon Hill Park, the Dallas waterfront, amenities like Fisherman's Wharf that is also a major tourist draw, and the many conveniences and attractions this area has to offer. Housing in James bay tends to be of an older character type on smaller lots but of a lower quality and maintenance standard than what you might find in Oak Bay or even Fairfield mixed with low rise and high rise multi family rental and condominium buildings. The demographics consist of a more liberal and somewhat eclectic mix of provincial government employees, retirees, artists, and professional.
Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for Sale on MLS® in James Bay of Victoria
This beautifully renovated home blends modern sophistication with cozy charm. The main level features a gourmet kitchen, spacious living and dining areas, a handy powder ...
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 974908 MLS
Courtesy of RE/MAX Camosun
Experience a concrete and steel condominium in the core of James Bay. An open layout with floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the interior with natural West facing light....
- 1 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 975257 MLS
- The Vicino Bldg.
Courtesy of Coldwell Banker Oceanside Real Estate
Bright and inviting two-bedroom, two-bathroom corner unit on the 10th floor of Orchard House in James Bay! This home offers sweeping views over downtown Victoria, the Par...
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 975899 MLS
- Orchard House Bldg.
Courtesy of Sutton Group West Coast Realty
Welcome to Mulholland House! This impeccably kept 3-level 1903 heritage home located in highly sought after James Bay was completely renovated in 2021. Located minutes on...
- 5 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 975698 MLS
Courtesy of The Agency
Priced BELOW BC Assessment - Steps from the BC Legislature, Capital Park Residences an extensively-landscaped secure community built by two of Victoria’s most respected d...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 975628 MLS
Courtesy of RE/MAX Camosun
Perched on the 21st floor overlooking the Juan De Fuca Strait, Olympic Mountains, and 183 acres of dedicated park space at Beacon Hill, the views from this Orchard House ...
- 1 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 973324 MLS
- Orchard House Bldg.
Courtesy of Clover Residential Ltd.
Welcome to Capital Park Residences! One Bedroom plus Den Unit! Master-plan community brought to you by award winning Concert & Jawl Properties. Situated in the heart of V...
- 1 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 975514 MLS
Courtesy of Day Team Realty Ltd
Enjoy views to the outer harbour and the sunsets from this spacious 2 bedroom/2 bath southwest facing unit. Approx. 1240 sq. ft. with generous sized living and dining roo...
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 975435 MLS
- Laurel Point Bldg.
Courtesy of Newport Realty Ltd.
Welcome to one of Victoria’s finest penthouses, w/over 4000sq. ft. of luxury living & incredible 360 degree views from the Inner Harbour to the Olympic Mts.! The secured ...
- 2 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 970443 MLS
- Shoal Point Bldg.
Courtesy of Sotheby's International Realty Canada
Welcome to Shoal Point, Victoria's most prestigious condo residence! This spacious 1 bed+den features two west-facing balconies, ideal for enjoying beautiful sunsets, wat...
- 1 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 975349 MLS
- Shoal Point Bldg.
Courtesy of Newport Realty Ltd.
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