The first rezoning submission for Victoria’s Arts and Innovation District by Reliance Properties will see a major mixed-use development on 6.7 acres of largely undeveloped land in Victoria Inner Harbour.

The proposal for Capital Iron Lands will incorporate the site’s three heritage buildings into a vibrant community with homes, live-work artist studios, a reopening of the landmark Capital Iron store, hundreds of new high-value job spaces, heavy and light industrial uses, institutions, and public outdoor and cultural amenities, including an extension of the waterfront walkway and a new public plaza adjacent to the proposed art gallery. The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria plans to relocate to the site.

“The Capital Iron Lands are underutilized with few job spaces, no homes and an inactive waterway. We designed a comprehensive smart-growth community that manifests Victoria’s 3.0 Vision of a ‘future-ready global influencer and innovator,’” said Reliance Properties CEO Jon Stovell. “Our proposal offers limitless economic growth potential and spinoff benefits that will ensure the district is unique, attractive and exciting for arts, innovation and entrepreneurship.”

Local company, Finest at Sea Ocean Products, is considering relocating to the Upper Harbour along most of Capital Iron Lands’ 400 feet of water frontage.

“We envision a move that helps revitalize the local fishing industry, including collaborating with First Nations groups, as our proposed water lot falls on traditional territory,” said Bob Fraumeni, owner of Finest at Sea.

The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria’s new home is envisioned to be a five-storey building.

“As a major public art museum in B.C., moving to a vibrant new space in a central district dedicated to arts and culture will create enhanced opportunities for Victoria residents and visitors to access our collections, programs and exhibitions,” said Nancy Noble, the AGGV’s CEO and director.