Two local companies have been contracted to take on the restoration of Wharf Street’s storied retaining wall.
The historic structure was once a part of the original Hudson’s Bay warehouse in Victoria and was originally constructed over 160 years ago.
The warehouse was torn down a few years after the sale of the Hudson’s Bay property, following the 1858 gold rush, but the retaining wall has endured.
Now, the City of Victoria has contracted local firms Heritage Masonry and Herold Engineering to apply their know-how in traditional craftsmanship and modern conservation science in order to preserve its original character, while ensuring it remains structurally sound.
Through the restoration efforts, the two firms have installed three public information panels along the site—each exploring a different theme: history, technology and tradition. On each sign there is a QR code that can be scanned so passers by can learn something about the wall.
“The site has always drawn attention, especially with all the stories and myths about tunnels in the area,” says Gavin Chamberlain of Heritage Masonry.
“We wanted to give people a way to learn about what we’re doing and why it matters.”
Through their work to restore the Wharf Street wall, the team is doing their best to approach the project with a historic interpretation of masonry practices.
One example of this is that the former beam pockets of the long-demolished Hudson’s Bay Warehouse have been infilled with intentionally different brick to preserve the visible outline of the wall’s past.
Additionally, ornamental stone elements that have been discovered inside the wall during the restoration are being preserved and will be thoughtfully displayed at street level upon completion.
Heritage Masonry is renowned throughout Vancouver Island for their expertise in historical restoration and traditional stonework. This was displayed through their efforts to build a culturally significant welcome sign for the Victoria Scottish Community Centre, as well as via other projects.
