New operators being eyed as Oak Bay Marina lease expires soon

At this week’s committee of the whole meeting, the District of Oak Bay discussed the future of Oak Bay Marina. 

During the meeting, held on Monday, June 15th, two presentations were given on what the future could hold for the Oak Bay Marina located at Turkey Head, also known as Spewhung Point.

Following three months of community engagement on what to do with the Turkey Head site, with a focus on the marina operator, two proposals were submitted. 

One was from the current operator, the Oak Bay Marine Group (OBMG), while the other was from Xhamasung Holdings, a company which is jointly owned between Songhees Nation and Esquimalt Nation (Xwsepsum).

The information presented by these two groups was not part of a formal proposal, but rather to inform council and the public of their respective visions for the marina. 

OBMG’s proposal focused on an improved waterfront experience. 

“OBGM has had the privilege of operating the marina for over six decades,” said Brook Castelsky, CEO of OBMG. 

“Our approach is grounded in operational excellence, financial and environmental responsibility and respect for our crew, community and the ocean.”

The company would like to see improved public spaces, increased pedestrian accessibility, sustainability and an improved cultural atmosphere.

They also proposed a revitalized restaurant with more outdoor seating and a sauna and wellness centre. For the sauna, they proposed HAVN as a proponent, who operate a floating sauna in Victoria’s Inner Harbour. The alternative would be a land-based wellness centre. 

District staff did note that the restaurant, parking lot and surrounding buildings were not a part of the portion of the marina under consideration at this time. The only applicable portions of the site are the water lot and two associated marina sales and service buildings. 

After a marina operator has been chosen, the auxiliary buildings and parking lot would be considered at a future date. 

Xhamasung Holdings’ proposal focused on Indigenous ownership and economic reconciliation.

They spoke of the history of Spewhung Point, and its significance to the lək̓ʷəŋən Peoples. It remains a place of deep cultural significance to both First Nations. 

“This place has sustained our people for generations,” said Chief Jerome Thomas of the Esquimalt Nation. 

“Archeological evidence tells us there was once a village site here and shell middens along the shoreline reminds us that families gathered, harvested and lived on these waters over many centuries.”

Chief Thomas also stated that this is not simply another waterfront property, it is a place with meaning and his hope is that the District considers that when deciding the operator.

Their proposal would support a lease that would run through until 2052, when the District’s existing water lot lease expires, and expressed interest in purchasing the docks for the marina. 

Xhamasung Holdings’ vision is a reimagined, renamed Spewhung Point Marina. 

They want the space to become a “culturally grounded waterfront hub” with a spotlight on Indigenous art, language and food.

The company also envisions community gathering spaces, seasonal markets and public events taking place at the site. 

The Oak Bay council did not make a decision on Monday, as the presentations were meant to provide broad information so the public could imagine what the future might hold for the marina. 

Council will consider the proposals after they have been formally submitted as they relate to the portion of the marina being considered at this time.