No, the old Women’s Institute heritage hall has not been sold – but it is still for sale for nearly $1.5 million.
And it’s that real estate listing that has some people in Saanich and beyond worried about what will happen to the building once it’s sold.
Black Press Media has received a flurry of inquiries from people claiming that the property at 4516 West Saanich Rd. – built in 1911 – was recently sold, but the company handling the listing, Avison Young, says that’s not true.
Terri Wilson is one of those people concerned about the future of this historic building.
“I’m glad it hasn’t sold yet,” Wilson said after being told the property was still for sale. “We’re worried about what’s going to happen with it. I don’t want to see it turned into some kind of fast-food joint. We’re losing our heritage and we hope whoever buys the property won’t change it and try and demolish it.”
Another resident who had called in to Black Press was concerned by a line in the listing: “The property is well suited to a variety of owner-occupiers with potential for future redevelopment, subject to restrictions imposed by its heritage designation.”
Wilson is skeptical of how strong those restrictions are when it comes to changes.
“We’ve seen those restrictions fail before,” she said.
This is the first time on the market for the historic building, which sits on .25 acres and measures 5,103 square feet. The listing has been up for a couple of weeks.
“This property and community hall was constructed for the Women’s Institute by the community, with local donations, under the direction of contractor Robert Hetherington in 1911,” reads a post on the Avison Young website. “Title has been held by the Royal Oak Women’s Institute since 1931. The Hall stands as a reminder of early social values in Saanich and continues to be occupied and managed by the Royal Oak Women’s Institute with assorted short-term tenancies in place. While the Royal Oak Women’s Institute is moving on, this iconic property comes to the market to create new legacies and opportunities. The property is well suited to a variety of owner-occupiers with potential for future redevelopment or added density, subject to restrictions imposed by its heritage designation.”
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