HERITAGE OAK BAY: In the Spotlight

From time to time, Heritage Oak Bay highlights
some of the best heritage sites Oak Bay has to offer.

"Bongate", at 1159 Beach Drive was the home of the William Edgar Oliver family. Oliver was the first Reeve (Mayor) of Oak Bay after its incorporation in 1906. The rock retaining walls were part of the extensive gardens surrounding the estate, which also included a fresh water swimming pool built by Oliver and his gardeners. In 1928 the 7 acre estate was subdivided to build the Oak Bay Beach Hotel. "Bongate" was demolished to build the Hampshire House apartments in the early 1960's. The old Oak Bay Beach Hotel has been demolished and is currently being redeveloped. This has seen the remaining rock gardens and swimming pool demolished for the new hotel complex.

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