In 2006, Oak Bay celebrated its centenary as a municipality.

"Although part of Greater Victoria, Oak Bay retains a distinct ambience, enhanced by the spectacular natural setting. Ringed by the Olympic Mountains to the south, and the Coast Range to the east, Oak Bay offers beautiful vistas for residents and visitors alike.

Historically, the First Peoples in the area were attracted by the bounties of the seashore and the indigenous Garry Oak meadow. With the arrival of the Hudson's Bay Company explorers in 1843, the attractions of southern Vancouver Island led to the establishment of Fort Victoria. All the land east of the fort was set aside for fur trading and farming. Eventually, there activities gave way to seaside cottage, hotels, and later, residential development. Fortunately, many of these early homes have been lovingly preseerved as an excellent record of Oak Bay's architectural history.

It was not until a little over one hundred years ago, in 1906, that the Corporation of the District of Oak Bay was created. The official motto, Sub Querqu Felicitas, or, "Happily Under The Oaks" aptly describes the thriving community of Oak Bay." (Excerpted from "Oak Bay British Columbia in Photographs")

In this section of the Heritage Oak Bay web site, uncover more of Oak Bay's history, witness the passage of time as you compare photographs of Oak Bay then & now, look at Oak Bay from a child's eyes and more.



The first official letterhead of the Corporation of the District of Oak Bay,
designed by Francis Rattenbury, c. 1906