Introduction
Known locally as Burnside-Gorge, this neighbourhood is a mixture of residential, light industry, motels and commercial operations, alongside the Selkirk Waterway. The north border is Tolmie Avenue, to the east is Blanshard Street, the south border is Chatham Street and the west border is the waterfront and Harriet Avenue. Burnside includes Rock Bay, an industrial waterfront area undergoing transition.
Lifestyle
This area has fast food joints, diners, hotel restaurants and pubs. The mall has a higher end fashion focus. Most street front stores are in line with Victoria standard prices. There are plenty of home supply outlets and speciality shops (think lampshades, musical instruments, and imported furniture) that are slightly higher end.
Dollars & Sense
This area has fast food joints, diners, hotel restaurants and pubs. The mall has a higher end fashion focus. Most street front stores are in line with Victoria standard prices. There are plenty of home supply outlets and speciality shops (think lampshades, musical instruments, and imported furniture) that are slightly higher end. Health food stores, health clinics and hardware stores all have standard competitive pricing.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
The Selkirk Waterway, Galloping Goose trail and lush green valley running through the centre of the area are highlights. New businesses are revitalizing some of the industrial parts. Much of the Rock Bay area is unfortunately quite contaminated. While some residential streets are standard middle class, one resident told me, “It’s not the place you’d take visitors to in order to show them how pretty Victoria is”.
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Planes, Trains & Automobiles
The Galloping Goose Trail and plenty of bike lanes make cycling easy here. As a traffic corridor for outlying areas into downtown, there are several bus routes on the main roads. Traffic can be slow during rush hour. The harbour ferries stop along the waterfront. The two highways out of Victoria are very close and it takes no time at all to get to other parts of the city.
In the Area
Burnside offers a Montessori school, some places of worship, a large shopping mall, various car dealerships, a highly active community centre, waterfront walkways, the Galloping Goose trail, micro-breweries, a residential and long term care hospital and plenty of hotels and motels for out of town visitors. For larger parks and schools K-12 residents need only travel to the closest neighbouring areas.
Meet the Neighbours
In the residential areas there are families, senior’s residences, students, young professionals and long term residents. A variety of ethnic people reside here. Many have recreational vehicles in their yards and enjoy weekend boating or camping trips. A variety of home businesses are in evidence. There is a clear west coast relaxed attitude in evidence and a few homeless people.
The Vibe
There is a marked difference in atmosphere across this neighbourhood. The residential areas are homey, welcoming, green and in places a bit shambled. People are friendly and get to know their neighbours. The main streets feel busy and full of transient visitors doing their shopping or commuting to work. The industrial areas are concrete and steel, not much to look at and somewhat polluted.
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Neighbourhood Hotspots
Burnside Gorge Community Centre and Burnside Campus
The Burnside-Gorge Community Association operates these two awesome facilities. With such an enormous range of different programs on offer, these two buildings provide services for residents of all ages and backgrounds.
more infoSerious Coffee
This location of a local chain serves everyone from police officers on their breaks to entrepreneurs having business meetings to families. Offers gluten free baking from a Salt Spring Island bakery and features a patio.
more infoPoint Ellice House
A National Historic Site, this 1861 built classic Victoria house is tucked away in the industrial part of Burnside. Harbour ferries bring visitors here to large collections of Victoriana and enjoy tea on the lawn.
more infoThe Selkirk Waterway/Gorge
This waterway is well used by the small harbour ferries, swimmers and paddlers of all descriptions. The Galloping Goose Trail, on a former railway bridge links Burnside to Victoria West for easy commuting.
more infoPizzeria Prima Strada
Located in a converted warehouse garage complex on an industrial street, this spot is easy to miss despite plenty of signage. Missing this classic Neapolitan eatery would be a shame.
more info