Spirit Bay
Aresort community that ticks all the boxes with a few unexpected ones added, Spirit Bay captures a sense of wonder, invigorating our view on life and possibly, how to live it.
It may often seem that the issues of ‘community’ and ‘sustainability’ are not the primary focus of development, yet that appears to be changing. The Trust for Sustainable Development is a non-profit, federally chartered, Canadian land and community development corporation (The Trust), with the objective of meeting the needs of present generations without sacrificing the hopes of the future.
“The Trust was launched by my partner David Butterfield who passed away two years ago. His vision was simple, ‘Let’s get back to building beautiful things,’” recounts Kris Obrigewitsch, now President of The Trust. To that end, their shared vision was to recapture that small town feel that is often recalled with fondness. “Many of us come from small towns and we wanted to reinvent these authentic communities in an extraordinary location, and what better place to reminisce than Spirit Bay.”
Seeking to create destinations that are beautiful, enhance quality of life, respect the environment, and address social issues and parity on all levels, Kris explains, “If we could do this in Becher Bay and admits Kris. “For the first time we have the opportunity to partner with and provide a socially sustainable impact with Becher Bay First Nation for generations to come.”
And it is a partnership in the truest sense. The Sci’anew share their land and resources, while homeowners provide opportunities for their people in the form of investment, infrastructure, and ongoing revenue. The band also receives municipal taxes and revenue from its geothermal energy utility that heats and cools all of the homes.
Woven into the seaside landscape on the south coast of Vancouver Island, Spirit Bay works in harmony with its environment. Every building, road, and pathway inspires and promotes interaction within a setting that offers unprecedented access to the ocean. “We have the opportunity to watch orcas, sea lions, otters, and seals year round, and in the fall we can witness the migration of Humpback whales. It’s truly phenomenal,” adds Kris. unlock the magic that is here to not only enjoy but cherish, what an achievement that would be.”
Developers of several past projects of notable stature and merit, The Trust was the driving force behind the success of Loreto Bay in Baja, Shoal Point in Victoria, and Civano of Tucson, Arizona. Guided by the principles of ecological protection and enhancement, social responsibility, and economic development, each of these uniquely rich developments impart these lasting values and the evolved ideals of New Urbanism.
The area now occupied by Spirit Bay was traditionally completely inaccessible and demarcated as Federal lands. Eventually, rising demand from those seeking the lifestyle that this locale so amply provides, has given those with vision, compassion, and the will to tread sensibly and lightly in all aspects of development, an opportunity to share with like-minded residents a place of joy, wellness, and fellowship.
“We build new towns. And while the sustainable aspect seems straight forward, it’s social development that is the challenge, and often, the reward,”
“Every time we build in a new location, we have to listen to the land and its history,” says Kris. “Here, we are five minutes from the best fishing on the island this close to Victoria where there is no commercial fishing allowed. So one can boat out, drop a crab trap, and pick up supper at the end of the day.”
Blessed with magnificent views of the Olympic Mountains and the Salish Sea, Spirit Bay is adjacent to a 3,500-acre wilderness park and offers custom cottages and extraordinary waterfront lots where one can build and live their dream lifestyle. Designed to capture the charm and allure of a historic fishing village, the homes are vivid and well constructed, using high-grade materials. With an emphasis on quality and longevity, much like European homes they are built for future generations.
Located 35 minutes from Victoria at 4901 East Sooke Road in Metchosin, BC, Spirit Bay’s allotted 100 acres will ultimately host 4-500 homes and 20 businesses over the next seven years. Smaller is important because common areas are designed to encourage homeowners to enjoy the outdoors. Now under construction, its village centre will host a grocery store, café, medical and dental offices, and a gas station. Other amenities include a clubhouse, sports field, and tennis courts. Access to the Cheanuh Marina, adjacent to the village, is a key amenity for residents who want to launch a canoe or kayak, rent a slip or charter a boat.
“We have sold 90% of our 55 lots in Phase One and 80% of our 27 Phase Two lots thus far,” shares Kris. Village homes are nestled on the hillside adjacent to the marina. Ranging from 1,200 to 2,700 square feet, they are priced from $600 - $900,000. Phase Three is now for sale and offers ridgeline lots on a forested point overlooking the Salish Sea with lots priced from $200 - $400,000. With only six waterfront lots left on Sunset Point, they range from from $400 - $800,00 and are all south facing. “The opportunities for creativity are tremendous. One can even crab off their deck if they like. Because we are building on federal land, we don’t have to abide by provincial setbacks and as such we can build right to the water’s edge,” sites Kris.
“What we envisioned and what typically occurs in these very unique communities that we have developed is a majority of second home ownership,” notes Kris. “Yet, what we have encountered in Spirit Bay is remarkable—an incredible 99 per cent of full-time ownership. People have come out from across Canada expecting a month or two of vacation time and eventually end up living here.”
As people look to downsize, priorities often change. “Our residents want to spend their life living outside hiking, kayaking or fishing, not indoors,” observes Kris. “They want to spend their time and money on travel, or on a neighbour’s deck with a glass of wine in their hand.”
While the fishing village lifestyle is an appealing draw, many have been impacted by a secondary influence that is proving equally compelling. “People love the idea of putting their money where their values are,” admits Kris. “Homeowners are proud to participate in this relationship with the First Nations people. It affords them hope and the opportunity to care take their own future, which is exactly what they were looking for.”