Gorge Pointe

About Gorge Pointe

Gorge Pointe is a gated strata of 112 homes on the Gorge Waterway in Esquimalt, completed in 1993–94. The complex is split across two four-storey buildings at 1083 and 1085 Tillicum Road, set back from the road on a point of land near the Tillicum Road bridge, across the road from Esquimalt Gorge Park.

The defining fact is the water. The strata owns its own shoreline, a private dock and a gazebo, and moorage is available to owners. A resident can walk from the elevator to a boat slip without crossing a road.

The complex is governed as a single strata corporation (Strata Plan VIS3743), with one set of bylaws, one budget and shared amenities across both buildings.

Architecture & Design

Both buildings are wood-frame on poured-concrete foundations, finished in stucco with tile roof accents in the Mediterranean style popular in the early 1990s. They sit above a secured underground parkade.

The complex has been through a full building-envelope remediation, which addressed the moisture problems common to stucco-clad wood-frame construction of that era. Wood-frame means more sound transfer between suites than concrete would allow; the remediation does not change that.

Orientation varies widely. East- and south-facing suites look down the Gorge toward the inlet; north-facing suites look across the water to the parkland opposite; west-facing suites face inland. Top-floor suites on the south side add views of the Olympic Mountains. Ground-floor suites along the water have gated patios that open directly onto the waterfront walkway and dock.

Suite Features & Finishes

The suite mix leans heavily to two-bedroom, two-bathroom plans, generally between about 975 and 1,500 square feet, with some larger corner and ground-level suites adding a den or family room. Everything is single-level.

Typical plans include:

• A primary bedroom with walk-in or double closets and a four- or five-piece ensuite, often with a soaker or jetted tub
• A gas fireplace in the living room
• In-suite laundry
• A balcony or patio; some corner suites have two, and several ground-level suites have patios of several hundred square feet
• Nine-foot ceilings on the top floor

Heating is electric baseboard supplemented by the gas fireplace, with radiant heat in some suites. There is no central air conditioning. Gas is covered by the strata fee, along with water, garbage removal, grounds maintenance, building insurance and the resident caretaker.

Each suite typically comes with one underground parking stall and a separate storage locker. Additional stalls have been available to rent from the strata.

Ground-Level Waterfront Suites

The ground-floor suites on the water side are a different product from the floors above. They have direct gated access from the patio to the waterfront walkway and dock, which makes them function more like a townhouse with a garden gate than a condo with a balcony. The trade-off is privacy: the walkway is shared.

Building Amenities

• Gated, controlled-entry complex with private internal road
• Private dock with owner moorage, and a waterfront gazebo
• Kayak and bike storage
• Fitness centre
• Clubhouse, social room and bookable meeting room
• Library
• Guest suite for visiting family
• Workshop
• Car wash
• Resident caretaker
• Secured underground parking and guest parking
• Elevators in both buildings
• Accessibility: elevator access to every floor, no-step entry to many suites, and wheelchair-accessible entrances at ground level

Pets, Rentals and Bylaws

Rentals. The strata historically prohibited rentals. Since the province's 2022 amendments to the Strata Property Act, rental-restriction bylaws are no longer enforceable, and long-term rentals are permitted. Short-term rentals are prohibited.

Pets. The bylaw allows one dog or one cat, subject to a size limit. Birds are also permitted. Owners of larger dogs should confirm the current weight limit before proceeding.

Barbecues. Permitted on balconies and patios, fuelled by propane, natural gas or electricity only. Charcoal is not allowed.

Age. No age restriction.

Management. The strata is professionally managed by Associa, with a resident caretaker on site.

Bylaws change. Confirm the current registered bylaws with the strata manager before writing an offer.

Esquimalt Gorge and Kinsmen Park

Gorge Pointe sits where Esquimalt, Saanich and Victoria meet on the Gorge Waterway. Esquimalt Gorge Park is directly across Tillicum Road, with its restored Japanese garden, walking trails, playground and a launch point for paddlers. The waterway itself is busy with kayaks and paddleboards for much of the year.

Gorge Vale Golf Club is a short walk west. Groceries, pharmacies and restaurants cluster at the Gorge Road and Tillicum Road intersection, and Tillicum Centre, the area's main mall, is a few minutes north by car or bus. Daily life here is residential and quiet, with the park doing much of the work that a plaza would do downtown.

Connectivity & Transportation

• Downtown Victoria: about 10 minutes by car; bus routes run along Tillicum Road and Gorge Road
• Cycling: the Gorge Waterway paths connect toward the Selkirk Trestle and the Galloping Goose Regional Trail
• Highway 1: a few minutes north via Tillicum Road, for the Westshore and up-Island
• Victoria International Airport: roughly 30 minutes by car
• Swartz Bay ferry terminal: roughly 35 minutes by car
• By water: owners with moorage can reach the Inner Harbour along the Gorge, tide and bridge clearances permitting

Who This Building Suits — and Who It Doesn't

Gorge Pointe suits buyers who want water access rather than just a water view: paddlers, small-boat owners, and downsizers leaving a house who want single-level living, a caretaker, and a park across the street. The large two-bedroom plans and ground-level patio suites suit people bringing a house's worth of furniture.

It is not for everyone. If air conditioning is a requirement, this is the wrong building; many suites face south or east over water, and summer afternoons are warm. The wood-frame construction means neighbours are heard more than they would be in concrete. And if you own a large dog, the pet bylaw will likely rule you out before we get to the view.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are rentals allowed at Gorge Pointe?

Long-term rentals are permitted. Short-term rentals are prohibited by bylaw.

Does Gorge Pointe allow pets?

Yes. The bylaw allows one dog or one cat, subject to a size limit. Birds are also permitted.

Is there boat moorage at Gorge Pointe?

Yes. The strata has a private dock on the Gorge Waterway, and moorage is available to owners.

Is Gorge Pointe concrete or wood-frame?

Wood-frame on concrete foundations, with a stucco exterior. The complex has completed a full building-envelope remediation.

Do suites have air conditioning?

No. Heating is electric baseboard and a gas fireplace. There is no central cooling.

What does the strata fee cover?

Gas, water, garbage removal, grounds maintenance, building insurance, property management and a resident caretaker.

Is there an age restriction?

No. Gorge Pointe is an all-ages building.