Cedar Hill Corner
Vikes men's track team practices on the track at Cedar Hill Corner. Photo taken by Armando Tura.
UVic researcher gets a better look at some of the trees located in the Centre for Forest Biology's research compound on Cedar Hill Corner Property. Photo taken by Dr. Patrick von Aderkas.
Vikes women's track team practices on the track at Cedar Hill Corner. Photo taken by Armando Tura.
UVic researcher monitors young trees kept at the Centre for Forest Biology's research compound on the Cedar Hill Corner property. Photo taken by Dr. Barbara Hawkins.
Forest Biology PhD student working in the Alder Compound on the Cedar Hill Corner property. Photo: UVic Photo Services.
Overview
The University of Victoria's Cedar Hill Corner Property is a 40.33 acre undeveloped parcel located at the southeast side of the campus adjacent to Cedar Hill Cross Road. It is located in the District of Oak Bay and zoned for institutional use. This area of campus is currently being utilized for research, teaching and athletic purposes. As an example, The Centre for Forest Biology often uses the property for various research projects such as studies on: conifer genetics, poplar collection, and the nitrogen fertilization response of red alder.
UVic purchased the property in 1964 and it has been used in a variety of ways over the years. The 2003 Campus Plan designated the parcel as the primary area reserved for the future development of the university. The 2016 UVic Campus Plan continues to identify Cedar Hill Corner as a future development site and an area where temporary uses should support the university's academic mission.
Cedar Hill Corner is a vital asset to enable the future physical expansion of the university.
Cedar Hill Corner Property Management Approach
A new property management approach has been developed for Cedar Hill Corner to allow approved temporary uses that support the vision, values and strategic objectives of UVic.
2016 Campus Plan
The 2016 UVic Campus Plan identifies Cedar Hill Corner as a future development site and an area where temporary uses should support the university’s academic mission. The Campus Plan identifies large areas of campus that will be preserved as natural areas and will remain open to the public such as Mystic Vale, and the 4-km Alumni Chip Trail. Other areas of the university, such as Cedar Hill Corner, are identified as sites for the future expansion of the university, and for uses that support the university’s academic mission.
Access
University Access
UVic faculty and staff may submit temporary multi year proposals for research, teaching and athletic uses at Cedar Hill Corner using this form. Please consider the Temporary Use Criteria. The first intake period for new university uses closed on October 15th, 2021.
For one time uses or periodic uses by faculty and staff please send requests through outdoorbookings@uvic.ca.
Community Access
The university strives to support both the campus and external community at all times, the best we can. Our relationship with the community is important and tremendously valued. The university campus remains open to the public from many access points. UVic continues to welcome the community into the many preserved natural areas on campus.
While new academic and research uses will be prioritized, the property will also be available to support community led programs and events that are approved by the university.
Community members are welcome to submit requests to book Cedar Hill Corner to support community programs and events. Events must comply with university policies including our pets on leash policy while on campus. Please consider the Temporary Use Criteria, requests can be submitted to outdoorbookings@uvic.ca.
The transition to new uses on the property will take time and we appreciate the community’s patience as a new property management approach is being implemented.
Current and future uses
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
How did Cedar Hill Corner become part of the UVic campus?
The Cedar Hill Corner property was purchased by UVic from the Island Broadcasting Company in 1964. The property was purchased to facilitate the growth of the campus and is zoned for institutional development.
Is Cedar Hill Corner open to the public?
This area of UVic campus is being used for research, teaching and athletic purposes and access is limited to university-approved uses. To ensure safe access to this area of campus for teaching, research, athletic and community purposes, the area is not open for public use.
What other public access is available on campus for recreation and leisure?
The university campus remains open to the public from many access points, including a nearby 4-km alumni chip trail and Mystic Vale that remains available for leisure activities such as on-leash dog walking.
What is the university’s long-term plan for this area of campus?
Over the long term, Cedar Hill Corner is a vital asset to enable the future expansion of the university. The university’s 2016 Campus Plan establishes a process for engaging with the community when the university is ready to develop the property.
The university’s priority as an educational institution is to provide opportunities for students, scholarly pursuits and wellbeing of mind and body for members of our university community.
The university has a responsibility to steward its physical and financial assets in a responsible manner.
How does the university engage with the community on new projects?
The university works collaboratively and respectfully with surrounding neighbourhood residents and other external stakeholders on university land use and development processes. Any future changes in property management will be communicated through the Community Association Liaison Committee and this website.
The university relies on the Community Engagement Framework and the Campus Planning Consultation Process to guide approaches to engagement. The university is committed to providing quality, timely, and accurate information and context for new temporary university uses at Cedar Hill Corner. No zoning change and no development is anticipated as new university uses are considered for this area.
Who do we contact in the case of an emergency?
Campus Security is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and can be reached at 250 721-7599. Officers are also available to assist with any safety concerns you may have. If needed, officers can also help you contact police or other emergency services.
For concerns about BC Hydro, please contact BC Hydro directly at 1-800-224-9376.
Current Projects
Why do you need a fence around Cedar Hill Corner?
The university intends to re-establish the property line along adjoining properties. Chelsea Place and Crestview Road. Residents have been good neighbours with the university; however, over time, encroachments have occurred on the university campus. University staff are committed to meeting with each adjoining neighbour who wants to discuss their unique circumstances in advance of constructing a new fence on university property. The university will use these meetings to understand neighbors’ concerns and to find possible solutions.
What was the consultation process around the fence project?
The university is committed to working collaboratively and respectfully with surrounding neighbourhood residents and other external stakeholders on university land use and development processes.
The university sent a letter in 2021 advising neighbours adjoining Cedar Hill Corner of the survey work and sent a follow up letter in early 2022 informing them of the university’s intention to build a fence. UVic also raised the issue with the Community Association Liaisons Committee (CALC) early in the process.
The university is in contact with neighbours who have requested meetings to review their individual sites before proceeding with project planning. The university intends to use these meetings to inform neighbours about the project plan. If you are a neighbour who has not yet scheduled a meeting with planning staff and would still like to, please email to planning@uvic.ca or call 250 853 3754. We are willing to meeting in person, by phone or by Zoom and would welcome the opportunity to have an in-person discussion about any concerns.
You are meeting with neighbours along Chelsea Place – when can Crestview Road neighbours expect to be contacted?
The university is scheduling meetings with neighbours on Chelsea Place (Phase 1) in June 2022 in advance of confirming a schedule for construction in the summer or fall of 2022. The university will schedule meetings with neighbours on Crestview (Phase 2) as soon as plans for the first phase are confirmed.
When can we expect the work to occur?
Fence work for Phase 1 is planned along Chelsea Place adjoining property lines for Summer/Fall of 2022 and along Crestview Road (Phase 2) adjoining property lines following that.
What kind of fence are you building?
The university fence standard is a low-impact black chain link. The project planning for the fence is still in progress. UVic will build, own, and maintain the proposed fence, which will meet municipal bylaws.
I used to be able to access Cedar Hill Corner through my property line gate to go for walks and to access the campus. What should I do now?
Cedar Hill Corner is open only to users authorized by the university. Due to safety s, liability and security concerns, non-authorized users should not access the site at any time. The main campus and natural areas, including Mystic Vale and Finnerty Gardens, remain open and accessible to neighbours and the community. When the university is ready to engage the community on a future master development plan for this area, we will discuss access options for this area of campus.
Can we build our own fence along the property line so we don’t need to have UVic’s fence? Why do you need to build a second fence where fences already exist?
The university plans to build a fence on the university side of the property line, to be maintained by UVic Facilities Management. We can discuss the removal of existing fences as part of this project if neighbours only want one fence in place. Alternately, neighbours can build a new fence or keep their existing fence if it is on their side of the property line.
What will happen to trees and shrubs located along the property line?
Given many neighbors maintain their own private fences along the property line, minimal conflict with existing trees is anticipated. If meetings are requested, the university will consult with individual homeowners about trees and other plantings located along the shared property lines. Some neighbours have expressed a desire for some trees to be removed or trimmed. In meetings with neighbours, planning staff will discuss options for trees and other plantings along the property line to develop individual solutions.
What is being done to prevent other trespassers from accessing the property?
The university has concerns related to safety, liability and security in this area of campus. Aside from fencing and signage, Campus Security patrols the area regularly. Additionally, university users of the site report any trespassers to Campus Security.
What do I do if I lose something over the fence on UVic property?
If you lose balls, frisbees, or anything else over the fence, we are happy to assist. Please contact UVic’s Department of Facilities Management:
- Daytime: 250 721-7616
- Evening: 250 721-7599
In the case of an emergency not requiring 911 services, please contact Campus Security at 250 721-7599.
For any inquiries, please contact planning@uvic.ca .