We are thrilled to announce that we have secured long-term leases at new shipyard and office locations in Victoria. Back in 2005 we found out that our future at 203 Harbour Road was uncertain, since the site was being eyed for redevelopment. We negotiated for years to try to remain on the site, and explored back-up options at the same time. It became apparent in August 2011 that SALTS could not stand in the way of the significant physical and economic expansion of Point Hope Shipyard, nor could we be accommodated within that redevelopment. We have spent the past year exploring every other option available that might best meet our facility needs. It was a tall order for a small charity to secure oceanfront property in one of the most expensive real estate markets in the world.  A few location options looked promising initially but fell through due to high capital investments required and our own financial and fundraising priorities at the present time.

In late September, the SALTS office will move to 451 Herald Street, into a beautiful brick and heavy timber heritage building. Constructed in 1894, the building at one time housed the coal-powered electric generators that powered Victoria's streetlights. We will be beside Canoe Brewpub and Restaurant and just a stone's throw from our current location in Victoria's Upper Harbour. It was a long journey to end up so close to where we are now!

View from the new SALTS Office across the water to the old (current) SALTS Shipyard

The new SALTS office will overlook Canoe Marina, which will provide year-round moorage for our donated boats and winter moorage for our tall ships. During our sailing season (March through October), our tall ships will continue to operate out of the Inner Harbour at Ship Point Wharf. Canoe Marina offers a very rare combination of industrial zoning, adequate depth for our ships, existing docks and office space, and moorage that is protected from heavy weather. The moorage and offices will be an improvement from our present arrangement in terms of their functionality and aesthetics. 

In mid-September, our maintenance and storage shop will relocate to 539 David Street in Rock Bay's industrial district. The shop space is very basic but functional. This will be used for annual spar refinishing, rigging maintenance, and materials storage. We will lease additional space for new tall ship construction elsewhere in Victoria when required since that is a temporary need.

Sketch of Interior of SALTS Shop Space in Rock Bay Industrial Area

Our relocation and tenant improvements at all locations will cost SALTS about $150,000 in total. These costs are a fraction of the investments that would have been needed at the alternative locations we considered. We invite and would greatly appreciate online donations to our relocation fund.

We look forward to welcoming you to the new home of SALTS at 451 Herald Street in downtown Victoria after our relocation in late September. In the meantime, we can use lots of volunteers at 203 Harbour Road to help us prepare for and make the big move--please call us at 250-383-6811 for details.