Boasting a thriving local economy, Oak Bay’s emphasis on small businesses, tourism and abundant greenspaces fosters a quaint but resilient community in the Greater Victoria Region.
We speak with Kevin Murdoch, Mayor of the District of Oak Bay in our latest Economy Builders feature. Oak Bay is a picturesque suburban community offering historical neighbourhoods and a booming local economy.
At the core of this economic vitality is Oak Bay Village, a bustling strip where locally-owned shops offer various products from art and books to imported Italian food and wine. This commercial hub bolsters tourism appeal, driven by its beaches, historical sites and recreational activities like cycling and kayaking. The influx of tourists helps support retail and hospitality sectors while also highlighting Oak Bay’s role as a key player in Victoria’s broader economic landscape.
Find out more about Oak Bay’s vibrant community and how they’re addressing housing and transportation challenges, financial stewardship and cultivating a vision for leveraging natural assets.
Why did Oak Bay become a member of South Island Prosperity Partnership?
While Oak Bay has a fairly small commercial/business base, we are part of an integrated region that requires housing, recreation and education, all of which are richly represented in Oak Bay. It was a natural fit to support South Island Prosperity Partnership, as we see it benefitting the whole region when economic opportunities grow.
What do you see as key to growing a resilient, prosperous future for Greater Victoria?
Greater Victoria will need to learn to embrace ideas outside the box to support innovative business ideas — and find ways of incubating small businesses into medium and large businesses.
What is our region’s secret sauce when it comes to competing internationally to attract quality talent, businesses with household-sustaining jobs and investment?
Our highly educated and experienced workforce is a huge draw, but so is the quality of life for those able to choose where to live, work and play. Our safe community, compact geography, access to nature, great schools and lively neighbourhoods all make for a great place to live.
“The less one knows about a problem, the simpler the solution appears.” In municipal business, there are always multiple stakeholders, legacy issues and legislative constraints that make innovation difficult – but I believe leadership can help get all the necessary information to make good (and timely) decisions.
– Kevin Murdoch, Mayor of Oak Bay
What challenges are you most invested in helping our community overcome and why?
As a municipal partner, our most urgent issue is to facilitate housing and transportation to meet the region’s current and future needs.
What are you most excited about in terms of your organization’s plans and potential?
Oak Bay has made great strides to become an exemplary model of financial stewardship and long-term asset management. This is a foundation that will allow the District to respond to changing needs without necessarily relying on external funding or grants.
Is there a specific quote, book, philosophy or idea that has inspired your passion for your work?
There are too many books to name, but I have a personal maxim: “The less one knows about a problem, the simpler the solution appears.” In municipal business, there are always multiple stakeholders, legacy issues and legislative constraints that make innovation difficult – but I believe leadership can help get all the necessary information to make good (and timely) decisions.
How do you envision Southern Vancouver Island 20 years from now? What will have changed? What does our future look like?
I believe our natural assets and interface with our oceans will be better leveraged. I’m excited to see the tourism, business and educational initiatives already underway and growing that take advantage of our amazing location surrounded by the Salish Sea.
