Our Building

1920s | Early Years

Our beautiful building, at the corner of Catherine and Dundas streets in Vic West, was built in 1920 originally as a branch bank of the Royal Bank of Canada. The property was purchased for $2,800 and the construction cost $20,500. The manager occupied the upstairs quarters and heat was supplied by a coal furnace.

Before construction, circa 1919.

Shortly after construction.

1920s | Silver Springs Brewery

During the mid-1920s the branch catered to many prominent businesses, including the Victoria Machinery Depot, Ormond's Biscuit Factory, and most notably the Silver Springs Brewery next door.

Now it turns out that 1920s Victoria wasn't home to that many burglars, as the buzzer system eventually took on a more casual purpose. According to reports, following three buzzes from the Silver Springs office, a bank employee would run across the street with a crate on his shoulder, slide down a conveniently-located coal chute, and be met with a replenishment of fresh Silver Springs Ale, on the house.

1981 | Bawlf Cooper & Associates

After the Royal Bank, the building was converted into rental apartments until around 1981 when it was purchased by Bawlf Cooper & Associates, an architecture and engineering firm. Their extensive renovations prompted a commendation from Mayor Peter Pollen.

Bawlf Cooper era, circa 1987.

2008 | The Robert A. Wise Building

In 2008 Robert (Bob) and Valerie Wise purchased the building. Beginning in 2010 Wise Victoria Mortgages took over the office level. Shortly after renovations began, Bob Wise passed away, and when the project was completed, the building was dedicated in his memory.

During demolition we discovered that the concrete encasing the ninety-year-old bank vault was reinforced with old railroad rails, forged in Northwestern England and shipped to Canada in the late nineteenth century.

The building today.

Renovated interior.