Industry, Arts and Innovation District
The IAI District Action Plan aims to enhance the Rock Bay area north of Downtown into a vibrant hub for activities and employment in technology, research and development, the arts sector and Indigenous economic prosperity.
From 2022 to 2025, the City worked with community partners in and around the Rock Bay area to develop a draft Industry, Arts and Innovation District (IAI) Action Plan, a key goal of the Victoria 3.0 Economic Action Plan. In June 2025, the IAI District Action Plan and related design guidelines were approved by Council.
Read the engagement summary for Phase 1 and Phase 2 to learn more about the engagement process. .
What's Happening:
The City's innovative approach to planning the Rock Bay area was awarded the 2026 Canadian Award for Planning Excellence by the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP). Learn more: Canadian Awards for Planning Excellence Winners – Canadian Institute of Planners.
Photo credits left to right in banner: 2024 Winter Arts Festival, Autonomous Furniture, Kevin Light Photography
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Industry, Arts and Innovation District Open House
On April 15 we held the Industry, Arts and Innovation open house at the Philips Showcase Gallery. Thank you to the nearly 60 people that came out to learn more about the project and ask your questions about the IAI District Action plan and the future of Rock Bay.
We had a blast chatting with you all and collecting your feedback. If you missed the event, you can still view the open house boards here.
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Phase One Engagement
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IAI District Action Plan
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Goal 1 -IAI District Action Plan_Strengthen Economic Health.pdf (48.6 KB) (pdf)
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Goal 2 -IAI District Action Plan_Foster Arts and Culture.pdf (44.4 KB) (pdf)
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Goal 3 -IAI District Action Plan_-Realize Sustainable Development.pdf (41.6 KB) (pdf)
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Goal 4 -IAI District Action Plan_Improve Mobility Networks.pdf (44.4 KB) (pdf)
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Goal 5 -IAI District Action Plan_Enhance Public Realm and Public Spaces.pdf (57.2 KB) (pdf)
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IAI District Action Plan_.pdf (5.04 MB) (pdf)
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Draft IAI Design Guidelines (March 2025).pdf (9.57 MB) (pdf)
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Zoning
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IAI District Open House Boards (50.4 MB) (pdf)
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Phase 1 Engagement Summary (4.17 MB) (pdf)
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Phase 2 Engagement Summary (22.7 MB) (pdf)
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IAI District Action Plan
- What is the timeline for this project?
- What is the Industry, Arts and Innovation District Plan?
- How was the IAI District Action Plan developed?
- What is included in the Industry, Arts and Innovation District Action Plan?
- How will proposed zoning updates help establish and support business in the IAI District?
- What is currently in the District?
- What changes is the City considering in this renewed vision for the District?
- How will the proposed Design Guidelines shape the look and feel of the District?
- Does the proposed IAI District Action Plan take into consideration other policy updates?
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Engagement
- What engagement has taken place so far? Who did you hear from?
- How can the public submit feedback on the proposed IAI District Action plan?
- Why is the City engaging on the Industry, Arts and Innovation District?
- Have the Songhees Nation and Xʷsepsəm Nation involved in the engagement process?
- How many focus groups were held? Who attended?
- Who is in the Rock Bay District Working Group? How were participants chosen?
- How will the City ensure they have heard from all stakeholders in the District?
- What are next steps after engagement is complete?