Against the owner’s wishes, on February 12 the City of Victoria Council voted to designate the interior of Rogers’ Chocolates on Government Street. Interior designations are relatively rare in B.C., and this is the first without the owner’s consent.

The local retail landmark is a National Historic Site, largely on the strength of its ornate Art Nouveau interior which is virtually unchanged after a century. It has always been a chocolate shop, owned by the same firm.

The controversy began early in 2008 when it was learned that Rogers had received City approval, without a heritage review, to significantly alter and expand their store’s 950 square foot interior. While the store is within the Old Town Heritage Conservation Area, the interior is not covered, and National Historic Site status carries no site protection.

The project attracted considerable media attention, and work stopped while the owner and the City reviewed the situation. Then last fall Rogers informed the City that they intended to go ahead with their expansion as originally planned. Council responded by ordering a 60-day delay while a designation bylaw was considered. With the 60-day hold running out, Council had to either designate or let the alterations proceed.

Under the Local Government Act, the owner of a designated property has the right to pursue compensation if loss of value can be demonstrated. Speaking at the designation public hearing, legal counsel for Rogers indicated that the firm intends to take up this option. To date, there has never been a successful bid to receive compensation for designation in B.C.

Despite the prospect of a bid for compensation, the designation motion passed easily, with only one councillor not in support.

PHOTO: ROGERS' CHOCOLATES