About the building
The Nova is a boutique residential building located in the vibrant Fernwood neighborhood of Victoria, situated just steps from the Royal Jubilee Hospital. Completed in 2011, this four-storey complex comprises 13 condominium residences known for their modern open floor plans, granite countertops, and electric fireplaces. The building fosters a community atmosphere with pet-friendly policies and unrestricted rentals, while offering practical amenities such as secure parking, bike storage, and in-suite laundry.
Nova is registered as strata plan EPS461, a four-storey building with an elevator, cement-fibre siding on a poured-concrete foundation and a torch-on roof. A 720-square-foot two-bedroom, two-bathroom suite listed recently was south-facing with a wall-mounted electric fireplace, secure parking, visitor parking and bike storage, and the building is professionally managed, smoke-free and described as pet-friendly; the strata fee covers building insurance, water, garbage, management and grounds. One listing counts 14 homes rather than 13.
No developer, architect or builder surfaced in public records. Bay Street at this point is a few minutes' walk from Royal Jubilee Hospital, with bus routes to UVic, Camosun and downtown on Bay and Fernwood roads.
About Fernwood
Fernwood radiates from the corner of Gladstone Avenue and Fernwood Road, between North Park, Oaklands, Jubilee and Rockland. The name comes from Benjamin Pearse's Fernwood Manor, built in 1860 and demolished in 1969; before that the area was Spring Ridge, after the spring that supplied Victoria's water until Elk Lake was piped in 1875. Most of the housing dates from the 1890s through the 1913 boom, so the streets are a dense mix of Victorian and Edwardian houses, many converted to suites, with low-rise apartment buildings and newer condominiums concentrated along Fernwood Road, Bay Street and the Cook and Yates corridor, where the City's plan allows up to about twelve storeys.
The village at Fernwood Square is car-free and hosts FernFest every June; the Belfry Theatre occupies an 1892 former church on the corner, and the Fernwood Inn, Stage wine bar and Cornerstone Café make it one of the city's busiest small villages. Victoria High School, a 1912 landmark, Central Middle and George Jay Elementary are all inside the neighbourhood. Stadacona Centre on Pandora is the other commercial node. Downtown is a fifteen-minute walk or a few minutes by bike, and Fort and Yates streets are designated frequent-transit corridors.
About Victoria
Victoria’s Downtown is the vibrant heart of British Columbia’s capital city, blending historic charm with modern urban energy. It is the city’s most rapidly growing neighbourhood, attracting new residents of all ages to its mix of heritage architecture, bustling waterfront, and thriving cultural scene. With scenic harbour views and tree-lined streets, downtown Victoria offers a dynamic urban lifestyle while remaining walkable and accessible.
The area boasts a rich arts, culture, and entertainment district, featuring galleries, theatres, live music venues, and festivals throughout the year. Residents and visitors enjoy an impressive variety of dining, shopping, and service options, all within convenient walking distance. Historic and iconic landmarks, such as the Royal BC Museum, the Fairmont Empress Hotel, the provincial Parliament Buildings, and Canada’s oldest Chinatown, provide both character and a strong sense of place. The Royal and McPherson Theatres further enhance the city’s reputation as a hub for the performing arts.
Downtown Victoria’s waterfront plays a central role in community life, offering promenades, marinas, and public spaces that encourage outdoor recreation and social engagement. The combination of rich history, vibrant culture, and urban amenities makes downtown Victoria a highly desirable neighbourhood for residents who value both convenience and quality of life.
Today, Victoria continues to grow while maintaining its unique blend of heritage, modern development, and coastal beauty, making it a welcoming and dynamic place to live, work, and explore.
