Pip Holmes: Real Estate & Environmental Stewardship
Founded in the late-nineteenth century, the history of Pemberton Holmes is inseparable from the development of Vancouver Island. Under Pip Holmes’s stewardship, from 1965-1987, Pemberton Holmes carried forward a tradition established by earlier generations who helped shape Victoria’s early planning and land use.
From surveying for the Hudson’s Bay Company to introducing structured urban planning, the Pemberton and Holmes families have played a foundational role in guiding how land was valued, protected, and developed. In 1965, Pip Holmes inherited not only a business, but a philosophy: that real estate should serve both economic growth and the long-term health of the community. Pip once said, “I see no reason why Vancouver Island couldn’t be another Switzerland, a pleasant place but also busy with high employment, good income, and green fields. But you’ve got to farm it right.”
A consistent advocate for thoughtful planning, Pip championed the preservation of farmland, greenbelts, and parkland at a time when unchecked expansion threatened Vancouver Island’s landscape. For instance, Pip and his father Cuthbert were strong advocates for public waterfront walkways, highway greenbelts and parks in Victoria; Cuthbert Holmes Park and Colquitz Park serve as two examples still existing today. His vision rejected sprawl in favour of balanced development, one that respected agricultural and natural land, while supporting livable communities. This approach reflected a deep understanding of Victoria’s history, where land, environment, and community have always been closely intertwined.
Pip Holmes envisioned Victoria as a growing city, but also a place where careful planning could preserve its character for generations to come. That vision continues to guide Pemberton Holmes today, reinforcing the firm’s long-standing commitment to responsible real estate leadership rooted in history, community, and place.
“Corporate and personal citizenship has been our battle cry,” Holmes said. “It is understood that if you live here, you play a role in the community and contribute what you can.”
