Victoria approves tattoo shop for heritage chapel

Victoria City Council has approved the use of a heritage chapel on Humboldt Street as a tattoo studio. The space, located at 840 Humboldt St., was previously vacant for several years and is part of the former St. Joseph’s Hospital complex, which has historical significance dating back to 1876.

The proposal for Chapel Tattoo involves a small-scale, appointment-only service model with two artists and a maximum capacity of six people at a time. The business will not require exterior alterations, additional floor area, changes to the site layout, or new signage. Because it operates as a destination-based service without walk-in traffic, the city determined it is compatible with the surrounding residential context.

The building and its interior features are designated as protected heritage property. The city issued a permit in June 2026 to ensure the retention and restoration of these character-defining elements. The approval, which passed via the consent agenda on October 8, aims to activate the unused heritage space without displacing current residential tenants.