A Local Victoria Notary Perspective from Beverly Carter
“Can you just stamp this for me?”
You might be surprised how many times I hear that question as a Notary Public!
To many people, notarization looks simple: a signature, a stamp, and you’re done. But behind that moment is a profession built on legal education, careful verification, and a responsibility to protect the integrity of important documents.
In British Columbia, Notaries are highly trained legal professionals who assist clients with significant legal matters—from real estate transactions to wills and personal planning.
Here in Victoria, that work takes place in one of the most interesting legal communities in Canada.
After more than thirteen years practicing as a Notary Public in Victoria BC, I’ve had the privilege of helping thousands of families navigate important life decisions through my practice at Carter Notary.
But the story of practicing law here really begins with the place itself.
From Summerland to Victoria: A Personal Journey
My connection to Victoria began long before my legal career.
Growing up in Summerland in the Okanagan Valley, I first visited Vancouver Island when I was eight years old. Like many people who arrive here for the first time, I was captivated by Victoria’s historic charm, ocean views, and relaxed pace of life.
Even then, I imagined living here someday.
Life took a somewhat circuitous route (including time in Toronto) but eventually I arrived in Victoria with my two young sons in tow. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of raising my family here while building a Notary Public practice in the heart of the city.
My upbringing in a small agricultural community shaped how I approach my work today. In places like Summerland, neighbours talk to each other. People lend a hand when it’s needed. Conversations matter, and relationships matter. That down-to-earth, practical approach continues to guide how I work with clients every day.
Interestingly, Victoria reflects that same blend of communities. It’s charmingly part city, part small town, and part rural landscape.
Greater Victoria: 13 Municipalities, One Community
When people say they live in “Victoria,” they are often referring to Greater Victoria, a region made up of 13 municipalities plus the Juan de Fuca electoral area and nearby Gulf Islands.
Each municipality has its own character, history, and priorities, yet together they form the Capital Regional District, home to roughly 450,000 residents.
For a Notary Public, that diversity matters. Because every community brings its own mix of families, businesses, and real estate considerations.
Here’s a snapshot of the communities that make up the region.
Saanich
The largest municipality in Greater Victoria, Saanich blends suburban neighbourhoods with agricultural land and major institutions such as the University of Victoria. It is home to thriving residential communities, technology companies, and some of the region’s most beautiful parks.
Victoria
The historic capital city of British Columbia, Victoria is known for its heritage buildings, government offices, and vibrant downtown core. The city continues to evolve with new housing developments, cultural events, and tourism from around the world.
Langford
Langford has experienced remarkable growth over the past two decades. What was once a quieter Westshore municipality has become one of the fastest-growing communities in the province, with new neighbourhoods, recreation facilities, and commercial development.
Oak Bay
Oak Bay remains one of the region’s most established residential communities. Known for its tree-lined streets, oceanfront parks, and historic homes, it maintains a distinctive village atmosphere.
Esquimalt
Home to CFB Esquimalt, Canada’s Pacific naval base, this community has deep maritime roots. In recent years, Esquimalt has also seen waterfront revitalization and new housing developments.
Colwood
Located along the scenic Westshore coastline, Colwood continues to grow as families seek more space while remaining connected to the city. It also features historic landmarks such as Fort Rodd Hill and the Fisgard Lighthouse.
Central Saanich
This municipality is known for its strong agricultural heritage. Farms, vineyards, and food producers play an important role in the region’s local food economy.
Sooke
Often considered the gateway to Vancouver Island’s rugged west coast, Sooke offers spectacular natural beauty and outdoor recreation. It has grown steadily as people seek a lifestyle closer to nature.
Sidney
Often called Sidney by the Sea, this charming waterfront town is known for its walkable streets, marinas, independent bookstores, and ferry connections to the Gulf Islands and Washington State.
North Saanich
A quieter residential community that includes the Victoria International Airport and the Swartz Bay ferry terminal, North Saanich combines rural character with important transportation hubs.
View Royal
Though smaller in size, View Royal sits at a strategic crossroads where several major routes converge. Its harbour views and parks make it one of the region’s scenic communities.
Metchosin
Metchosin remains proudly rural, known for farms, equestrian properties, and protected natural landscapes. It maintains a strong commitment to preserving agricultural land.
Highlands
The smallest municipality in Greater Victoria, the Highlands is characterized by forested landscapes, large rural properties, and environmental stewardship.
What Does a Notary Public Do in British Columbia?
Notaries in British Columbia are legal professionals authorized to provide a wide range of non-contentious legal services.
Unlike in most provinces where a notary’s role is limited to witnessing signatures, BC Notaries assist clients with important legal matters including:
- Real estate conveyancing and property transfers
- Wills and estate planning
- Powers of Attorney
- Representation Agreements
- Notarizations and affidavits
- Statutory declarations
- Certified copies of documents
- BC Apostille and International Authentication
To practice in British Columbia, Notaries must complete the Master of Arts in Applied Legal Studies at Simon Fraser University and meet strict professional standards set by the Society of Notaries Public of British Columbia.
These standards help ensure that members of the public receive knowledgeable, trustworthy legal services.
Why Local Knowledge Matters in Victoria Real Estate
Real estate transactions are one of the most common reasons people visit a Notary.
Buying or selling a home can be one of the most significant financial decisions someone makes, and in Greater Victoria those transactions often involve layers of local complexity.
Different municipalities may have their own zoning regulations, development rules, strata considerations, and permitting requirements. In addition, the Capital Regional District adds another layer of governance. The region includes both rural and urban areas, as well as islands, diverse landscapes, and unique geographical features.
Understanding these local nuances helps ensure that real estate transactions proceed smoothly.
It’s one of the reasons clients often prefer working with a Victoria Notary Public who understands the region firsthand because no two real estate transactions are the same.
Helping Families Plan for the Future
Another important part of a Notary’s work involves personal planning documents.
At Carter Notary, we regularly assist families with:
- Wills
- Powers of Attorney
- Representation Agreements
- Advance planning documents
Our office is located almost exactly between Royal Jubilee Hospital and Victoria General Hospital, which means a portion of our work takes place outside the office when flexibility and compassion are needed most.
Some days we meet with new parents planning their first wills while holding a newborn baby. Other days we assist families facing difficult medical circumstances or loss. Each situation requires a thoughtful and compassionate approach.
A Team That Makes It All Possible
No practice succeeds alone.
At Carter Notary, our team includes myself and my remarkable staff members: Richard, Ashley, Timothy, Jasroop, Oliver and Dale.
They are skilled, thoughtful professionals who care deeply about the clients we serve. I often refer to them as my “work family.”
We spend a great deal of time together supporting our clients, and their dedication plays a huge role in the success of the practice.
Our guiding question is simple:
How can we help you?
A Modern Legal Practice with Small-Town Friendliness
Our office sits just a few minutes from downtown Victoria along two major transportation corridors into the city.
That central location means our clients come from all across Greater Victoria—from civil servants stopping in on a lunch break to families visiting after work.
Victoria may be the capital city of British Columbia, but in many ways it still behaves like a small town. People meet through shared activities—walking groups, volunteering, dragon boating, book clubs, sports leagues, neighbourhood gatherings. Connections happen naturally here.
At Carter Notary, we try to reflect that same blend of urban professionalism and small-town friendliness in everything we do.
Serving Clients Across Greater Victoria
Because our office is centrally located in Victoria, we regularly serve clients from across the entire Greater Victoria region.
Many of our clients travel from nearby municipalities including Saanich, Oak Bay, Esquimalt, View Royal, the Westshore, Sidney, and Central Saanich, as well as from Victoria neighbourhoods such as James Bay, Fairfield, Fernwood, Oaklands, Broadmead, Royal Oak, and Gordon Head.
After more than thirteen years practicing in Greater Victoria, it remains a privilege to help people navigate important legal decisions.
Victoria may include many municipalities and neighbourhoods, but the community itself remains wonderfully connected. People move easily throughout the region for work, family life, recreation, and professional services.
At Carter Notary, we are proud to be part of that community. Our office was honoured to receive the 2025 Times Colonist Readers’ Choice Award for Best Law Office, recognition that reflects the trust our clients place in us.
Being a Notary Public is about far more than witnessing signatures. It is about providing clarity, guidance, and reassurance during important moments in people’s lives. And in a place like Victoria, that work is especially meaningful.
So, if you happen to walk into our office and say, “I just need a stamp,” don’t worry… we’ll gladly take the time to explain what really goes into that moment.
Beverly Carter, Founder, CEO & Notary Public + President of Think Local First Victoria