Revolutionizing Permeable Driveways and Landscapes in Victoria, BC: CORE Landscape Products & Dr. Hoe Civil Construction Inc. Lead the Way
In Victoria, BC—a city known for its lush greenery, coastal rainfall, and growing population—the need for smarter, more sustainable infrastructure is more pressing than ever. The traditional approach to paving—relying on concrete and asphalt—has often exacerbated water runoff, flooding, and environmental degradation. Fortunately, two local leaders are revolutionizing the way outdoor spaces are designed and built.
CORE Landscape Products, a Canadian B Corp™ recognized for its innovative and environmentally friendly ground stabilization systems, and Dr. Hoe Civil Construction Inc., a trusted local contractor specializing in reliable residential and commercial excavating services over southern Vancouver island, are joining forces to bring permeable paving into the mainstream. Together, they’re not just installing parking lots, paths, and driveways—they’re setting a new standard for how we think about infrastructure in sensitive environments like Southern Vancouver Island.
The Problem with Traditional Surfaces
When rain falls on impermeable surfaces like asphalt or poured concrete, the water has nowhere to go. This leads to runoff, soil erosion, overburdened municipal stormwater systems, and pollutants washing into waterways. In a region like Victoria, where rainfall is frequent and natural landscapes are protected, these problems are particularly acute.
That’s where our CORE Foundations come in. Unlike conventional paving, these solutions allow water to pass through the surface and into the ground below. This approach mimics the earth’s natural hydrology, reducing environmental impact while still offering the strength and structure needed for driveways, walkways, and high-traffic areas.
CORE Landscape Products: Innovation Through Sustainability
Founded in Canada and used in projects across North America, CORE Landscape Products has developed a suite of durable, easy-to-install grid systems made from recycled and recyclable materials. Our products—like CORE Gravel and CORE Grass—are designed to stabilize loose aggregate, support vehicular loads, and maintain natural water flow.
CORE Foundations are particularly well-suited to the challenging topography of the Pacific Northwest. The integrated geotextile fabric, high-compression cell structure, and interlocking design allow for installations on sloped terrain, soft ground, and areas prone to erosion. Once installed, these systems deliver a clean, polished look that performs well under everything from foot traffic to fully loaded dump trucks.
A Local Leader in Execution: Dr. Hoe Civil Construction Inc.
While innovative products form the foundation of a great build, professional installation is essential to long-term success. That’s where Dr. Hoe Civil Construction Inc. shines. Known for their expertise in civil construction and sitework, this Victoria-based company has been using CORE Foundations on a variety of landscape projects—from complex steep-slope driveways to elegant garden paths.
In their own words:
“We’ve had the pleasure of working with CORE Landscape Products on several projects, and the experience has been consistently excellent. The installation process is smooth, and the product support has exceeded expectations.
From steep-slope driveways to walkways, paths, and other custom applications, we’ve used a variety of CORE products with great success. Both our clients and our crew have been very pleased with the results. Even under the weight of fully loaded dump trucks on steep grades, the material holds firm—no shifting, no slipping.
Our favorite product to date is CORE’s 60-40, which has proven to be incredibly durable and reliable under heavy loads. It’s not only strong and sustainable but also delivers a clean, professional finish.”
This kind of hands-on feedback speaks to the real-world reliability of CORE Foundations—and to the skill Dr. Hoe brings to each job site.
Real-World Impact Across Southern Vancouver Island
The collaboration between CORE Landscape Products and Dr. Hoe isn’t just about aesthetics or performance; it’s about creating lasting infrastructure that works in harmony with the environment. Projects completed across Victoria, Saanich, Langford, and Salt Spring Island showcase just how versatile and resilient these systems are. From hillside driveways that need to support commercial vehicles, to intricate paths winding through heritage gardens, the team has delivered consistent results with both form and function.
In many cases, CORE Foundations allow homeowners and developers to sidestep municipal restrictions around impervious surfaces. Because water filters naturally through the grid and substrate, these installations can often be counted as permeable under local zoning regulations—giving clients more freedom to create the outdoor spaces they need without sacrificing environmental responsibility.
Strength, Sustainability, and Style in One System
Dr. Hoe's most used grid, our CORE 60-40 product stands out as a favourite among both contractors and engineers. Engineered for high-load scenarios, it can be used on steep slopes and still remain stable under the weight of heavy vehicles. The clean finish achieved with compacted gravel makes it a popular choice for clients who want the look of a traditional driveway with the performance of a reinforced foundation.
What sets CORE apart is its ability to marry environmental sustainability with structural integrity. The grids are manufactured with a commitment to circular design—many are made from 100% recycled plastic—and all contribute to a lower carbon footprint compared to concrete alternatives.
A Shared Vision for Smarter Infrastructure
As demand grows for climate-resilient infrastructure, partnerships like that of CORE Landscape Products and Dr. Hoe Civil Construction Inc. are helping pave the way—literally. Their combined expertise in product development and execution ensures that clients receive not only a beautiful and durable installation, but one that supports long-term environmental goals as well.
Whether you’re a homeowner looking to stabilize a steep gravel driveway, a contractor searching for a cost-effective and code-compliant path solution, or a landscape architect designing with water-sensitive areas in mind, this team brings innovative answers to the table.
Learn More or Start Your Project
To explore product specifications, case studies, and installation tips, visit www.coregravel.ca.
If you’re in Victoria, Saanich, or anywhere on Southern Vancouver Island and need professional installation, reach out to Dr. Hoe Civil Construction Inc. Their team can assess your site, recommend the right CORE system, and execute the build to the highest standard.
Final Thoughts
The future of outdoor infrastructure is permeable, stable, and sustainable—and in Victoria, that future is already taking shape. Thanks to CORE Landscape Products and Dr. Hoe Civil Construction Inc., we’re seeing how thoughtful design and skilled implementation can turn challenging terrain into long-lasting, environmentally responsible spaces.
