A Victoria staple since the late-1800s is about to close its doors.

Old Morris Tobacconist has been in business at the same Government Street location since 1892, weathering two world wars, the Great Depression, a pandemic and tough smoking bylaws.

But it is expected to close in October.

Building owner Rick Arora sold it in 2024 — B.C. Assessment lists the sale of the property for $2.4 million last June. This fall, the lease for the tobacconist will end, which will bring the curtain down on one of the city’s oldest businesses.

Old Morris has been operating continuously since 1892, when Edward Arthur Morris, who had come to Canada from London to dig for gold, decided to settle in Victoria, buy the two-storey building and open his shop.

According to Victoria history writer Danda Humphre

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