The Observation Post commands one of the most dramatic views in the city, overlooking the Straits and the Gulf Island. Gonzales Hill is an undeveloped natural area (1.99 hectare) in a residential neighborhood, accessible from Denison Road. What remains of the observation Post is the concrete bunker - originally disguised as a residence, with peaked roof and awning-covered windows - which housed the range finder. This was the foundation of the "house " constructed as a blind during WWII.
The Fortress Observation Post Gonzales was built using civilian contractors during the years 1938-1940 by the Department of Defence as part of a World War II fortress observation system It was one of four in the fortress system network, the others being at Mt. Tolmie, Mary Hill (William Head), and Church Hill. (Smythe Head). Only Gonzales and Mt Tolmie remain. The Post features a Barr-Stroud Range Finder, which was trained on the Juan de Fuca Strait and on houses below the building. ostensibly to pick up any signaling, etc. It was one of several in a Victoria-Esquimalt area network and was an observation post, never a gun emplacement. Significant information was transmitted to Fort Rodd Hill Plotting room. The Gonzales Post was the link to the easternmost anchor gun battery, and protected the naval Base and the shipping lines. The post was operational from 1942 until the early fifties.
