October 14, 2021 – This morning a joint media release was sent announcing an agreement between the Greater Victoria School District and Victoria Hospice to potentially sell 1.9 acres of land south of Lansdowne Middle School to Victoria Hospice for $2.5 million. The triangular-shaped property is adjacent to the south campus of Lansdowne Middle School, formerly Richmond Elementary School.
The land sale is subject to approval from the Ministry of Education and three readings of a disposal bylaw by the Greater Victoria School Board. If approved, the property would be used as a new Centre of Excellence for Victoria Hospice, with space for expanded services including grief support, community education, and practical programs for people on their end-of-life journey – from those diagnosed with a life-limiting illness to those who are bereaved.
Finding a new home for Victoria Hospice is one of the goals in our 5-year Strategic Framework, Growing our Circle of Care. “The demand for end-of-life care programs and services is growing,” says Kevin Harter, CEO. “Victoria Hospice must adapt and expand to ensure we can continue to meet the needs of our community. This agreement with SD61 is an important step in realizing our goals.”
The proceeds from the sale of the surplus lands will provide funding for renovating and replacing existing Greater Victoria schools, including advancing net zero energy buildings and other energy efficient strategies; key components of the District’s recently approved climate action resolution.
“We will be pleased if this land can be utilized for greater community benefit while flowing dollars directly back into improving our facilities for students and staff,” said Board Chair Ann Whiteaker. “The District needs to start making significant capital investments to minimize our environmental impact. We need to walk the walk and start allocating dollars to fund energy-efficient schools. Over the short term and long term, we have schools that will require significant upgrades—and we need to start preparing how to build carbon neutral schools. Climate change is not a far-off problem, we must act now.”
While we are excited to share this news with our supporters, this important step is just the first of many in a long road ahead. Opportunities for the public to learn more about the sale will occur in November, with an online information session planned for November 3, 2021. For more details visit: www.sd61.bc.ca.
If approved by the Ministry of Education and the Board, the Victoria Hospice Society would then commence the land-use approval and corresponding public engagement processes required by the District of Saanich to advance its plans for the property.
It is thanks to the generosity of our loyal donors that we are able to continue to grow our circle of care. We extend our sincere thanks for your continued involvement, investment, and engagement in Victoria Hospice. We look forward to working with you as we shape the future of hospice care in our community.