Thursday, October 14, 2021
Victoria Hospice Society to purchase property from Greater Victoria School District
VICTORIA, BC – The Greater Victoria School District has entered into an agreement to potentially sell 1.9 acres of land south of Lansdowne Middle School to the Victoria Hospice Society 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 by 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.
For over 40 years, Victoria Hospice has provided quality end-of-life care for people in Greater Victoria.
“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 to renovate and replace existing Greater Victoria schools, including advancing net zero energy buildings and other energy efficient strategies: key components of the District’s 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 Ann Whiteaker, Board Chair. “The District needs to make significant capital investments to minimize our environmental impact. Over the short term and long term, we have schools that will require significant upgrades—and we need to start allocating dollars now to fund carbon neutral schools.”
The public can learn more online or attend the 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.
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Media Contacts:
Lisa McPhail
Communications and Community Engagement
Greater Victoria School District No. 61
250.475.4103
www.sd61.bc.ca
Jen Cooper
Communications & Marketing Manager
Victoria Hospice Society
250.217.8779
www.victoriahospice.org
