There’s a way to preserve school

The 1914 Vic High structure shares heritage value with other revered buildings — Empress Hotel, Craigdarroch Castle, Ocean Island Inn, Craigflower Manor, Royal Roads and more. As a school with no access by other members of the public, however, it’s not as well appreciated.

The character of our urban mix is about how what we see makes us feel, and it’s about the energy connected to these structures, of all who pass through its doors. Let’s not throw this baby out with the bath water, or choose the cheapest option, but the one with the most value.

Stability, continuity, reassurance, particularly for our youth, are critical these days. Enhancing the old and creatively connecting it to the new are entirely possible within a reasonable budget.

Let’s ensure the creative problemsolving energy of this region’s citizens is reflected in our decisionmaking structures. School District 61 might hold the deed to this building, but the region and its residents — past, present and future — hold its heart.

School district board: Please explore any possible sources of funding to maintain the 1914 structure, while enhancing safety and respecting its heritage value.

My MLA and Minister of Education Rob Fleming: Please work with the board to help find funding sources beyond the Ministry of Education, at any level of government or private funding, to maintain the heritage structure. You are your constituents’ voice.

Where there’s a will, there’s a way.

Linda Baker Victoria