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Terrible weather this week didn’t stop a determined man from walking for bullying awarness. News, Page A3
Triathlon organizers in Sooke are ambitiously looking to host national and international events. Sports, Page A19
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Friday, March 16, 2012
School district seeks public input on new schools Edward Hill News staff
When Education Minister George Abbott stood in Belmont’s gym and announced “not one, not one-anda-half but two new schools” for the West Shore, he didn’t leave a $100 million cheque on his way out. Behind the scenes planning for high schools at the Glen Lake site and in Royal Bay began late last year, and the critical public consultation phase will begin at the end of March. As SD 62 officials point out, there’s still plenty of work to be done before money is in the bank. “We are just starting the journey. The ministry (of education) has a number of steps to get the project approved. We’ve got 13 to go,” said Jim Alkins, who is directing the community consultation. “The ministry said they support the project, they haven’t said they approved the project.” Since November, district officials have been drawing up the all-important project definition report, a comprehensive rundown of cost estimates, engineering details, site surveys, architectural concepts and projected demographics that will dictate the final design for two 1,200student schools. “Staff has been working like crazy since the announcement,” said SD 62 superintendent Jim Cambridge. “There’s a lot of work behind the scenes. The public hasn’t seen much yet.”
Arnold Lim/News staff
Historian John Adams, famed for his ghost tours in downtown Victoria, will lead ghost tours through historic sites of Colwood.
Ghost tours come to Colwood Arnold Lim News staff
Apparently Colwood has plenty of spooky places that go bump in the night. To prove it, the city is opening the book on its dark history with the newly-minted Colwood Haunted Heritage tours, taking participants on a journey to familiar locations, with perhaps an unfamiliar past. “Ghost stories are fascinating because it is the unknown. It always seems to spark an interest when you have stories like that,” said life-long Colwood resident and city administrator Marcy Lalande. “I love hearing stories from the old times. We have some pretty neat people in this com-
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munity and we want to highlight that.” The opportunity is there for history buffs, residents and the municipality to jump on board and spread the word of Colwood, she said. “It is a branding of the city and not just a tour. We have been looking at ways to fundraise for the Colwood Heritage Commission,” Lalande said. “It brings awareness to Colwood, that (it has) lots of hidden treasures.” Taking the reins of the bus tour is well-known historian John Adams. Bringing a deep trove of knowledge of haunted nooks and crannies of Greater Victoria, the 15-year tour veteran will lead the uninitiated through Hatley Castle, Fort
Rodd Hill and Pendray House. Don’t be surprised if the group diverts to a cemetery or two along the way. “I have a number of stories I have heard over the years but I haven’t had an opportunity to (tell),” Adams said. “There are so many good stories.” The former member of the Old Cemeteries Society of Victoria is well known for his knowledge of the unexplained, including the numerous ghost stories linked to Hatley Castle. “I tell (stories) from a historical point of view. Telling it in a way of a ghost story brings it to life,” Adams said. “I hope in telling these stories I will connect people with their community and find out some of the history they might not have known.”
With special permission to enter specific areas not open to the public, Adam promises interesting insight into the Colwood’s history, haunted or not. “Colwood (is) a very historic and important part of the area,” Adams said. “I hope (people) come out feeling a little more connected with their community — the past and the present.”
When & Where ■ Bus tours run May 24 to 26, 7 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $25 and sold at Colwood city hall, the Coast Collective gallery and Royal Roads gift shop. Meet at Fort Rodd Hill.
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