The Land Conservancy of B.C. is going back to the Supreme Court of B.C. for approval to sell 28 ecologically sensitive properties to the Natural Conservancy of Canada and the Nature Trust of B.C. If approved, the sale price will be $1.5 million and the lands will change hands on Sept. 30. The sale is part of a plan for the Victoria-based, non-profit group to rid itself of $8 million in debt. It is under court-ordered protection from creditors.
Housing starts declined in June
June’s housing starts in the capital region totalled 139, down from 197 in June 2014. Langford came in with 48 starts, the highest in the region. However, total starts to date this year are up 65 per cent at 984, compared with 596 for the same months last year, said Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp.
Biotech firm gets funding
Industrial Plankton, 3378 Burns Ave., is getting $156,225 through the Western Innovation Initiative, backed by Western Economic Diversification Canada. The funding will be used to commercialize a 2,500-litre algae reactor and a 1,500-litre zooplankton reactor. Project activities will include the development of pilot reactors, field testing, third-party electrical certifications, as well as patent filings.
Gallery sells Humboldt site
Winchester Galleries owners Gunter Heinrich and Anthony Sam are selling their commercial premises on Humboldt Street which housed Winchester Modern. The sale closes on Wednesday. They are looking for another location, either in Victoria or on the mainland. Gallerist Elizabeth Levinson has relocated to Winchester Galleries in Oak Bay.
Symphony gets new president
Steve McKerrell has been elected president of the Foundation for the Victoria Symphony. The Victoria-based businessman has a long history of volunteering. He co-chaired one of the first recycling programs in Canada, served on the board of the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria and chaired its foundation. The symphony foundation holds endowment and reserve funds to support the Victoria Symphony Society.
