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Make Vic High a multiple-use complex

Re: “Posterity integral to Vic High,” letter, june 2. The letter gave me pause to think that there is a tremendous opportunity to create a multiple-win situation here.

Re: “Posterity integral to Vic High,” letter, june 2.

The letter gave me pause to think that there is a tremendous opportunity to create a multiple-win situation here.

Federal, provincial, regional, city governments, along with the school district and stakeholders, could work together.

The federal government should be petitioned to have the school and grounds declared a national historic site. Just being the oldest school west of Winnipeg is probably justification enough.

To satisfy the need for a school, a new facility should be built on the school grounds. That building should be a net-zero energy consumer and built to address the educational needs of today (and the future).

Four other buildings should be built on the site: a replica of the original school, a First Nations education centre, a three-storey seniors/low-income housing building and a transit hub with a parkade for the public, school employees and students. Throw in free shuttle buses within a three-kilometre radius.

The existing building should be renovated for multiple use. Parts could continue operating as a school (gyms, labs, administrative offices). Parts could house continuing education facilities; others could be historic (education museum, information and tour offices).

Parts could be First Nations and Métis cultural and administrative facilities, while other sections could house health and social service facilities, as well as immigration welcoming facilities.

It would be interesting to see if that many organizations could work together.

Ken Weatherill

North Saanich