The B.C. government is looking for proposals from agencies, societies and businesses for the future use of the Craigflower Schoolhouse building in Saanich that will reduce reliance on public funds while maintaining heritage and conservation standards.

Successful proponents will offer a strong business case for a long-term use that provides community benefits, with a focus on financial independence from government. The candidate with the strongest proposal will be invited to make a formal application for tenure. The land accompanying the schoolhouse does not form part of the property being offered for tenure.

Copies of the Request for Proposal package is available by clicking on the following BC Bid webpage: http://www.bcbid.gov.bc.ca/open.dll/welcome and selecting document number “H15HER071114”. Expressions of Interest must be received before Thursday, Aug. 7, 2014 at 2p.m. (PST).

Craigflower Schoolhouse is one of 23 heritage sites owned by the Province. It has been operated as a historic site museum by a third-party manager for almost a decade. In recent years, the number of visitors to Craigflower Schoolhouse has dwindled to the point where continued museum use is unsustainable. To allow the prospective tenant to use the building for a variety of purposes, the schoolhouse furniture and artifacts have been removed and will be conserved off-site.

Constructed in 1854 by the Colony of Vancouver Island for the children of nearby Craigflower Farm, and surrounding area, Craigflower Schoolhouse is the oldest school in British Columbia. It most recently served as site offices for construction managers in charge of the Craigflower bridge replacement project. The schoolhouse building is maintained by government property management contractor Workplace Services.

Learn More:

Craigflower Manor and Schoolhouse: http://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=1449&pid=0

Media Contacts:

Greig Bethel
Media Relations
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261