The Hallmark Heritage Society becomes the new tenant of the historic Craigflower Schoolhouse effective March 1, 2015, Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister, Steve Thomson, announced today.

The society intends to use the building for community heritage education and outreach consistent with its original use as a school for the area surrounding Craigflower Farm.

The Hallmark Heritage Society was the successful proponent from an Expression of Interest that the Province advertised in summer 2014. The society’s proposal is consistent with the conservation plan for the site developed with the District of Saanich and neighbouring communities.

The Hallmark Heritage Society is the oldest heritage preservation society in the Capital Regional District. Established in 1973, this non-profit society advocates the preservation, conservation, and restoration of heritage assets and works towards a greater public awareness and understanding of heritage.

The province owns and operates 23 provincial heritage properties. Craigflower School is one of the 11 that is open to the public. While owned by the province, the heritage properties are managed by third parties.

Quotes:

Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson-

“Signature of this agreement with the Hallmark Heritage Society returns Craigflower Schoolhouse National Historic Site to its historic educational function. As a centre for public heritage education and advocacy, the 160 year old building will once again become an active and important place in the community. Putting provincially-owned properties to work for their communities supports the Province’s vision for sustainable stewardship of the built environment.”

Hallmark Heritage Society president Ken Johnson -

“Craigflower schoolhouse is protected for its heritage value by three levels of government. By making this historic building its headquarters, Hallmark intends to show how responsible property stewardship and community use can work hand-in-hand to illustrate the role of heritage in a sustainable community.”

Quick Facts:

• Craigflower Schoolhouse was constructed by the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1854 to support efforts to colonize Vancouver Island through farming.
• Craigflower Schoolhouse is considered the oldest surviving public building in British Columbia. As one of British Columbia's few surviving structures which predates the 1858 gold rush, this school is an excellent example of early building construction used in the province.

Learn More:

To learn more about Craigflower Schoolhouse: http://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=1449

To learn more about the Hallmark Heritage Society: http://hallmarksociety.ca/

To learn more about Canadian Heritage sites: http://www.historicplaces.ca/en/home-accueil.aspx

Media Contacts:

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