The Heritage Branch of the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, and the Vancouver Island Local History Society have entered into a five-year agreement for the management of Point Ellice House.

Point Ellice House is a provincial historic site overlooking the Gorge Waterway. The house, constructed during 1861 and 1862, is among the oldest homes in the city.

The society will provide caretaking, public access, programming and operational services at the site. The society’s vision aligns with government’s goal of exploring community opportunities, as well as First Nations themes, at provincial heritage properties.

“At these sites, we’re looking back, but also looking forward,” said Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development. “We are working with site managers to find ways of enhancing reconciliation with First Nations. At the same time, these sites are also reaching out to their local communities to create new activities for a contemporary audience.”

The society aims to build community relationships to expand on the visitor experience. It is also reaching out to local First Nations to help tell the story of First Nations occupation and use of the site.

“The Vancouver Island Local History Society looks forward to connecting people to the history of Vancouver Island and British Columbia through the compelling historic setting provided by Point Ellice House,” said Kelly Black, the society’s executive director. “We are also looking forward to strengthening the connections between the house and other businesses in the Rock Bay neighbourhood to encourage increased public recreation and use of the site.”

Point Ellice House was designated a National Historic Site in 1966 and became a Provincial Historic Site in 1975. The house is also listed on the City of Victoria’s heritage registry.  

The site was formerly operated by the Point Ellice House Preservation Society. Its agreement to operate the site ended in 2018. The Vancouver Island Local History Society was chosen to manage the site through a request for proposal managed by BC Bid.

Learn More:

Provincial heritage properties: http://ow.ly/jT2v50p80lO