The TLC’s relinquishing operation of Craigfower Manor and the old Craigflower school is an opportunity to ask what the value of those buildings really is.
Saanich and View Royal recently produced an overblown fancy report on the historical significance of those buildings.
Among the exaggerations was describing an added lean-to as a heritage architectural feature. People all over the Victoria area and throughout B.C. will be amused that a low cost expediency to get a bit more space is a big mystical deal.
Such old buildings take maintenance, especially if not kept heated, otherwise they will rot into the ground.
In exploring possible uses by Saanich and View Royal, it is noted that there is no shortage of meeting and school space in the immediate area.
The new Craigflower school, Shoreline school, View Royal’s reading library in Admiral’s Walk shopping area, and rooms in strata housing complexes are examples of what is available.
So the question is whether or not to continue to sink money into the Craigflower buildings.
Trying to maintain them puts a burden on future generations. If politicians really like them I suggest putting their offices there.
Keith Sketchley
Saanich