Project Investment:

• Island Coastal Economic Trust: $30,000
• Total Budget: $117,250

Project Highlight:

To honour Susan Bloom’s legacy, Royal Roads University looks to develop a shared vision their new Salt Spring Island Campus to establish a dynamic centre for changemaking through a collaborative, community-wide process.

Through a donation by the late Susan Bloom, Royal Roads University recently acquired Bloom Castle by the Sea. They are now using a collaborative, community-wide process to establish a strategic plan and operational framework that will transform the venue into a one-of-a-kind learning centre focused on regenerative sustainability for the Gulf Islands and beyond.

The proposed project is co-led with the Salt Spring Island Farmland Trust and it will be informed through strong community partnership and its connection to the Royal Roads University community that includes more than 35,000 alumni, 5,000 students, and 500 staff and faculty.

The Trust is investing with Royal Roads University through the Investment Readiness Program, which includes a regional collaboration stream. This program incentivizes innovative partnerships among communities, non-profit organizations, and private industry to unlock opportunities for major new investments and sustainable economic development.

Strengthening Community Wellbeing

This project will result in a comprehensive report synthesizing findings and recommendations, including actional steps for economic development opportunities.  These will inform a strategic plan and operational framework for the campus.

Economic Prosperity: The initiative will establish strong partnerships throughout the community. It is co-led by the Salt Spring Island Farmland Trust and aims to consult with several non-profit organizations, local businesses, and the 14 nations with traditional links to the island.

A respected community member with strong connections to Indigenous communities on Salt Spring Island will serve as an Indigenous Engagement Facilitator, fostering opportunity to form partnerships with local Tribes and First Nations during subsequent planning and operational phases.

Social Empowerment: Royal Roads University is committed to a community-led consultation process to transform its new campus into a local and regional asset that builds capacity to advance the economy on Salt Spring Island, including delivering training and advanced education to support the upward mobility of workers.

The project will create 42 part time, temporary jobs, including an Indigenous engagement facilitator and community-academic facilitator. An additional 40 Indigenous participants that will receive honoraria, along with a further 275 volunteers expected to participate.

Cultural Vitality: Royal Roads University strives to transform the Salt Spring Island campus  into a community hub for changemaking. Inclusivity is entrenched in the proposed consultation approach and the shared vision of the space.

The project will seek out the stories from Salt Spring Island and the Bloom Castle by the Sea location to ensure it is reflected in programming recommendations. This includes stories from the 14 Nations and Tribes who utilized these lands since time immemorial, the history of the Beddis family, who planted the original orchard, and the late Susan Bagley Bloom’s unique connection.

Climate Resiliency: In alignment with Susan Bagley Bloom’s legacy and Royal Roads University’s vision for the space, regenerative sustainability will be a core focus for programming offered at the Salt Spring Island Campus. The recommendations outlined in the report will consider the ways the campus can support a low-carbon or circular economy, through teaching and learning, and shared usage of the space.

Media Contacts

Jeff Bartlett
Communications and Impact Manager
Island Coastal Economic Trust
250-871-7797
jeff@islandcoastaltrust.ca

Jennifer Rathwell
Communications Manager
Royal Roads University
250-589-1378
jennifer.rathwell@royalroads.ca