Heritage buildings are secured

September 2009

The heritage buildings are finally under lock and key. (See: Welders secure Cole IslandWeld

$25,000 Provincial Government Grant!

May 2009

The Friends of Cole Island Society has received a generous $25,000 grant from the Province of BC through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts. The funding will be used to address immediate safety issues on the island. (See: Province Province moves to protect Cole Island)

Cole Island recognized

April 2009

Cole Island is now listed on the National Register of Canada's Historic Places.

Sight-line improvement weekend

November 2008

On the weekend of November 1-2 about 20 volunteers showed up to clear away much of the brush and small shrubs that had been hindering neighbourhood surveillance. A large fire pit discovered during the summer months had gone undetected by area residents because of the massive vegetation that had grown around the island. With sight-lines restored, area residents can once again maintain a watchful eye on Cole Island activity.

Broom Bash!

April 2007

On April 27 and 28 a group of 26 dedicated volunteers assembled on Cole Island to remove the invasive Broom and Daphne vegetation that was taking over the island. A general clean-up of the site also took place and countless numbers of bricks that had been romoved frrom the buildings were returned to safe storage. As well, crude shelters made from tin and wood removed from the arsenals were disassembled and the materials packed away.

May 5, the Colwood Fire Department with assistance from the View Royal Fire Department conducted a controlled burn of the vegetation with members of the Friends of Cole Island Society.

The result was dramatic - the island, once completely overgrown with invasive vegetation is now a a field of open vistas.

Thanks to all the hardworking volunteers who donated so much of their time to make the broom bash a success. Also thankyou to Colwood and View Royal Fire Departments for their generous assistance. Photos

Provincial Government initiates emergency repair strategy

November 2006

In September 2006 the provincial Heritage Branch commissioned an emergency repair and condition survey of Cole Island. The branch is currently reviewing cost and work recommendations outlined in the report. The Friends of Cole Island Society is waiting to hear how our organization might assist.

Cole Island receives official heritage designation

June 2006

Cole Island was officially recognized as "part of a national historic district" by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada in a ceremony held June 29 2006. Cole Island was included in the commemoration of four Esquimalt naval sites that form "the most complete site of Royal Naval activity and the infrastructure surrounding that activity in the commonwealth". Dr Richard Alway, Chair, Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada presented opening remarks.

Take a Cole Stroll!

The Friends of Cole Island Society urges local residents and others to take a "Cole Stroll"! Cole Island is a wonderful place to visit, and more eyes on the island mean better security. It's a perfect destination for a picnic and an easy paddle from downtown Victoria. Sailboaters will find a designated "safe anchorage" area in the waters just east of the island.Access the island on the south east corner. There's a little bay where small boats or kayakers can pull in below the old guard house. A short but steep climb will take you to the path that runs the length of the island. In future, we hope to get permission to install a small kayaking dock and picnic tables.

Until repair work is completed on the heritage buildings, we recommend you view them from the outside only and do not enter them. Please pack your litter out - there is no garbage pick-up.

The old bricks and other materials on the site will be used to repair the existing structures so please do not remove anything from the island.

Enjoy - this is one of Canada's newest designated heritage sites!

Harbourmaster continues to provide extra security (2006)

Navy patrol boats continue their surveillance with regular sweeps around the island. The Friends of Cole Island Society extend their appreciation to Queen's Harbourmaster, Cdr. Leblanc, for the extra security this provides. Photo: FoCI directors Barron and Linda Carswell with Harbourmaster, Paul LeBlanc, at the Historic Sites designation ceremony.