On this Giving Tuesday, we look ahead to the new year at Ross Bay Villa Historic House Museum. The Board has identified an urgent need to replace the fence along the western boundary of the property. Our goal is $3,000 for materials and some labour costs to ensure that ‘good fences make good neighbours’.  This project is essential to the Villa, and we are asking our members and the public to consider contributing this Giving Tuesday via Canada Helps: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/74256 

Last year on Giving Tuesday, we asked for contributions for 2024’s major project, caring for the Villa’s historic exterior.  The most visible work was repainting the entire exterior of the house in the same historic colours as when it was last painted by Ross Bay Villa volunteers in 2013. The work was undertaken by Nu-Edge Painting and was adjudicated by an inspector from the Master Painters & Decorators Institute of BC. 

The Villa’s rear stairs were replaced, as well as horizontal skirting material around the entire building. The work was undertaken by Ross Bay Villa volunteers and Wes Oborne Carpentry and was adjudicated by a VHF inspector. There was also remedial chimney work done on the two historic chimneys. Attic preparation work was undertaken by a Ross Bay Villa volunteer and the chimney work was carried out by Heritage Masonry and also adjudicated by a VHF inspector.

The Board is very grateful for the grant we received from the Victoria Heritage Foundation which helped bring these projects to life. The overall cost was approximately $31,000.00. The grant covered 40%, or $12,400.00 of this amount. Several Ross Bay Villa Society members and volunteers also donated funds toward the cost of the painting, including donations for last years Giving Tuesday.  Our thanks to everyone involved for creating something truly special.

Kathryn McAllister, President, Ross Bay Villa Society

Photo credit to Nick Russell.