Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1945-1949 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
6 cm textual records
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
Repository
Archival history
Transferred from the Saanich Clerk’s Office.
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Fonds consists of records relating to the proposed Gordon Head Airport from 1945 to 1949. Fonds includes correspondence, legal documents, petitions, maps, and news clippings.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
No further accruals are expected.
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
No restrictions on access.
Conditions governing reproduction
Language of material
- English
Script of material
Language and script notes
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
Finding aids
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related units of description
Notes area
Note
Accession number: 2008-004
Additional info: In 1947 the area bounded by Haro Road, Finnerty Road, Sinclair Road and Dawson Road was acquired by the Victoria City Council from the Federal Government for use as an airport. This was in response to concern for the lack of air transit to Victoria following the Second World War. The proposed airport was controversial as the area had been zoned by the Municipality of Saanich for residential use. Letter writing campaigns took place between 1946 and 1949, primarily by residents of Gordon Head and local councillors. Residents were concerned about noise, safety and property values, while proponents of the airport, such as members of the Memorial Airpark Association and the Victoria Flyers' Club, emphasized the benefits for Victoria's growing tourist industry. Engineers expressed concern about the size and geography of the proposed plot of land. In June 1948, the Supreme Court of B.C. ruled against G. Tchaperoff, a Gordon Head resident who brought an action against the Memorial Airpark Association for beginning construction before re-zoning took place. In a 1949 referendum, Saanich residents voted against the proposed airport and the Saanich Municipal Council decided not to rezone the area.