Dear editor,
There are rumours abounding about a potential takeover of Glacier View Lodge (lands and assets estimated at $12-20 million) by Providence Health Care which I believe is a Catholic organization.
The Courtenay Museum archives has a history of GVL’s coming into being.
In 1946 the Women’s Institute determined that there was need for a home for the elderly in the Comox Valley and a search was initiated, the final decision, the current property overlooking the beautiful Beaufort Mountains. Fundraising was begun. Hard times hit the Valley in 1951.
A survey estimated there was 40,000 feet of lumber available on the property so by 1953 construction was started. Volunteers arrived. Loggers, and heavy equipment operators felled trees for transport to Puntledge Sawmill. One day was donated to saw the required lumber. More volunteers arrived – from grandparents to high school students. They pulled nails, erected new walls, screwed, mudded, sanded and painted the donated drywall, even helped repair the roof, an estimated savings of almost $30,000 – one-quarter of the total cost. Blankets, pillows, and furniture were donated.
A newspaper talked of community pride and rising spirit as the project grew. In 1955 funding ran out and the City of Courtenay stepped up. Late 1955, Thomas Menzies and Florence Simms sold the property to the City for $1 to be “used, maintained and operated for the use and benefit of the elderly.” And finally in 1956 the doors opened. After all that, how can we allow the gem that is Glacier View Lodge be sold to a developer with the profits of that sale going to the Catholic church. We should still be celebrating that amazing effort.
Why have dozens of caring citizens been refused Glacier View Society membership lately?
Why is the annual general meeting closed to the public?
Again, I ask: Why?
Barbara Simonson
Courtenay
