Gordon Head Residences (1978)

 

The three residence buildings in this complex, three and four storeys in height, are all of wood frame construction with exterior finish in stucco and cedar siding. They house, in total, about 300 students. As residential instead of educational facilities, these buildings did not qualify for financial assistance from the Provincial Ministry of Education; instead, they were financed with the assistance of the Federal Government through the Central Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

 

Names

In 1959, Victoria College bought the former Gordon Head Army Camp, which would become the nucleus of the future University of Victoria campus. All three residence units are named after eminent chancellors of the university.

Richard B. Wilson, B. Com., LLD., a third-generation Victorian and a prominent local businessman, headed Victoria College’s capital fund drive in 1960, was Chairman of the University Development Board, Chairman of the Board of Governors and Chancellor from 1967 to 1969. Always active in civic affairs, he served as Mayor of Victoria from 1962 to 1965.

Roderick L. Haig-Brown, LLD. (1908–1976), was born and educated in England but had settled in the Campbell River area by 1930. A Magistrate and Judge of the Provincial Court of British Columbia from 1942 to 1975, he is renowned for his classic books on fly fishing and angling, as well as for his ardent and visionary concern about Canada’s natural environment. He was Chancellor of UVic for the years 1970 to 1972.

Robert T. D. Wallace, M.A., LLD., was born near Victoria and studied at Victoria High School, Victoria College, Victoria Provincial Normal School and UBC. A distinguished and beloved educator, he was associated with this institution for over half a century, serving as Professor of Mathematics, Department Head, Acting Dean of Arts and Science, Dean of Administration, Vice-President, Acting President (1968–69), and Chancellor (1973–78).

Facts and Figures

Architect: Siddall Dennis Warner
Structural: Read Jones Christoffersen Ltd.
Mechanical: D. W. Thomson & Company Ltd.
Electrical: Spratt & Associates
Contractor: Dura Construction Ltd.
Contract: $2,337,900 (Nov. 28, 1977); $2,614,599
Gross area: 84,000 sq. ft.
Cost per square foot: $31.13
Official opening: September 8, 1978, by the Hon. Raymond J. Perrault

 

See UVic's maps and buildings description.