Royal Roads University received a gift consisting of two acreages on Salt Spring Island, valued at over $9.9 million, making it the largest donation in the universities history. The contribution came from the Bloom Canadian Alter Ego Trust 2020 and the estate of the late Susan Bagley Bloom, an environmental philanthropist, conservationist, and long-time resident of Salt Spring Island.
“We are extremely grateful for the pristine natural lands from the Bloom gift, which will serve as a dynamic space for local and global change-makers, artists, scholars, and writers-in-residence, enhancing learning and research opportunities through Salt Spring Island's unique landscape and natural beauty,” said Philip Steenkamp, president of Royal Roads University, in a news release. “Royal Roads will benefit from this gift as it enhances the student and faculty experience, expands academic opportunities, and fosters deeper relationships within the educational community.” The properties includes waterfront gardens, an orchard of fruit trees, outbuildings and a foreshore lease.
The gift also includes just over $5.2 million in funds for ongoing maintenance and immediate improvement of the lands. The university says they will work with the Salt Spring Island Farmland Trust and Salt Spring Island Conservancy to steward and care for the lands.
They will also work with the Hul’qumi’num and SENĆOŦEN peoples to "ensure their interests in the lands are recognized and valued." With the new.