Conditional sale of Dunsmuir Lodge announced

Dunsmuir Lodge is expected to begin life anew, as the non-academic property on the Saanich Peninsula returns to its roots in health and wellness. UVic has reached an agreement for the conditional sale of Dunsmuir Lodge and 25 acres of woodland to Homewood Health of Guelph, Ont.

The agreement with Homewood, a leading Canadian company that provides mental health and addiction treatment services, includes the lodge buildings and 25 acres of surrounding property. Adjacent to John Dean Provincial Park, the Dunsmuir property includes another 75 acres of woodland, which are subject to continuing discussions with Pauquachin First Nation regarding this land.

“UVic and Homewood have many shared values. We respect the wellness, dignity and integrity of all, we believe in cultural diversity and we create opportunities for the greater benefit of society,” says Gayle Gorrill, vice-president of finance and operations. “Homewood will be a good steward of Dunsmuir Lodge and we are pleased that the opportunity continues for First Nations to acquire the majority of the land.”

“The Pauquachin First Nation has a continuing interest in the Dunsmuir lands and we have had positive discussions with the University of Victoria and Homewood Health,” says Pauquachin First Nation Chief Rebecca Harris. “We look forward to further consultation and discussion.”

Homewood Health will provide UVic with excellent opportunities to collaborate on research and educational initiatives on the Saanich Peninsula, says David Castle, vice-president of research. “UVic looks forward to exploring initiatives with Homewood so we can improve lives through research, learning and services.”

Nestled on the pine slopes of Mount Newton in North Saanich, Dunsmuir was originally known as Gillain Manor, built as a drugs and alcohol rehabilitation centre in 1974. The property was donated to UVic in 1985 by the late George Poole and operated as an educational conference centre until its closure in 2009. The lodge buildings include 45 guest rooms and several meeting and conference spaces.  

Homewood intends to use the facility to provide medically based treatment services for mental health, addiction and concurrent disorders. Employers, insurers and individuals support these private-pay programs and those participating would do so voluntarily to accelerate their recovery and return to life and work.

“The University of Victoria has worked closely with us towards our goal to establish our Western Canadian residential services that will provide immediate access to the best mental health and addiction treatment in the country,” says Jagoda Pike, president and CEO of Homewood Health.

The agreement with Homewood remains true to the intent behind the original donation to support the educational mission of UVic, says Gorrill.

The purchase price will be confirmed once the sale agreement is finalized.

Proceeds from the sale of Dunsmuir will go towards the capital costs of the Centre for Athletics, Recreation and Special Abilities (CARSA), a key priority of the university. The sale agreement is subject to conditions including municipal approvals for zoning and approval by the Ministry of Advanced Education.

Backgrounder document on the Dunsmuir property.