The former Koksilah Elementary School property has been sold to Duncan Pentecostal Church and Cowichan Valley-based Living Stones Landscaping.
The Cowichan Valley School District says the sale will generate money for repairs and maintenance at schools across the district, including playground upgrades, heating and cooling improvements and accessibility work.
Koksilah Elementary opened in 1964 and closed in 2013.
“Over the years, Koksilah Elementary School grew to include 14 classrooms, a library and a gymnasium,” said a statement from the school district. “It served the community from its construction until its closing in 2013.”
The property was later used for trades training through Vancouver Island University.
Duncan Pentecostal Church says it plans to use the former school to accommodate its growing congregation and expand its community ministries.
“The sale of Koksilah Elementary School to Duncan Pentecostal Church and Living Stones Landscaping Inc. is a celebration for our community and district, that’s why the board unanimously supported this offer,” said Cathy Schmidt, chair of the school district’s board.
Living Stones Landscaping plans to use the undeveloped portion of the property for its business operations, subject to the required approvals.
The organizations say they intend to use separate areas of the site, with any subdivision or changes in land use subject to the appropriate approval processes.
“We see this as an opportunity to steward a property with a long history in this community and to create room for the church to continue growing and serving,” said Peter Lewis, lead pastor of Duncan Pentecostal Church. “We look forward to being good neighbours, listening to the community and working constructively with local government and others as plans develop.”
In a joint statement, the church and Living Stones Landscaping said they are committed to approaching the work responsibly and collaboratively and respecting the processes required for any future changes to the site.
