Hope for Queenswood

By Ken Steele

In mid-August I attended a 2 day Buddhist mediation retreat at Queenswood Centre. For about 40 years, Queenswood has served as a portal for spiritual growth - a place where you can seek the spirit within and experience the spirit without. The Buildings were designed by renowned architect John Di Castri, with that objective in mind, respecting the contours of the land; showering you with light allowing green views of a bountiful nature as well as enclaves of seclusion, which invite contemplation. It is a place for reflection, replenishment and healing.

On 1 October 2010 - in less than a month's time Queenswood will close. The not-for- profit Centre has found itself short of cash in hard financial times and has been sold to the University of Victoria which has not yet solidified its plans for the buildings and grounds. It would be a shame for what Monday Magazine once referred to as "the longstanding jewel in the city's crown chakra" to be lost to, say, high-rise residences.

An informal group called "The Friends of Queenswood" are currently circulating a petition and writing letters to be presented to U of Vic President, David Turpin, encouraging the position that the university "seek innovative solutions that ensure the Centre's continued role as an internationally-recognized component of the local spiritual, educational and healing community." Should you find yourself sympathetic to this view you could add your voice in support by writing a letter to: President, David H. Turpin, University of Victoria, Administrative Services Building A 220, PO BOX 1700, STN CSC, Victoria, BC, V8W 2Y2.