777 Herald St Unit ##2103, Victoria
Courtesy of Sotheby's International Realty Canada
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Victoria High School, affectionately known as "Vic High," stands as a testament to the rich educational heritage of Victoria, British Columbia. Established on August 7, 1876, it holds the distinction of being the oldest public high school in western Canada. The inaugural class comprised twelve girls and twenty-two boys, who attended classes in a modest log cabin with two classrooms situated on the grounds of what is now Central Middle School.
As Victoria's population burgeoned, the demand for enhanced educational facilities became evident. In 1882, the school transitioned to a new brick building, later known as Boys’ Central School. This structure served the community until 1903, when a third iteration of Victoria High School was unveiled, designed by the renowned architect Francis Mawson Rattenbury, famed for the British Columbia Parliament Buildings and The Empress Hotel. However, the relentless growth of the city soon rendered this facility insufficient.
The current edifice, the fourth to bear the Victoria High School name, opened its doors on May 1, 1914. Located on Grant Street between Fernwood and Camosun Streets, the land was generously donated by the City of Victoria. Designed by C. Elwood Watkins, the School Architect for the Victoria Board of Education, the construction cost slightly more than $460,000—a substantial sum for that era. The school's first principal, S. J. Willis, oversaw its early years.
Throughout its storied history, Vic High has been more than just an educational institution; it has been a cornerstone of the community. During World War I, approximately 500 students enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force, with eighty-five making the ultimate sacrifice.
The school's commitment to technical education was evident during World War II when, in 1943, technical education shops were established as part of the training effort. These facilities evolved over the years, culminating in the opening of the Fairey Technical Building in 2011, a modern 57,000 square foot addition to the north side of the main school building.
Recognizing the need to preserve its historical legacy while ensuring the safety of its students, the Government of British Columbia allocated $77.1 million for seismic upgrades and a 200-seat expansion of Victoria High School. Commencing in August 2020, these extensive renovations necessitated the temporary relocation of students to a renovated S.J. Willis Educational Centre. After several years of meticulous work, students returned to the revitalized 1914 campus on April 5, 2024.
Today, Victoria High School seamlessly blends its historic charm with modern amenities, continuing its tradition of academic excellence and community involvement. As it approaches its 150th anniversary, Vic High remains a beacon of education in Victoria, honoring its past while looking forward to the future.