About
The School Gates
The iron gates gracing the School entrance were a gift from Dr. Peter Banks, a long-time and very active member of the Board of Governors, later serving as Chairman from 1985-1993. The gates were brought from England. Before they could be installed, permission was obtained to change access to the School entrance from Renfrew Road. The ribbon cutting was November 9, 1979.
Decades later, the entrance was widened to allow for wider vehicles to pass through and for safety reasons, creating an "in" gate more perpendicular to the road, requiring vehicles to slow down, and adding a separate pedestrian walkway that was not hidden by a pillar. An additional small section of wrought iron fence inset with the School crest and a new bronze entry plaque were the finishing touches. The new pillars were faced with stone quarried from the School's property, and one more light was added to replicate the originals.
Dr. Banks’ goal was for the gates to create a dignified entrance to the campus. They certainly have achieved this aesthetic purpose, but not so much a practical one, for the gates do not meet in the middle, and therefore do not actually close. In recent years, the School has embraced the fact that they do not close and now sees them as a symbol of welcome. Perhaps local painter Kristine Paton had this in mind when she titled her painting of the School Gates "Always Open."
The information presented in this write-up is based on current information available in the School's Archives and consultation with key people who have some relevant connection to this "object." If you have further information about this "object" that you would like to contribute, please contact the School’s Advancement Office at alumni@shawnigan.ca.
Dr. Banks’ goal was for the gates to create a dignified entrance to the campus. They certainly have achieved this aesthetic purpose, but not so much a practical one, for the gates do not meet in the middle, and therefore do not actually close. In recent years, the School has embraced the fact that they do not close and now sees them as a symbol of welcome. Perhaps local painter Kristine Paton had this in mind when she titled her painting of the School Gates "Always Open."
The information presented in this write-up is based on current information available in the School's Archives and consultation with key people who have some relevant connection to this "object." If you have further information about this "object" that you would like to contribute, please contact the School’s Advancement Office at alumni@shawnigan.ca.
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful West Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
