School Constitution
February 1928 was a major turning point for the School. Since its founding in 1916, the School had been a private enterprise, owned by the Founder and first Headmaster, C. W. Lonsdale. After a fire destroyed the campus in 1926, he raised an astonishing $150,000 to rebuild, and the new facilities were finished by September 1927.
On February 15, 1928, legal documents of incorporation were signed and registered. Shawnigan Lake School became a Society founded under the Societies Act. Lonsdale turned over his personal ownership of the buildings, grounds and all School assets to the Shawnigan Lake School Society. He would continue as the Headmaster, and a board of governors was appointed. The first board consisted of The Honorable Sir Percy Lake, Sir Richard Lake, Mr. John Y. Copeman, Captain J. Douglas Groves, and C.W. Lonsdale. Shortly after, Charles A. Colville, 3rd Viscount Colville of Culross, was added to the board. Incorporation did not substantially change how the School ran; Lonsdale continued to be in full control of operations. It was not until after his death in 1952 that the board influenced anything beyond the financial aspects.
According to Harry Lake '28, son of Sir Percy Lake, these men, along with Mr. Alexander S. Baillie, Alec Ripley’s grandfather, were enthusiastic supporters, “because they agreed so thoroughly with Lonsdale’s ideas of what a good school should be, and the importance of having such a school in this part of the world.” Incorporation ensured that the School would continue in the future, “for the benefit of Canada’s youth.”
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.
According to Harry Lake '28, son of Sir Percy Lake, these men, along with Mr. Alexander S. Baillie, Alec Ripley’s grandfather, were enthusiastic supporters, “because they agreed so thoroughly with Lonsdale’s ideas of what a good school should be, and the importance of having such a school in this part of the world.” Incorporation ensured that the School would continue in the future, “for the benefit of Canada’s youth.”
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.
