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A QUICK LOOK AT THE HISTORY OF CLOVER POINT

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Clover Point is a 10.39 acre property that has served many functions. The following outlines a few of the highlights and developments over the years (extracted from“Beacon Hill Park History” by Janis Ringuette). When Hudson’s BayCompany Chief Factor, James Douglas, landed on the point in 1842, he named it for the acres of tall red clover growing there. • Shipwreck on Clover Point (1860): The barque Glimpse ran aground near Clover Point on March 15, 1860. • CloverPoint RifleRange (1900 to 1931): The VictoriaRifle Association launched a campaign to adapt Clover Point, from Cook Street eastward, to a rifle range. Despite opposition, ten acres were fenced and work started on October 16, 1900. During World War I, troops stationed at the ‘Willows” Fairground marched to Clover Point to practice shooting from the ranges to the butts on the point. • Military use of Clover Point during World War II: Clover Point which had leased from the Crown was taken over by the Dominion Department of National Defence early in the fall of 1939. • City of Victoria granted a 99 year lease (1947): When Clover Point was returned to the City of Victoria after World War II, it was leased from the Department of National Defence at $1.00 per year for 99 years. • Major developments to “improve” Clover Point (1956): A $50,000 Capital City Grant from the provincial government was earmarked for the improvement of Clover Point • The Capital Regional District (CRD) decides to build a sewage pumping station in 1970; Located on Clover Point to “correct the disgraceful conditions.” • City Council begins debate on the use of the Clover Point loop road (1993 to 1994): The issue was whether to create a pedestrian-only area. This debate ends almost 30 years later with the recent revisions to the site, but not without considerable controversy.