The Hatley Park Estate was the location of one of three military colleges, owned and operated by the Department of National Defence, for 55 years.
The origin of the military training institution in Victoria, British Columbia is quite fascinating for it has a unique history of leadership, achievement and success, linked to one of BC's leading families at the turn of the 20th century – the Dunsmuirs.
The History of the Property
Robert Dunsmuir (1825 – 1889) could be described as one of British Columbia’s most significant entrepreneurs of his time. A Scotsman with an instinctive knowledge of coal mining, he began the journey to Vancouver Island with his wife Joan on 19 December, 1850.
Robert and Joan had a large family of 10 children, eight daughters and two sons. James Dunsmuir, third born, and the oldest son was the child who purchased Hatley Park Estate.
The family accomplished many things, including;
- Mining coal along the west side of Vancouver Island and creating jobs, wealth and a market presence for BC's coal industry
- Building the Esquimalt and Nanaimo (E & N) Railway
- Living a life of grandeur that was welcomed by some, not appreciated by others
- Building exquisite homes including Craigdarroch Castle and Hatley Castle
- James, the son of Robert, entered the political scene and was elected to the legislature in 1898, became premier in 1900, and retired from politics in 1902. From 1906 to 1910, James Dunsmuir returned to political life to serve as the Province’s Lieutenant-Governor
The Dunsmuir family were successful entrepreneurs and leaders in business. And while the family, like all families, had its challenges over the years, the contribution of the Dunsmuir family to the history of British Columbia cannot be disputed.
With his fortune amassed, his professional years coming to a close, James Dunsmuir:
- Purchased a 250 acre tract of land from Roland Stuart for $50,000 which laid the foundation of his plan -- to construct his dream estate to enjoy his retirement with his wife Laura
- In 1908 he added another 250 acres, then in 1910 he finalized the property size with another 300 acres purchase, and Hatley Park Estate was born
- Famous architect Samuel Maclure was hired to design and build Hatley Castle, and Boston landscape architects Franklin Brett and George D. Hall were hired to develop the landscape design – a classic Edwardian park
Hatley Park Estate was – and remains today to be one of the most remarkable properties on Vancouver Island.
The Sale of Hatley Park to the Canadian Government
James Dunsmuir lived at Hatley Park with his wife Laura until his death in 1920, at age 69. Laura remained on the estate with her daughter, Eleanor until her death in 1937. Tragically, Eleanor died six months later. For the next three years (1937 to 1940), the estate sat vacant and was maintained by a caretaker.
In 1940, the Dominion Government of Canada purchased Hatley Park, almost in its entirety from the Dunsmuir family for $75,000. This purchase included the 565 acres of land, Hatley Castle, the Greenhouse, Conservatory, Mews barn and other structures that were on the property for the family, their gardeners, staff and servants.
RRMC Historical Highlights 1940 – 1995 When the federal government purchased Hatley Estate, it was with a view to using the site to revive the former Royal Canadian Naval College, originally located in Halifax and closed in 1921. Throughout the 55-year history of Hatley Park as a military training institution a number of significant evolutions occurred:
- In 1940, the Naval Training Establishment was commissioned as HMSC Royal Roads on December 15th. The name originated from the off-shore anchorage in the Juan de Fuca Strait and the purpose of the school was to train reserve officers for service in World War II
- In 1940, infrastructure changes to Hatley Park began as the military converted auxiliary buildings on the estate, such as the Mews stables and garage, to classroom space. The Grant Building (behind Hatley Castle) was constructed as a multi-purpose facility for classrooms, laboratories, dormitories and a mess hall. The military used the Tudor Revival design elements of Hatley Castle in its new construction
- Until 1942, the RCNVR (Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserves) volunteer training reserve trained sub-lieutenants at Hatley Park, then in October 1942 the regular naval cadet training centre was established and named the Royal Canadian Naval College (RCN)
- In 1946, a combined Royal Canadian Navy and Royal Canadian Air Force College (RCAF) was established
- In 1947, a tri-service college with training programs for the army, navy and air force was established, the Canadian Services College Royal Roads
- In 1949, MHSC Royal Roads was decommissioned
- In 1968, the tri-service training institution was named Royal Roads Military College (RRMC)
- On June 25th, 1975, the RRMC Degree Act was passed allowing the military educational institution to grant degrees
- In 1977 the first bachelor’s degrees were granted. RRMC Degree graduates not only were required to excel in their academic requirements, they had to achieve standards in three other major areas – second language training, physical fitness and military training
- In 1979 the first post-graduate degrees were awarded
- In 1984 the first female cadet enrolled at RRMC signifying a turning point in the Canadian military for women to advance and contribute to the Canadian military in more diverse ways
- February 1994, the federal government of Canada announcement that Royal Roads Military College would close, as part of its plan to consolidate its educational training facilities. The other college that closed at this time was the College militaire royal de Saint-Jean in Quebec
- May 1995, the last graduating class of RRMC marched off the parade square, and the era of military training at Hatley Park came to a historical close
- In 1995, Hatley Park was declared a National Historic Site to commemorate the James Dunsmuir family (1908 – 1937) and the campus of Royal Roads Military College (1940 – 1995)
- On June 21, 1995, the provincial government of British Columbia passed the Royal Roads University Act, creating an innovative 21st century university in a traditional 20th century setting. The use of Hatley Park Estate as an educational institution was secured into the 21st century
The Granting of the Coat of Arms incorporated a number of symbolic traditions that links Royal Roads University to the heritage of the property, and to the spirit and enthusiasm of the military cadets, and their motto “Living Our Learning”. Recognizing the traditions of those who came before it links them with the thousand of new graduates that obtain degrees from Royal Roads University.
Remembering RRMC through Hatley Park National Historic Site
Commemorating the 55-year history with the Canadian military is a key element of the heritage presentation and public education strategy for Hatley Park National Historic Site. The proud history of Royal Roads Military College will be remembered and celebrated.
A Friends of Hatley Park Society was created under the direction of Retired Admiral John Charles with the aim of providing heritage advice to the Commandant of RRMC. From 1999 to May 2005, the Friends of Hatley Park Society, through a labour of love and an agreement with the Esquimalt Naval Museum amassed a number of exhibits, artifacts and historical memorabilia which were displayed in several lower level rooms of Hatley Castle. The university granted the Friends permission to use the lower level of Hatley Castle to set up a museum to display the artefacts and tours of the gardens and castle were provided by the volunteers.
A study by the Department of National Defence in 2002 identified that the historic site required $10 million in deferred maintenance of the many 40 to 96 year heritage structures, as well as $9.5 million in heritage restoration. Royal Roads University had a new challenge and opportunity on its hands -- to create an environment for visitors to Hatley Park that would enable them to generate the revenue required to protect and present the history of the Dunsmuir’s and Royal Roads Military College – a legal requirement as a national historic site.
From 2002 to 2004, the executive of the University embarked on an amazing journey – to consult with the tourism industry to determine how they could add value the sector. The answer: to develop the heritage attractions potential of Hatley Park National Historic Site and offer relevant, innovative tourism education through Royal Roads University. Following feasibility studies and industry consultations, in March 2004 the Board of Governors was presented, and accepted a business plan to establish a commercial tourism line of business for Hatley Park and tourism as a new area of academic study for Royal Roads University.
On 1st June, 2005 during Tourism Week in Canada, Royal Roads University made their official entrance into the tourism sector with a commitment to develop the historic site to an international standard for visitor experiences and generate the much needed revenues for the long term protection and preservation of the site. At the same time, plans were already well underway to establish a number of tourism education opportunities from lectures to workshops, certificates to degrees in International Hotel Management.
Throughout the development of enhanced tourism activities at Royal Roads, the University never wavered in its commitment to collaborate with volunteers from the Friends of Hatley Park. With a dedicated staff now focused on the stewardship mandate for Hatley Park coupled with a strong liaison to the academic community – the potential to commemorate and celebrate this history of RRMC has never been stronger.
Currently, plans are already underway to examine the castle museum space to determine how the museum can be enhanced, the size increased, and the integrity of the artifacts secured. Through collaboration with the Royal Roads Foundation, finding the funds to secure and display the RRMC history are underway. The newly elected Board of the Friends of Hatley Park Society remains committed to assisting the University with this plan having stated their strong desire to see more of the military history available to the public.
The interpretation plans for Hatley Park however, go well beyond the castle museum. Acknowledging that the Grant Building, in particular, the Quarterdeck on the 2nd floor, played such a prominent role in the life of the RRMC cadets, discussions are underway with a range of stakeholders, including ex-cadets, the Board of Directors of the Friends of Hatley Park Society, CFB Esquimalt, and other interested parties to determine how we can best display and celebrate the military history around the campus. Given the value of the artifacts, both an interpretation plan and proper exhibits are required to ensure the safety and long-term educational benefits from these future displays.
United into the Future
Royal Roads Military College may have closed, but the cadets who studied will forever be welcomed at Royal Roads University. In fact, many members of the Canadian Armed Forces today are enrolled in degrees at the university, creating a second alumni group connected to, and passionate about, Royal Roads.
Committed to the relationship with ex-Cadets, Royal Roads University host an annual Homecoming event to welcome back alumni from 1940 to 1995 and to connect with the new graduates of the university. Homecoming 2006 is open to alumni from both Royal Roads Military College and Royal Roads University.
November 11th Remembrance Day Ceremonies
Annually, on November 11th, a Remembrance Day Service is held at Hatley Park to honour the Canadian military and remember those who gave their life for our country. This event is open to the public, and is followed by a reception sponsored by the Royal Roads Foundation.
Get Involved!
Whether you are an ex-Cadet, member of the community, or recent Royal Roads University graduate, there are a number of ways you can remain involved with the legacy of RRMC, Hatley Park and RRU;
• Get involved with the RCNC, CSCRR and RRMC ex-Cadet activities.
• Join the Friends of Hatley Park Society and volunteer your services for the protection, preservation, and public education requirements for the national historic site. Contact chairman Don Lovell @ dwlovell@shaw.ca
• Support the Royal Roads Foundation Heritage Fund to ensure the stories, the buildings, and the incredible landscape of Hatley Park National Historic Site are preserved for future generations.
Contact Dan Spinner, Foundation Director at: foundation@royalroads.ca or call (250) 391-2617 and speak to a staff member.