Royal Roads University Receives Historic Donation for Salt Spring Island Expansion

The recent donation to Royal Roads University from the estate of the late Susan Bagley Bloom has sparked excitement and anticipation for the future of programming on Salt Spring Island. The gift, valued at $9.93 million, includes two beautiful acreages near Beddis Beach, complete with a stunning home, waterfront gardens, an orchard of heritage fruit trees, and a foreshore lease.

Susan Bagley Bloom, a dedicated environmental philanthropist and pioneer in land conservation and sustainability, has left a lasting legacy on the island she called home. Her generous donation will not only support ongoing maintenance and improvement of the land but also fund programming and events that will benefit the community for years to come.

Royal Roads University President Philip Steenkamp described the property as “quite magical,” and faculty members are already brimming with ideas for how to utilize this extraordinary space. From workshops and seminars to arts and cultural events, the possibilities for the property are endless.

In addition to working with local organizations like the Salt Spring Island Farmland Trust and Salt Spring Island Conservancy to care for the lands, Royal Roads University is committed to honoring the interests of the Hul’qumi’num and SENĆOŦEN peoples of Salt Spring Island.

The university plans to launch field schools on the property as early as this fall, providing students with hands-on learning experiences in a truly unique setting. The main residential building on the property has been named the “Bloom Castle by the Sea” in honor of Susan Bagley Bloom, a fitting tribute to her dedication to regenerative sustainability and ecosystem integrity.

As we look to the future, it is clear that Susan Bagley Bloom’s legacy will continue to shape the rich fabric of life on Salt Spring Island. Her vision for a more sustainable and interconnected community lives on through this generous gift, and we can’t wait to see the impact it will have on generations to come.