Work to restore the heritage lime kiln in View Royal is on hold.

“The kiln is not just in View Royal's historical interest, but regionally for the Capital Regional District,” said Coun. John Rogers. “It certainly has its own merits and characteristics that make it ... historically valuable.”

Believed to have been built in the early 1900s, the kiln is on private property on Hart Road. Through a deal with a developer, the land around it is to become a small municipal park, but the application won't likely be finalized this year, Rogers said.

“The development that's going on that involves the lime kiln still needs to go through some approval processes,” he said.

Council approved $25,000 toward the kiln's restoration, but the majority of the money has been rerouted to other projects for this budget year. The remaining $5,000 will be used to establish a terms of reference and action plan for the work needed, Rogers said. That puts the Town in a good position for when the land is transfered to View Royal, he added.

“I am pleased we got assurances (from staff) that we will move on getting that time line,” he said.

The kiln is well hidden from the roadside as vegetation has overtaken the site. That is a mixed blessing, Rogers said, as it keeps vandals away but plants are also damaging the kiln.

“The vegetation that is there that is causing the problem also helps to protect it in a sense,” he said.

The landowner has installed fencing around the kiln and its current state has been documented through photos.

reporter@goldstreamgazette.com

Lime kiln history

Lime quarries were scattered throughout the area in the early 1900s, including operations at what is now Hart Road and Helmcken Road, near Thetis Lake Regional Park and on the Malahat, near Devereux Lake.

The remaining kiln was owned by the Atkins family — now the namesake for Atkins Road in Langford. The family operated Atkins Brothers Silica Lime Brick Company until the 1930s.