Observatory

Victoria Centre's Observatory

August 18, 2008 - Victoria Centre Observatory Official Opening  (Observatory Hill, 5071 W Saanich Road).

VCO Official Opening Photos

The Victoria Centre Observatory (VCO) was officially opened, with RASC members, corporate partners, and NRC staff helping to celebrate this milestone in Victoria Centre’s history.  All the participants and volunteers that made the VCO a reality were thanked by President Joe Carr and Project Manager Bruno Quenneville.  A special commemorative award was presented to Jim Hesser, Director of the DAO - a key supporter of the project from within NRC.

“Today is an historic occasion for Victoria Centre, since in its long history this is the first observatory that Victoria Centre can call its own.  The project would not have completed on time and under budget without help from our corporate partners, generous donations of funds and labour from Victoria Centre members, and especially without the goodwill and support from the National Research Council. Victoria Centre members put their hearts into this project, and can be justifiably proud of the result.  Thank you everyone!” - Joe Carr, President, RASC Victoria Centre

Thank you!

Thank you to our two vice presidents during 2008, Sid Sidhu and John McDonald for the significant amount of work they have put into this project.

Thank you to Bruno Quenneville, who volunteered to be our Project Manager for building the observatory, and who's enthusiasm for the project has infected us all.

Thank you to all our volunteers, who gave freely of their time and talents.  A project such as this brings out the best in people, and so many of our members genuinely wanted to help out.  Please have a look at our Online Photo Gallery to see our volunteers in action: Victoria Centre Observatory Construction.

Thank you to Geoff Jones, a member who opened his house to the Technical Committee, so testing of the Paramount ME, computer systems and weather station could take place in town.  Geoff's generosity enabled the Committee to complete their work in record time.

Without these folks' efforts and dedication, this project would not have completed on time.

A special thank you must be offered to all our corporate supporters, who donated their time and materials (either outright donations, or by offering us discounts), estimated to be worth over $4,000:

Please patronize these (mainly local) businesses, and let them know why.