'A preventative measure': Fence installed outside Alix Goolden Performance Hall due to safety concerns
Security fencing has been set up around the Alix Goolden Performance Hall in downtown Victoria in a move to protect the heritage building and its visitors.
The Victoria Conservatory of Music says fencing has been installed along the outside of the building on Pandora Avenue and Quadra Street.
"As anyone who has driven down Pandora Street or tried to walk it (knows), the situation continues to be a challenge," said Jane Butler McGregor, CEO of the Victoria Conservatory of Music, on Wednesday.
"We felt as a precautionary and preventative measure we had to put the fencing back up to protect our building."
The fence was installed on Wednesday: Nov. 24, 2021: (CTV News)
This is the second time the conservatory has installed temporary fencing around the building.
A smaller amount of fencing was also set up over the summer but came down in September when the conservatory opened up for its new term.
The conservatory says its performance hall, located next to Our Place Society, continues to face challenges with members of the unsheltered community.
The performance hall sees frequent loitering and a "tremendous amount of vandalism," according to McGregor.
With the entrance on Pandora Avenue now closed, the performance hall can now only accommodate about half of its usual capacity, meaning large concerts will be cancelled for now.
The conservatory is now exclusively using its entrance on Johnson Street, which was recently upgraded with permanent security fences.
'TREMENDOUS CHALLENGE'
McGregor says the fencing is a temporary measure that will remain until "positive changes" are made in the area.
She hopes that provincial and local governments will soon "wrap their arms around this tremendous challenge that's affecting so many people," adding that she's heard some people who access services at Our Place also feel unsafe at times.
Funding for the security fencing is paid for by the conservatory.
"As a not-for-profit organization we have to raise the money to pay for these types of things," said McGregor.
The conservatory offers a range of programs, including music therapy, lessons for families with young children, and a two-year diploma program with Camosun College.
McGregor says the conservatory's youngest student is roughly four months old, and its oldest is 91-years-old.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.