Otter Point is a rural area which once had a Catholic Church predating St. Rose of Lima. It was located at the crossroads of Kemp Lake Road and Otter Point Road. When the church was closed it became a private residence where local folks would go for a haircut.
It is also an area where the military dropped flour sacks during bombing training during WWII and a barracks was located at Kemp Lake.
Those are just some of the stories told in regard to the history of Otter Point. Arnie Campbell and a group reviewing the Official Community Plan want to include more of those types of stories in the OCP.
“We’re looking to expand the history of Otter Point,” said Campbell. “There was a section on heritage but it was mostly about houses and we realized there is so much more.”
Campbell said there is still a lot of oral history of the area that could be gathered from those folks who still remember. Former residents may remember the 1930s to the 1950s and what took place during those times. He wants to gather them at a table and have a listen to what history or memories they have to relate.
“The museum did an extensive oral history project 20 years ago and it’s time to update it.”
So, an event is taking place at the Capital Regional District planning office on West Coast Road on Tuesday, May 22 at 2 p.m. There will be maps, photos and stories on Otter Point history passed around the informal table.
Elida Peers, historian for the Sooke Region Museum, will have some photos she would like identified, if possible, as she believes they were taken in the Otter Point area. Others are welcome to bring family photos taken in the area to share with the gathering. Campbell hopes that seniors will be able to attend the afternoon meeting and social gathering.
“The idea is to allow the community to get an idea of the history and a better understanding,” said Campbell.