Heritage B.C. is hosting a public talk and a consultation workshop this week to give the

public a chance to have its say on the future of .

The conservation of the island and the historical buildings on it is a priority for the Heritage Branch, but the process is being done in consultation with nearby residents to ensure the island is preserved in a way beneficial to the community.

On Thursday, Dec. 6 a free public talk, Cole Island, Esquimalt and the Echo of the Royal Navy, will be held at 7 p.m. at Emery Hall (537 Glencairn Ln.) in Colwood.

Richard Linzey, manager with the provincial Heritage Branch, will give a talk on the history of Cole Island, within the context of the Royal Navy.

Cole Island began its life as the Royal NavyB次元官网网址檚 ammunition storage depot in the mid-1800s, picked for distance from the main dockyard, an important safety feature if the ammunition should ignite.

ThereB次元官网网址檚 also a workshop from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8 in council chambers at the Colwood municipal hall, 3300 Wishart Rd., to give residents a chance to provide their views on why the island is important and what they would like to see done with it.

Cole Island is owned by the province but is located in Colwood. Heritage B.C. will determine what form conservation efforts will take. There is money potentially available from the province.

For more information visit heritagebc.ca and to register email rgoodacre@heritagebc.ca.