VICTORIA – Local MLA Rob Fleming unveiled a new Stop of Interest sign today at Lansdowne Middle School in remembrance of The First Flight.

The sign commemorates September 8th, 1910, when a pioneering aircraft made its first flight. The Gibson Twin plane, entirely designed, built and flown by William W. Gibson, a Victoria resident, became the first all-Canadian aircraft. This site, known as Lansdowne Field, served many aviation organizations as Victoria’s first airport from 1928-1931.

“Dotted along roadways throughout our province, Stop of Interest signs inform local residents and travellers of British Columbia’s rich and colourful history,” said Fleming. “I’m proud that this important moment in Victoria’s history is being celebrated here today.”

From September 2016 through January 2017, British Columbians were invited to submit their ideas for new Stop of Interest signs and share interesting stories that could be told to people travelling B.C.’s highways. Over 500 submissions were received.

The stories to appear on the remainder of the new signs will be announced over the coming months as the signs are installed.

The provincial map of Stop of Interest sign locations will be updated as new signs are added, at: www.gov.bc.ca/stopsofinterest