The Friends of Vic High (FVOH) have begun the process of terminating their legal petition challenging a land-use decision involving Victoria High School, citing escalating legal costs and the growing threat of personal financial liability to their volunteer petitioner.
The petition was originally launched by FOVH in 2023, after the proposed eight-lane track renovation was abandoned in favour of a two-lane pathway.
Spokesperson Stephen Dorsey said the group could no longer risk exposing petitioner Brit Forsyth to personal costs after one of the three opposing parties in the case – the City of Victoria, School District 61, or the Ministry of Education – signalled in early May they would seek legal costs against him if the case failed.
“Although the petition was launched in the public interest, one party warned that if the petition failed, they would seek legal costs directly from Brit,” Dorsey said. “With legal fundraising exhausted over six months ago and $35,000 in unpaid legal fees, FOVH could no longer shield Brit from personal liability.”
Forsyth had stepped forward as the petitioner only after being assured he would not be exposed to personal financial or legal risk.
“Recognizing the emotional and potential financial toll, Brit requested the petition be withdrawn – a request we honoured with deep regret and immense gratitude for his courage,” Dorsey said.
Dorsey called the petition’s end “a profound setback for equity and equality rights for Vic High students.”
“The long-promised redevelopment of Vic High’s Memorial Stadium has been undermined at every turn," Dorsey said. "As a result, an entire generation – or more – will grow up without access to a standard track for training and competition.”
Dorsey said the group’s frustration lies not only with the decision itself, but with how it was made.
“While officials may argue procedural compliance, FOVH maintains that the spirit of transparency and public interest was violated – and that the rights of students were not equitably considered,” Dorsey said. “When powerful institutions rely on ‘letting actions stand until a court says otherwise,’ it prevents judicial review of questionable decisions.”
Though the petition has been withdrawn, Dorsey said the group’s advocacy work will continue.
“The fight for fairness and transparency must go on,” he said. “We remain committed to exposing systemic inequities and will continue to challenge decision-makers through public education, media engagement, and community organizing.”
FOVH is also continuing to seek financial support to pay off remaining legal costs in order to move forward with future efforts.
