The Capital Regional District (CRD) has acquired a 41-hectare (103-acre) parcel of land in order to expand a regional park located on Mayne Island.
The parcel, known as Mount Parke Bluffs, is described by the CRD as being “largely undeveloped with some forested trails.” The CRD also says the land “features mature coastal Douglas fir forest and sensitive ecological areas along the ridgeline.”
The parcel of land is adjacent to Mount Parke Regional Park and will serve as an addition to the current park property.
“The CRD, with the support of the Mayne Island Conservancy and the landowner, was able to add just over 40 hectares of valuable green space in our community,” said Director Dave Howe, Southern Gulf Islands Electoral Area Director. “This acquisition helps preserve this area for future generations.”
According to a press release issued on Friday, CRD Regional Parks received two donations to aid in the $855,000 purchase. Officials say one donation was $50,000 from the Mayne Island Conservancy. The other donation was $105,000 from the landowner, Randy Bishop.
The acquisition of the property brings Mount Parke Regional Park to a total of 90 hectares.
The CRD says that Mount Parke features the highest viewpoint on Mayne Island, rising 185 metres above sea level – a viewpoint that “provides expansive views of other Gulf Islands, Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland,” says the CRD.
A map of the acquisition can be seen on the CRD’s website.
“This property has been desired for many years and was identified through the Regional Parks Land Acquisition Strategy, which provides the CRD Board with a road map for acquiring land to add to the regional parks and trails system through the Land Acquisition Fund,” reads a statement from the CRD.
Staff, under the direction of the CRD Board, entered into negotiations for the property back in February of this year.
The CRD adds that it has acquired over 4,800 hectares of land through the Land Acquisition Fund since it was established in 2000.
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Graham Cox
