A small 2.2 acre Island in Ladysmith Harbour is being added to the Cowichan Valley Regional District’s roster of regional parkland.
The CVRD has acquired privately-owned Bute Island and says it will be maintained in its natural state.
A day-use accessible dock that can accommodate kayaks, canoes and smaller vessels means residents and tourists will be able to visit the island.
“Adding Bute Island to our roster of regional parkland ensures the stewardship of a small piece of land that holds tremendous ecological and aesthetic value, and has significant cultural importance to local First Nations community members,” said Ian Morrison, CVRD Chair.
The CVRD says Bute has unique flora and fauna, offers panoramic views of Ladysmith and the other islands in the Harbour, while the interior of the island has a low impact walking trail with access to small pocket bays that can be explored during low tide.
The acquisition is another step towards establishing the Ladysmith Harbour Islands Regional Park, as was outlined in the CVRD’s 2006 Cowichan Valley Regional Parks and Trails Master Plan.
Boat tours will be offered from Ladysmith Community Marina to the island during the Ladysmith Maritime Scoeity’s Sea Life Celebration on Sunday, August 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
CHEK News
