emailCreating New Parks
Land Acquisition Fund
The successful Regional Parks’ Land Acquisition Fund has been continued for additional ten years. The fund will increase from $12 to $20 per average household assessed value over the next five years (2010-2014) at a rate of $2 per year and be maintained at $20 to 2019.
The lands acquired for the regional parks and trails system through this fund contribute significantly to the environmental, economic and social sustainability of the region.
In addition to contributing to the overall quality of life enjoyed by Capital Regional District residents and creating outstanding recreation experiences, these parklands protect ecosystems, provide habitat for plants and animals, and support the natural cleansing of water and air. Regional Parks also contribute to the economy and tourism; walking, hiking and visiting parks are the top three activities enjoyed by visitors to the Capital Region.
Acquisitions
Between 2000-2009 , the CRD acquired 2,968 hectares of the region’s prime natural areas, valued at $30,704,000. The CRD contributed $20,149,000 (66 percent) and partner organizations contributed $10,555,000 (34 percent). The increase in the fund for 2010-2019 will result in $2 million to $3.2 million available per year for land acquisitions and $30 million over the entire ten-year period.
Strategic Plan
The Land Acquisition Fund was initially established in 2000 for a ten year period based on a rate of $10 per average household assessed value. The fund, and land acquired for the regional parks and trails system, is based on the vision and strategic direction in the Regional Parks’ Master Plan.
Work on the Regional Parks’ Strategic Plan (an update of the Master Plan) has begun and is planned for completion at the end of this year. This plan will set the vision for the next ten years for the regional parks and trails system and will identify additional areas of park potential for the Land Acquisition Fund.
Partners
The Land Acquisition Fund has received strong municipal and public support. With the help of our partners, land has been purchased to establish the Sea to Sea Green Blue Belt and added to the Galloping Goose, Horth Hill, Sooke Potholes, Thetis Lake, Mount Work, Island View Beach, Witty’s Lagoon and Mill Hill regional parks, to name but a few. Park land has also been acquired on the Gulf islands. These regional parks and trails provide opportunities for people living in both urban and suburban areas to connect with nature.
Our key partners in acquiring land include:
- The Land Conservancy of BC
- Nature Conservancy of Canada
- Federal and Provincial Governments
- Salt Spring Island Conservancy
- Land owners
- Citizen and business donations
Current Projects
E & N Rail Trail
A new trail for cyclists and pedestrians that links the growing West Shore with downtown Victoria is now being built. This new greenway will help promote cycling as a viable commuting alternative, as well as add another spectacular recreational multi-use trail to our region.
Island View Beach Regional Park
CRD Regional Parks has purchased a parcel of land with important natural and recreational values to add to Island View Beach Regional Park. The new parcel offers additional public access to the shoreline along Haro Strait and forms a natural buffer between the strait as well as adjacent agriculture and rural residential land uses.
Mount Work Regional Park
Regional Parks acquired two parcels of land, in partnership with The Land Conservancy of BC, to add to the west boundary of Mount Work Regional Park.
Sea to Sea Green Blue Belt
The Sea to Sea Green Blue Belt is a visionary undertaking that will create a 10,000 hectare corridor of protected wilderness and parkland stretching from Saanich Inlet in the east to the Sooke Basin in the southwest.
Trans Canada Trail Addition
CRD Regional Parks acquired a 3 kilometre strip of land north of Sooke Hills Wilderness Regional Park Reserve as a trail corridor to help complete a Trans Canada Trail (TCT) link to the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD). Once all the land acquisition in the CRD and the CVRD is complete, design and engineering for the entire TCT on Southern Vancouver Island from Langford to Shawnigan Lake can begin.
© Images courtesy of Mary Sanseverino, John W. Herbert & John Luton
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