Leech River Watershed Lands Announcement- Q&As
Q. Why does the CRD wish to acquire the TimberWest lands?
This will ensure that in the future the present approach to providing safe drinking water is maintained, namely owning and protecting the lands that drain into our supply reservoirs. As well, it provides the CRD with the opportunity to continue to work towards the completion of the Sea to Sea Greenbelt by adding 932 hectares of new regional park land.
Q. Who initiated the transaction?
Initially TimberWest was approached independently by CRD Parks and CRD Water Services. To avoid duplication of effort it was subsequently decided to combine the negotiations.
Q. How big is the area in question?
In total the sale involves the purchase of over 9700 hectares of land, which is the equivalent of the combined area of Victoria, Oak Bay, Esquimalt and View Royal. It is equivalent to 120 Beacon Hill parks or 24 Stanley parks.
Q. How much is the CRD paying for the lands?
8,791 hectares in the Leech River Watershed lands are being purchased for $58.9 million and the 932 hectares of park land for $5.8 million. The Land Conservancy of British Columbia will contribute $500,000 toward the purchase of the park land.
Q. Is this a good deal for taxpayers?
This is win-win for all parties as it not only adds to our park lands, it secures and protects our future water source, while also saving taxpayers $150 million in future expenditures associated with the construction and operation of a new water treatment facility.
Q. Why would the CRD buy this much land at a time when land prices in British Columbia are at record highs?
This is a prudent strategic acquisition based on the long-term needs of the residents of the region. The financial value of the lands will increase over time, but more importantly they will provide a benefit to local residents’ that is far beyond dollars and cents. The lands are a legacy for the future and that’s why we made the purchase.
Q. How will the purchase be financed?
The parks component will be funded from the Regional Parks Land Acquisition Fund while the water supply lands will be funded by borrowing from Municipal Finance Authority MFA, with the debt to be funded by increasing the wholesale water rate.
Q. How much will water rates rise?
The average household will pay approximately an extra $23 per year.
Q. Is the CRD worried that residents may feel overtaxed given that their tax bill is likely to increase even further as a result of sewage treatment another CRD project?
We hope that local residents will support this acquisition given its importance for long-term water supplies and its contribution to our regional parks system.
Q. What does this land acquisition do to the current watershed?
The Leech River watershed will add 33% to the Sooke water supply capability.
Q. When is the Leech River watershed expected to be used as part of the water supply system?
Based on projections, the earliest date is 2023; however, the Water Commission wishes to delay diversion to beyond 2050.
Q. After the Leech River is diverted what is the next source of supply?
The CRD does not hold a license on any other source of supply. There are no other local sources of supply available on which the CRD is likely to obtain a license.
Q. What is the CRD going to do with the lands until they’re needed for water supply?
The first step will be to put in place some basic security measures. We will then evaluate the current information and where necessary obtain additional information on such issues as erosion, silviculture, roads, security, and forest health. The same adaptive management strategies employed in the Sooke water supply lands will be applied to the Leech.
Q. What shape are the Leech River Watershed lands in?
TimberWest has managed the lands in a sustainable manner in accordance with regulations. We view ourselves as stewards of the land and our aim is to ensure that our lands are managed for the long-term benefit of all parties. The management of the Leech River lands was consistent with that approach.
Q. Were First Nations consulted about the sale?
We have kept the T’Sou-ke First Nation, apprised of the fact that the CRD and TimberWest were in negotiations regarding the sale of the lands.
Q. When will this deal close?
The deal is subject to the assent of the electorate. We expect the deal to close by the end of the year.