Victoria, BC– The Capital Regional District (CRD) has acquired a 41-hectare (103-acre) parcel of land known as Mount Parke Bluffs adjacent to Mount Parke Regional Park on Mayne Island. The parcel is largely undeveloped with some forested trails and features mature coastal Douglas fir forest and sensitive ecological areas along the ridge line.

“The CRD, with the support of the Mayne Island Conservancy and the landowner, was able to add just over 40 hectares of valuable greenspace in our community,” said Director Dave Howe, Southern Gulf Islands Electoral Area Director. “This acquisition helps preserve this area for future generations.”

CRD Regional Parks received two donations to aid in the $855,000 purchase. One donation was $50,000 from the Mayne Island Conservancy. The other donation was $105,000 from the landowner, Randy Bishop. CRD Regional Parks thanks the Mayne Island Conservancy and Mr. Bishop for their generous contribution.

The property, known locally as Lot 7, Glen Echo Road, is adjacent to Plumper Pass Community Park and brings Mount Parke Regional Park to 90 hectares. Mount Parke features the highest viewpoint (185m) on Mayne Island and provides expansive views of other Gulf Islands, Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland. See a map of the acquisition here.

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. The CRD Board directed staff to enter into negotiations toward the acquisition of the property in February 2020. The CRD, with the support of our partners, has acquired over 4,800 hectares of land through the Land Acquisition Fund since it was established in 2000.

For more information on Mount Parke Regional Park, please visit: https://www.crd.bc.ca/parks-recreation-culture/parks-trails/find-park-trail/mount-parke

Proud to be recognized as one of BC’s Top Employers and Canada’s Greenest Employers, the CRD delivers regional, sub-regional and local services to 13 municipalities and three electoral areas on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Governed by a 24-member Board of Directors, the CRD works collaboratively with First Nations and all levels of government to enable sustainable growth, foster community well-being, and develop cost-effective infrastructure while continuing to provide core services to residents throughout the region. Visit us online at www.crd.bc.ca.

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For media inquiries, please contact:
Andy Orr, Senior Manager
CRD Corporate Communications
Tel: 250.360.3229
Cell: 250.216.5492