The CRD initiated a joint management plan for Roche Cove and Matheson Lake Regional Parks in 2020. A management plan provides both strategic and specific management direction and guides environmental conservation, cultural heritage management, visitor use and park development over a 10-15-year period. Initial engagement occurred in 2020 with First Nations, stakeholders and the public.
The CRD Board made a decision at their meeting of February 10, 2021, to delay work on the Roche Cove and Matheson Lake management planning process in order to address other regional parks and trails priority projects. Check back in 2023 for an update on the timeline for completing the management plan and opportunities to participate.
Public Engagement
The park management plan for Roche Cove and Matheson Lake regional parks will be developed based on information and input gathered through public engagement. The CRD will seek input from First Nations, key agencies, stakeholder groups and the public.
The first round of public engagement on development of a park management plan for Roche Cove and Matheson Lake regional parks is now complete. The input received is summarized in the Initial Engagement Report. The comments and suggestions will be reviewed and considered as the draft park management plan is developed.
A second round of public engagement on a draft management plan will be launched after the plan is compiled and brought forward as a draft to the CRD’s Regional Parks Committee and Board.
About the Parks
Matheson Lake Regional Park is a 156-hectare property in Metchosin acquired in 1994. It features a picturesque lake and beach, forested hills and several kilometres of trails.
Roche Cove Regional Park was established in 1985 and comprises 162 hectares of land in East Sooke around a sheltered cove in the Sooke Basin. The park features trails through cedar forest, along Matheson Creek and to mossy hilltops.
Both parks are classified as Natural Recreation Areas in the interim Regional Parks and Trails Strategic Plan 2022-2032. Approximately 101,000 people visited these parks in 2021.
The Galloping Goose Regional Trail runs through these parks offering opportunities for cycling, walking and equestrian use.
The Management Planning Process
Roche Cove and Matheson Lake will be under one management planning process due to the close proximity of these parks to each other, their similar park classification, and their range of allowable uses. The planning process will also coincide with development of a management plan for nearby East Sooke Regional Park. The planning process for Roche Cove and Matheson Lake Regional Parks includes several steps:
- Project initiation is the first step and includes gathering background information and preparing for engagement. (complete)
- Initial engagement with First Nations, the public, and other key government agencies is used gather additional information about the park and input into its potential management. CRD aims to ensure that everyone's interests are considered. (complete)
- Drafting the Plan is undertaken through a multi-disciplinary project team that includes planning, conservation, recreation, and operations expertise.
- Engagement on Draft Plan is undertaken once the draft plan is complete. Opportunities will be provided for First Nations, stakeholders and the public across CRD to provide input into how these parks are managed.
- Finalizing the Plan is done once all of the comments received are reviewed and considered. The final proposed plan is provided to the Regional Parks Committee for consideration and the CRD Board for approval.
- Implementation begins once the CRD has approved the management plan. In most cases, implementation actions are identified as short, medium or longer term in nature.
Status of Park Management Plan