Victoria, BC– The Capital Regional District (CRD) has acquired a 12.1 hectare parcel of undeveloped land adjacent to Mount Work Regional Park. The parcel is mainly second growth Douglas fir forest, with intermittent patches of open rock bluffs.
“This addition means we are adding just over 12 hectares of valuable parkland in our community,” said Colin Plant, CRD Board Chair. “This acquisition helps preserve this area for future generations, provides important ecological connectivity and makes a wonderful addition to Mount Work Regional Park.”
The property, located on Ross Durrance Road, connects to the western edge of the park and brings Mount Work Regional Park to 742.1 hectares. Mount Work is one of the largest regional parks and is the dominant hill on the horizon from many vantage points in Saanich, Victoria and the Saanich Peninsula. This popular recreation spot offers a variety of landscapes and activities. See a map of the acquisition here.
“In 1959, my parents became modern-day pioneers with the purchase of 165 acres of scarcely used land at the end of a remote, meandering dusty road in the Highland District,” said William Carrilho Jr and Isabelle Poirier in a statement in memory of Carrilho’s parents William Carrilho and Helen Carrilho-Ansing. “After 61 years in the family, the time has come to release some of the property. Today, my wife and I can think of no better use for the land than to have it revert to park. CRD Parks will be a worthy land steward, holding it for the common good and allowing the general public access and enjoyment.”
Planning for the new property will be determined through the ongoing Mount Work management planning process. To read more about the process and learn about future opportunities to be involved, please visit: https://www.crd.bc.ca/project/mount-work-management-plan
This property 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 September 2020 and the property was purchased at market value of $760,000. 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 Work Regional Park, please visit: https://www.crd.bc.ca/parks-recreation-culture/parks-trails/find-park-trail/mount-work
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:
Christiana Jones, Communications Coordinator
CRD Regional Parks
Tel: 250.360.3332
Cell: 250.889.8030