Victoria, BC– The Capital Regional District (CRD) has acquired a 58.7-hectare (145 acre) parcel of Greater Victoria Water Supply Area catchment land that falls within the Cowichan Valley Regional District. The forested land was identified as a high priority for acquisition as it includes watershed catchment lands for Sooke Lake Reservoir, the primary drinking water source for Greater Victoria.
The property, owned by Margaret Forestry Ltd, was purchased for $652,729 (approximately $4,500 per acre) and will be funded by the Regional Water Supply Service.
“The CRD recognizes our responsibility to plan and prepare for future water supply needs and for the continued stewardship of the Greater Victoria Water Supply Area,“ said Lillian Szpak, Chair of the Regional Water Supply Commission. “We are thankful for the opportunity to secure ownership of this portion of catchment land so that it can be protected in perpetuity and we can continue to uphold the best water quality and the safest and most reliable drinking water resource for Greater Victoria.”
The CRD supplies drinking water for more than 380,000 people, supporting residential, commercial, institutional, light industrial, agricultural and public safety uses across the Greater Victoria area. There are 20,500 hectares of protected water supply area including 11 dams and 6 reservoirs.
Attachment: Map of new acquisition of catchment lands
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