Victoria, BC– The Capital Regional District (CRD) has acquired two parcels of land totalling 13.8 hectares adjacent to Mount Work Regional Park. The parcel is mainly second growth Douglas fir forest and was purchased for $1.1 million. An important ecological aspect of the area is a woodland ridge, with a mosaic of arbutus, oak, rocky outcrops, and areas of dense vegetation. See a map of the acquisition here.

“My family has owned and cherished the property for 41 years. Although it has been difficult to let go of these lands, from an environmental perspective we can think of no better use of the land than to have it revert to park to maintain the beauty of the natural landscape forevermore,” said Waltraut Schnarr, the previous landowner. “CRD Regional Parks are a worthy land steward who will hold it for the common good, and allow the general public access and enjoyment of the rich forest, mossy knolls, diverse flora and fauna, and beautiful vistas – in memory of my husband Gunter Schnarr who was a protector and steward of the natural environment.”

With the previous acquisition of 12.1 hectares December 2020, the CRD has added almost 26 hectares of forested land to Mount Work Regional Park in the last six months. This popular regional park offers a variety of landscapes and recreational activities.

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: www.crd.bc.ca/mtwork-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, 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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