Salt Spring Island, BC–– The Capital Regional District (CRD) Board has agreed to purchase, in partnership with Salt Spring Solutions Society (SSS) and a community collective of stakeholders, 75 acres of land and a Statutory Right of Way on Mount Maxwell for community park purposes. This acquisition is subject to raising an additional $350,000 through community fundraising.
The 75 acre forested property is being offered to the community for a reduced price of $850,000 thanks to a generous donation by the family that owns the property. An additional $250,000 donation has been pledged by local philanthropists, and the CRD will contribute $250,000 towards the purchase price through the Salt Spring Island Park Land Acquisition Fund. The remaining $350,000 of the purchase price needs to be funded through community fundraising coordinated by SSS and the Salt Spring Island Foundation.
“The CRD recognizes the high recreational and conservation values of this property near Mount Maxwell, traditionally known as Hwumet’utsum,” said Gary Holman, CRD Salt Spring Island Electoral Area Director. “We have heard from a multitude of interested user groups including mountain bikers, hikers, equestrian riders and disc golfers who have advocated for this acquisition. The natural areas we enjoy today can continue to benefit future generations by ensuring public recreational access to the trails and long term forest protection.”
“From the very start, this initiative has been a shining example of how different island groups with seemingly varied interests and who have not necessarily collaborated in the past can come together to protect forested land and public recreation access. Conservationists working with mount bikers, housing advocates partnering with equestrians, newcomers offering financial assistance to help our community meet long-held goals have found common cause. I am so proud to be part of this effort and hope it sets a precedent for how we can find common ground and work together on this island." said Elizabeth FitzZaland, Salt Spring Solutions Society.
The family that owns the property stated: “We are pleased to have been able to work in collaboration with the local community groups and the CRD to establish a new park for the long term benefit of the community. This will ensure continued access to the popular trails on the property that have been used informally for decades and provide additional protection of its sensitive ecosystems and natural beauty for future generations.”
If the fundraising is successful, and the CRD is able to acquire the land, the property would be accessed off Seymour Heights and in the future a trail would exist from Wright Road. This would offer residents and visitors more outdoor recreation opportunities with an existing walking and biking trail network and ocean views. The last time a multi-use public park was created on Salt Spring Island was 15 years ago with the acquisition of Burgoyne Bay provincial park. The property would also provide protection for several sensitive ecosystems and plant communities as part of the largest contiguous tract of protected land on Salt Spring Island.
Interested members of the public are invited to learn more and make a donation through the new project website at www.communitypark.ca. Charitable donation receipts will be issued by the Salt Spring Island Foundation.
The Salt Spring Island Parks and Recreation Commission (PARC) a commission established by the CRD is responsible for providing and maintaining community parks, trails, water access points, and facilities while delivering recreation programs and services to the communities of Salt Spring Island. For more information, visit www.ssiparc.ca.
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:
Dan Ovington, Manager
Salt Spring Island Parks and Recreation
Tel: 250.537.4448