Thursday, March 28, 2024

Provincial government acquires 190 hectares of land

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British Columbians have always been spoiled for choice when it comes to their provincial parks. But now the choices are going to get even better.

The provincial government announced Thursday that it has acquired more than 190 hectares of ecologically sensitive land throughout B.C. to be used for new parks or as additions to existing ones.

“Parks benefit our environment, our economy, and make life better for people in B.C. every day,” said Premier John Horgan.

“By protecting these lands today, we’re expanding the beautiful parks B.C. is known for around the world, and making sure this land will be here for future generations.”

Land acquisitions valued at approximately $10 million

One of the largest park systems in the world, British Columbia has 1,033 provincial parks, recreation areas, conservancies, ecological reserves, and protected areas. They cover more than 14 million hectares, or approximately 14.4% of the provincial land base.

Six parcels of land were obtained through purchase, donation, or subdivision dedication. The most significant acquisition includes 144 hectares of land known as Eagle Heights, near Koksilah River on southern Vancouver Island.

The property was acquired for $7.15 million.

“Eagle Heights is a unique area of significant importance, not only to residents of the Cowichan Valley, but also as a great spiritual and cultural connection to the Cowichan Tribes. I am pleased this rare habitat will be preserved in perpetuity,” said Sonia Furstenau, MLA for the Cowichan Valley.

The full list of properties includes:

  • 144 hectares of land called Eagle Heights, near Koksilah River on southern Vancouver Island
  • 2.5 hectares at Harmony Islands Marine Provincial Park along the Sunshine Coast supported by a $750,000 contribution from the BC Marine Parks Forever Society
  • 17 hectares at Kikomun Creek Provincial Park in the Kootenays
  • 16.4 hectares at Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park in the Okanagan
  • 9.45 hectares at Dionisio Point Provincial Park on Galiano Island
  • Four hectares at Purcell Wilderness Conservancy Provincial Park in the Kootenays
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Myles Sauer
Former staff editor and writer at Victoria Buzz.

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