The newly constructed McKenzie interchange project is complete and now it is time to shift the focus on restoring the Garry oak and trembling aspen ecosystems that were lost due to the project.
The Ministry of Transportation has provided the District of Saanich $1.2 million to carry out the restoration.
The project will be managed by Saanich Parks staff in three parks, including Layritz, Vic Derman, and Cuthbert Holmes.
According to the District of Saanich, these parks were chosen as areas most similar to what was lost and where space allows.
Garry oaks will be planted at Layritz and Vic Derman parks while a new trembling aspen ecosystem will be installed in Cuthbert Holmes park along the Colquitz River.
In addition, Saanich will also pay for a new trail, split rail fence, and signage to protect the Garry oak meadow to be restored.
The work will take place over the next few years.
“We are pleased the province is contributing these significant funds to enhance, restore and replace these important ecosystems in Saanich,” said Mayor Fred Haynes.
“These works on our precious ecosystems talk to the very core values of Saanich as the remarkable rural, coastal, wooded and urban municipality our residents enjoy.”
The funding comes after an independent biologist evaluated the ecosystems lost due to the interchange project.
