The RDN's newly purchased land on Gabriola Island adjacent to 707 Community Park is now a protected area, with the undisturbed area filled with second-growth forests, mature trees and several streams. (File Photo)

By Jordan Davidson

protected area

RDN expands protected land with purchase of forested area on Gabriola Island

Oct 24, 2024 | 10:32 AM

GABRIOLA ISLAND — The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) has added to the protected area on Gabriola Island with the recent purchase of over 30 hectares of land adjacent to its second-largest public park.

The 31.5-hectare undeveloped forested lot, known locally as ‘Wilkinson Woods’, is located next to the northwest corner of 707 Community Park, and was bought by the RDN for a total of $850,000.

RDN chair Vanessa Craig said this is an exciting opportunity for residents to expand their access to local outdoor recreation while conserving an important natural area.

“Thank you to the Gabriola Lands & Trails Trust (GaLTT) for their generous donation and to the landowner who worked with the RDN to ensure this beautiful property, which has both recreation and conservation values, remains permanently intact.”

Funds for the purchase came through the short-term borrowing of $750,000 by the RDN’s Electoral Area B Community Parks and Halls Service, and a $100,000 contribution from GaLTT.

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The newly purchased 31.5 hectares of land is located in the northwest corner of 707 Community Park on Gabriola Island, expanding the protected area. (RDN)

“The acquisition expands the amount of contiguous protected area on Gabriola Island and secures legal public access to the 707 Park from South Road,” said President of GaLTT Hugh Skinner. “Gabriola’s undisturbed ecosystems are quickly disappearing and becoming increasingly fragmented. Only 12 per cent of Gabriola is currently protected. This investment significantly helps Gabriola to get closer to the Islands Trust average of 20 per cent.”

According to an RDN news release, 171 hectares have been added to the 707 Community Park since 2018, which is now over 460 hectares in size including this new addition.

Cost to maintain the new additional is estimated to be around $8,000 per year.

A public celebration of the newly purchased parkland will be announced shortly.

More information on RDN parks can be found here.

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jordan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow