The RDN is asking the public to help form a new management plan for Mount Benson Regional Park. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW staff

Mount Benson

Input sought to update Mount Benson management plan

May 24, 2025 | 5:51 AM

NANAIMO — Those interested in guiding the future of Mount Benson Regional Park (MBRP) are invited to provide their opinions for the prized green space.

An open house at the park’s Benson View Rd. parking lot takes place on Saturday, May 24 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. where people can speak with the RDN project team, offer input and ask questions.

“The updated plan will address emerging issues, explore recreation and conservation opportunities and provide direction for the two newest parcels of land that were added to the east side of the park in 2022,” an RDN news release noted.

Land acquisitions in 2002 by the RDN and City of Nanaimo involved properties between Westwood Lake Park and Mount Benson’s summit, offering continuity of existing trail networks.

The summit of Mount Benson Regional Park offers unobstructed views of Nanaimo, Salish Sea and coastal mountain range. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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The RDN is looking for an updated management plan for the next decade, to follow up on its 2010-2020 plan, which laid out 25 management policies, in areas such as trail access, maintenance and environmental protection.

An online survey is also available until June 9, which can be filled out registered participants.

A second phase of public engagement is expected later this spring/summer, with a new plan slated to be adopted this fall.

More information on the RDN’s MPRP management plan process can be found here.

MBRP is composed of nearly 300 hectares of terrain on the upper northeast slopes of Mount Benson, which is a favoured hiking destination to the summit, of a little over 1,000 meters.

An RDN open house takes place on Saturday, May 24 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Benson View Rd. parking lot/trailhead accessing Mount Benson. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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