The RDN is hoping to add around 360 hectares of Hamilton Marsh land south of Qualicum Beach to its parks and conservation portfolio in early 2026. (RDN)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

hamilton marsh

Funding needed to secure major park purchase by RDN

Nov 22, 2025 | 5:51 AM

NANAIMO — The countdown is on for the Regional District of Nanaimo to secure enough funding to complete a major acquisition of park land.

A contract of purchase and sale is in place for the RDN to purchase approximately 360 hectares of land, known as Hamilton Marsh along Hwy. 4 south of Qualicum Beach, from Island Timberlands.

The $30 million purchase offer was accepted in September, with the deal expected to be finalized by the end of March if the RDN is able to come up with sufficient funding.

“Together, we can preserve this ecologically significant area for the benefit of the many species that rely on Hamilton Marsh for their survival, and for the enjoyment of generations of RDN residents and people beyond our region,” Stuart McLean, RDN Board Chair, said in a statement.”

Agreements of varying degrees are in place already between the RDN and the Nanaimo & Area Land Trust (NALT), along with the Mt. Arrowsmith Biosphere Region (MABR) and the Hamilton Wetlands and Forest Preservation Society.

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Pledges from the general public can be made through either NALT or MABR, who are actively fundraising.

The Regional District of Nanaimo has until Jan. 30, 2026 to secure the outstanding funds needed to complete the deal.

Staff are hopeful of funding support from senior government, land trusts and others in community.

If completed, Hamilton Marsh would become the RDN’s 13th regional park and increase the amount of land protected as conservation areas under RDN stewardship to nearly 3,200 hectares.

The land is currently managed by Mosaic Forest Management and contains several wetland habitats, as well as second-growth forest.

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