Town of Ladysmith acquires Arbutus Hump land for ecological preservation

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A portion of the newly purchased Town of Ladysmith land on the southern edge of Arbutus Hump, southeast of the Town’s water treatment facility. (Image Credit: Town of Ladysmith)

new parkland

Town of Ladysmith acquires Arbutus Hump land for ecological preservation

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The land sits within the provincially red-listed Douglas Fir Arbutus Ecosystem, and work on the remaining portions will be undertaken to expand the red-listed ecosystem, including invasive plant removal during this year’s broom busting season.

They’re also looking at possibly using goats to help remove the invasive plants.

The Town said Arbutus Hump will eventually have a recreational trail network connecting it to the extensive Holland Creek and Stocking/Heart Lake trail networks.

Other areas of Arbutus Hump not owned by the Town, such as the summit, are secured for future parkland protection by a covenant.

The Town can also purchase the remaining section of the red-listed ecosystem at a future date.

Formally owned by District Development Group (DDG), the land was acquired as part of an agreement with the Town.

A condition of rezoning allowed DDG to transfer density to their other land holdings in exchange for the parkland, with DDG owning another undeveloped property in the southwestern Holland Creek neighbourhood, which it plans to develop.

This exchange eliminates the need for DDG to build two crossings over Holland Creek, reducing its ecological footprint without reducing the number of housing units being built.

The Town has contacted Ladysmith Broom Busters to assist with the clearing of invasive plants from Arbutus Hump. (Image Credit: Town of Ladysmith)

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