The Cowichan Valley Regional District has acquired 75 hectares that will be used to increase the size of Bald Mountain Park.
The CVRD purchased the land from Cowichan Lake Holdings, the owner of Woodland Shores development, for 2.5 million dollars.
The regional district says the deal included a donation of a portion of the lands equal to approximately 800-thousand dollars as the purchase price was well below the property’s market value.
The parkland acquisition increases the overall park size to 425 hectares.
Regional district Chair Kate Segall says it is the largest parkland purchase by the CVRD since the regional parkland
acquisition service was established in 2008.
The addition to Bald Mountain Park will protect 850 metres of foreshore, and contribute to the health of reforested areas.
Wayne Hopkins of Cowichan Lake Holdings ownership group says they are pleased they could work with CVRD to see the land added to Bald Mountain Park to be enjoyed by wildlife and community members in perpetuity.
Bald Mountain Peninsula is a popular hiking destination with about 11,000 trail users at Bald Mountain Park recorded on the main trail in 2023.
