North Cowichan Urgently Proposes $1 Million Nature Conservation Land Purchase

URGENT UPDATE: The Municipality of North Cowichan has just proposed the purchase of 9.6 acres of land off Donnay Drive for nature conservation, a move valued at over $1 million. This critical initiative comes in response to a strong community petition advocating for the preservation of natural spaces.

Mayor Rob Douglas emphasized the importance of this proposal, stating, “Council has heard from many people in the community about the importance and value of preserving these lands.” The potential acquisition could also lead to the development of a much-needed trail network, enhancing outdoor recreation options for local residents.

The municipality plans to fund this purchase through a local area services (LAS) model, which allows municipalities to levy taxes on benefiting property owners. Approximately 662 properties in the vicinity would gain from this nature space. However, the proposal will not proceed if 50 percent or more of these property owners oppose it.

If approved, affected residents would see an increase of about $130 added to their property tax bills each year for the next 20 years. The petition period is open now, running from October 1 to 31, during which all residents will receive detailed information about the proposal, including a map and estimated costs.

This announcement marks a significant step toward ecological preservation in the region, reflecting the community’s commitment to maintaining natural habitats. As discussions unfold, residents are urged to participate actively in the decision-making process.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops. The future of North Cowichan’s natural landscapes hangs in the balance, and community voices will play a pivotal role in determining the outcome.