The Greater Victoria Greenbelt Society have announced the completion of phase one of their campaign to purchase and create a nature park on the Mary Lake property in the Highlands.
The plan is to create 73-acre nature park which will include a 7-acre lake, creeks, wetlands and surrounding natural forest land. Also in the works is new 25 km hiking trail which will join together with Thetis Lake.
Over the past 6 months, the society has raised $1.3 million, they will also be obtaining the remaining $1.3-million through grants and donations and have secured bridge financing to close on the purchase on Dec. 23rd.
Since the initial GVGS attempt to purchase the property for $4.6 million, about 20-acres of land was sold to a developer dropping the purchase price to $2.6 million.
“In many ways, the property is really priceless, as it sits in the middle of a 13,000-year-old watershed with its sections of rare Costal Douglas Fir ecosystems and riparian areas which are all fast disappearing under the threat of encroaching development. This will be a true legacy for generations to come for both the Highlands and Greater Victoria communities that recognize the significant role that local natural areas play in the regions clean water and air,” reads a release from the society.
Mary Lake will also become the first park with lake access in the west Highlands just a short walk from an upcoming social hub at Finlayson Arm and Millstream Rd.
This area already contains the new Community Hall with plans for the District Offices and a Community Garden at the same location.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AT_ntZuFuZE&feature=youtu.be
