Rejoice park lovers on Vancouver Island!
The Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) has significantly expanded Bald Mountain Park with the acquisition of 75 hectares (185 acres) of land in the Youbou/Meade Creek area.
This purchase brings the park’s total size to approximately 425 hectares, making it one of the largest additions since the park’s establishment in 2008.
The land was purchased from Cowichan Lake Holdings Ltd., the owner of the Woodland Shores development, for $2.5 million.
The deal included a substantial donation valued at approximately $800,000, as the purchase price was below the property’s appraised market value. The new land aligns with the CVRD’s Regional Parks & Trails Master Plan, which envisioned a larger, interconnected park in the region.
“This represents the largest parkland purchase by the CVRD since the regional parkland acquisition service was established in 2008,” said Kate Segall, Chair of the CVRD Board of Directors.
“We are very excited about what this means for the future of Bald Mountain Park. On behalf of our Board and residents across the Cowichan region, I’d like to thank Cowichan Lake Holdings for working with the CVRD to achieve its long-term vision for this scenic and ecologically important area.”
The new 75-hectare parcel includes the low benchland portion of the peninsula between Marble Bay Road and the north arm of Cowichan Lake.
It also secures 850 metres of lakefront foreshore and preserves emerging habitat in the reforested upland area, which is home to a variety of wildlife species.
This addition complements the existing park area, which primarily consists of steep, mountainous terrain.
Wayne Hopkins, a member of the Cowichan Lake Holdings ownership group, expressed pride in the collaboration that led to the acquisition.
“Woodland Shores has been part of the community since 2006, and parks and environment have always been key goals of the development. We are pleased that we were able to work with CVRD to see these 185 acres join Bald Mountain Park and ensure that these lands will be enjoyed by wildlife and community members in perpetuity.”
Bald Mountain Peninsula is a popular hiking destination in the Cowichan region, attracting roughly 11,000 trail users on its main trail in 2023.
The newly acquired lowlands, which include a network of old forestry roads, have already been informally enjoyed by hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Scouts Canada also utilizes the area through their Camp Woodland rustic group campsite, which operates under a long-term agreement with the CVRD.
“We are so fortunate to be surrounded by incredible beauty and healthy ecosystems on the shores of Cowichan Lake,” said Karen Deck, Director for Area I – Youbou/Meade Creek.
“This parkland addition will go a long way to ensuring we have ample outdoor recreation opportunities, while also protecting our abundant wildlife.”
Visible from all corners of Cowichan Lake, Bald Mountain is a striking natural location that dominates the eastern end of the lake.
