Regional Parks 2015 Annual Report Capital Regional District Parks and Environmental Services
Page 2 Contents About CRD Regional Parks...3 Introduction... 3 Who We Are... 3 Value of Regional Parks and Trails... 3 Celebrating 50 years... 3 Acknowledgement...3 Strategic Priorities...4 Regional Parks and Trails Map...5 Regional Park Classifications Description...6 Planning, Resource Management and Development...7 Land Acquisition Fund... 7 Management Planning... 7 Geographical Information Systems... 8 Facility and Amenities Planning... 8 Resource Conservation Program... 9 Parks Operations...10 Regional Trails... 10 Regional Parks... 11 Southern Gulf Islands Area... 13 Regional Parks Fire Suppression Program... 14 Bylaw Enforcement Program... 14 Visitor Services and Community Development...15 Environmental Interpretation Services... 15 Partnerships and Legacy Programs... 16 Volunteers in Parks Program... 17 Communications and Creative Services... 18 Headquarters and Administrative Services... 18 Links Appendix...19
Page 3 About CRD Regional Parks Introduction The Capital Regional District (CRD) is the regional government for the 13 municipalities and 3 electoral districts that are located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. Since 1966, Regional Parks has been one of the regional services provided by the CRD. Who We Are CRD Regional Parks protects and manages more than 13,000 hectares of spectacular and easily accessible natural areas on southern Vancouver Island and the Southern Gulf Islands. Regional Parks and Trails consists of 30 parks and reserves and 3 regional trails. The regional parks and trails network is part of a spectrum of parks and protected areas located across the region, which serve a range of recreational, ecological, green space and amenity purposes. The trails serve both a transportation and recreation function. CRD Regional Parks prepares plans and manages natural and cultural resources and infrastructure, collaborates and consults with various partners to implement the CRD s strategic priorities, park and trail management plans, and service plans; to oversee land acquisitions; and to undertake scientific and technical work related to environmental management, conservation and restoration. CRD Regional Parks provides volunteer opportunities and provides free and lowcost information and education services to communities, including school field trips, public programs, and community events. Value of Regional Parks and Trails Contributes to regional sustainability Protects our natural world Builds healthy communities Contributes to regional economy Reflects local culture These values reflect the CRD Board s priority areas of Land Use Planning, Climate Change, Active and Multimodal Transportation, First Nations, and Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health. Acknowledgement Celebrating 50 years The 50th anniversary of the CRD is being celebrated in 2016. On February 1, 1966, the Capital Regional District was created as part of the BC Provincial Government s initiative to set up a form of local government to provide services through region-wide or shared service delivery models. In 2015, Regional Parks participated in planning for the 2016 events and activities that will commemorate this important milestone. Mill Hill Regional Park CRD Regional Parks would like to acknowledge that the park system is within the traditional territories of the Nuu-chah-nulth and Coast Salish people. Mary Sanseverino
Strategic Priorities Page 4 The Regional Parks Strategic Plan 2012-21 helps set direction for regional parks and trails. It includes a long-term vision and mission as well as shortterm (2012-16) strategic priorities and actions. The strategic priorities are: Strengthen the management of existing parks and trails. Strategically plan for and open existing land-banked parks and trails as resources are approved. Strengthen community involvement and partnership. Prepare for future land acquisitions. Promote the health benefits of regional parks and trails. Engage in planning for regional sustainability. The CRD Corporate Plan is renewed every 4 years and sets direction for achieving strategic priorities set by the CRD Board. These priorities guide the activities of the organization and provide a focus for service delivery. The 2015-18 plan includes 51 strategic priorities, grouped into 12 priority areas and centred on 5 themes. It also includes corporate and core service priorities for each service within CRD. The themes and priority areas that are especially relevant to Regional Parks are: Sustainable Climate Change Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health Environmental Protection Livable Regional Infrastructure Land Acquisition Vibrant Recreational trails in parks New park reserves Collaborate First Nations Serve Education, Outreach and Information
Page 5 Capital Regional District Canada 33 Regional Parks & Trails Regional Parks and Trails 13,000 Hectares Regional Park Regional Trail (Complete) Lake / Reservoir Regional Trail (Proposed) Greater Victoria Water Supply Area Regional District Boundary First Nation Reserve Municipal Area Boundary 0 1:425,000 2 4 8 12 Kilometres Projection: Universal Transverse Mercator. Zone 10, North. North American Datum. RP_Parks_Trails_Overview_8.5x11_CLR_AnnualReport.mxd Southern Gulf Island 214 km of Designated Trails in Parks Electoral Area Strait of Georgia Salt Spring 94 km of Regional Trails Galiano Island Island 20 Electoral Area 6,580,899 Visits in 2015 Mayne Island 23. North Pender Island Salt Spring Island 21 DISCLAIMER This map is for general information purposes only and may contain inaccuracies. June 2016 U.S.A. Vancouver dataservices@crd.bc.ca 21 South Pender Island Island Saturna Island 7 4 13 North Saanich Regional Parks and Trails Map Sidney Saanich Inlet 5 Juan de Fuca Electoral Capital Regional District Juan de Fuca Electoral Area 15 2 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Albert Head Lagoon Ayum Creek Park Reserve Bear Hill Brooks Point Coles Bay Devonian East Point Park Reserve East Sooke Elk/Beaver Lake 10. Francis/King 11. Galloping Goose Trail 12. Gonzales Hill 13. Horth Hill 14. Island View Beach 15. Jordan River (Sandcut Beach) 16. Kapoor Park Reserve 17. Lochside Trail 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. Lone Tree Hill Matheson Lake Matthews Point Park Reserve Mill Farm Park Reserve Mill Hill Mount Parke Mount Wells Mount Work Roche Cove 27. Sea to Sea Park Reserve 28. Sooke Hills Wilderness Park Reserve 29. Sooke Potholes 30. Thetis Lake 31. Trans Canada Trail * 32. Witty's Lagoon 33. E & N Rail Trail - Humpback Connector * Temporary Name 19 11 View Royal 17 22 Metchosin 26 30 Colwood 24 Sooke Basin Regional Parks 33 28 27 Sooke 10 Langford 29 Haro Strait 9 Saanich 28 27 3 25 18 31 16 14 Central Saanich Area 1 Oak Bay 33 Victoria Esquimalt 12 32 6 8 Juan de Fuca Electoral Area Juan de Fuca Strait
Regional Park Classifications Description WILDERNESS AREA A Regional Wilderness Area is characterized by: a large land base, generally more than 1,000 hectares; the conservation of ecosystems, with minimal human interference; opportunities for visitors to experience, firsthand, the park s ecosystems; opportunities for backcountry recreation the provision of few, if any, rudimentary services and facilities; and the experience of remoteness, solitude and harmony with nature. Maintaining wilderness areas in the region is an important part of the Regional Parks function. Wilderness is critical to sustain wildlife and plants that rely on sizable natural areas for their survival and to provide wilderness outdoor experiences and activities. They are places where residents can experience wilderness close to their home. East Sooke, Sea to Sea Green Blue Belt and Sooke Hills Wilderness Regional Parks are the sole examples of Regional Wilderness Areas in the Capital Region. CONSERVATION AREA A Regional Conservation Area protects regionally significant natural environments that contain sensitive and threatened ecosystems (e.g., they will have significant Garry oak, old-growth forest, salt marsh, or estuary ecosystems). They contain rare or endangered plant and wildlife species and their supporting ecosystems. The size of a Regional Conservation Area should be sufficient to ensure that natural features can be protected and remain viable over the long-term. Outdoor activities will be permitted in a Regional Conservation Area, provided they have minimal impact on the natural environment. In most cases, the main activity will be hiking. These areas will generally have basic facilities, such as trails, parking areas, toilets and signage. Examples of a Regional Conservation Area are Witty s Lagoon, Mill Hill, Francis/King, Matthews Point and Island View Beach Regional Parks. NATURAL AREA A Regional Natural Area protects the natural environment and provides opportunities for a range of appropriate outdoor experiences and activities. These natural areas are not as ecologically sensitive or diverse as those found in a Regional Conservation Area, although they may contain some sensitive and threatened ecosystems. These ecosystems will be identified in the park management plan, and conservation will be the priority in those areas. Regional Natural Areas also protect key green spaces that are important to the natural character of the region. These areas will try to accommodate a range of appropriate outdoor experiences and activities. The exact uses will be outlined in the park management plan. Examples of a Regional Natural Area are Mount Parke, Coles Bay and Horth Hill Regional Parks. Page 6 RECREATION AREA A Regional Recreation Area provides opportunities for many outdoor experiences, activities and events, and will be managed to accommodate a relatively high number of visitors. Facilities will be developed to support this level of use. The area must lend itself to development for a variety of uses that meet recreational needs, and it must be able to withstand intensive public use. This classification is distinct from other parks classifications in a number of ways: The emphasis is on outdoor experiences and activities, although protecting the natural environment will be addressed in all decision-making about visitor use and facilities. The range of acceptable recreational activities in these areas will be the widest within the regional parks and trails system. Recreation activities may include competitive sports. Recreation facilities operated by non-profit groups may be permitted. Opportunities and facilities may be provided for group celebrations such as festivals and picnics. Elk/Beaver Lake is the only regional park in this classification.
Planning, Resource Management and Development In consultation and collaboration with partners and stakeholders, CRD Regional Parks oversees land acquisitions, environmental management, conservation and restoration, planning and managing natural and cultural resources and infrastructure. Land Acquisition Fund The lands acquired for regional parks and trails through the Land Acquisition Fund continue to contribute significantly to the environmental, economic and social sustainability of the region. The fund was established in 2000 for a ten-year period at a rate of $10 per average residential household assessment. In 2010, the fund was extended for another ten years at a rate of $12 per average residential household assessment, increasing by $2 per year to a maximum of $20 in 2014, and then remaining at this rate until 2019. Revenues in 2015 were $3,720,659. In 2015, CRD Regional Parks acquired three parcels of land. Two were land transfers - The Land Conservancy of British Columbia (TLC) transfer of Sooke Potholes Campground, and parkland transferred to the CRD as part of amenity rezoning in the District of Highlands. The third was a land donation by the Sisters of St. Ann, who generously donated a parcel of land adjacent to East Sooke Regional Park to the Capital Regional District. Management Planning Island View Beach Regional Park Management Plan Public Consultation Regional Parks is undertaking a 4-Step Public Participation Process to engage the community in the preparation of an updated management plan for Island View Beach Regional Park. The Regional Parks Committee approved the public participation process in late 2014, and Steps 1-3 were completed during 2015. Step 1 involved the public presentation of factual scientific and technical information about the park s natural environment and collection of feedback. The purpose of Step 2 was to gather information about issues and interests the public believed should be addressed in the management Page 7 plan through stakeholder meetings, park visits, and an online response form. Step 3 provided a facilitated community dialogue session where people came together to jointly discuss the issues raised in Step 2 and develop potential solutions for inclusion in the management plan. Step 4 of the public participation process is to prepare a draft plan, get public feedback on the draft plan, and finalize it for CRD Board approval. This will be completed in 2016. Island View Beach Regional Park
Geographical Information Systems The Geographical Information Systems (GIS) program provides core GIS services to all Regional Park service areas. GIS is utilized in the operation of the regional parks and trails system, is an integral component of planning and resource management projects, and supports a range of public mapping products. In 2015, the GIS program focused on improving the quality of spatial data and on improving cartographic processes to ensure standard, consistent public mapping products. 2015 Accomplishments: Completed mapping products for the draft Regional Trails Management Plan and the draft Island View Beach Regional Park Management Plan Provided GIS support for the Sign Implementation project and the Regional Parks Land Acquisition strategy Verified trail and amenity spatial data and improved the public mapping products for 4 Regional Parks Elk/Beaver Lake, East Sooke, Mill Hill, and Sooke Potholes Provided GIS analysis and mapping products for the development of the E&N Rail Trail Humpback Connector Regional Trail and the Sooke Hills Wilderness Trail Created an ecological land cover model for the Sea to Sea and Sooke Hills Wilderness Regional Park Reserve landscape Completed the Regional Parks Asset Inventory and Criticality Assessment project The Regional Trails Management Plan Work on a management plan for regional trails began in 2014. The plan will provide general policy direction for all regional trails as well as specific objectives for the three existing ones; Galloping Goose, Lochside and E&N Rail Trail Humpback Connector. Through a public participation process in 2014, Regional Parks gathered ideas on a vision, management principles, issues and potential actions. A draft management plan was then released for public comment in November 2015. Comments on the draft plan will be taken into consideration as the final plan is prepared for approval by the CRD Board in 2016. E&N Rail Trail Humpback Connector 2015 saw the completion of a section of the E&N Rail Trail Humpback Connector. This new section is located in the Town of View Royal, and extends 2.1 km from 4-Mile Bridge to the Galloping Goose Regional Trail at Island Page 8 Highway/Burnside Road West, also known as the Colwood interchange. The E&N Rail Trail-Humpback Connector is being built largely within the rail corridor between Victoria and Langford. Construction of this 17-km paved cycling and pedestrian trail began in 2009. Facility and Amenities Planning Parks facility planning coordinates the building of new and maintenance of existing structural assets and defines best approaches to manage these assets, while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance. Working to an annual CRD Board approved capital plan, projects are planned and executed in an orderly fashion. New and existing facility improvements are scheduled in a 5-year capital plan with adjustments made as funding becomes available, or as new projects require consideration. E&N Rail Trail - Humpback Connector
Resource Conservation Program The Regional Parks Conservation Program supports a wide range of conservation projects and initiatives. For example, Regional Parks contributes to the American Bullfrog control program in collaboration with Integrated Water Services with the objective of keeping bullfrogs out of the Sooke Hills and the water supply area. Various organizations, such as Habitat Acquisition Trust, the Metchosin Foundation, the Coastal Douglas Fir Conservation Partnership, Capital Region Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP), Co-existing with Carnivores and Regional Parks are working together on improving conservation and stewardship. Regional parks act as natural laboratories and in support of that, 17 research permits were reviewed and issued in 2015 to government agencies, academics and non-government organizations. Species and Ecosystems at Risk Regional parks represent a considerable landscape that is important to both local residents and tourists. These parks are home to many plants and animals that rely on healthy ecosystems to flourish. To address the potential risks of losing some species from the landscape, Regional Parks works with the BC Ministry of Environment Conservation Data Centre and Environment Canada. These Provincial and Federal agencies are the authorities on species and ecosystems at risk and contribute valuable expertise. Through data sharing agreements negotiated with each of these agencies, geographic data systems are being compiled and updated to determine how visitor activities can avoid conflict with sensitive areas. Where conflicts are already occurring, action Page 9 can be taken to mitigate them through improved protection, conservation and restoration projects and public education. Lochside Regional Trail
Page 10 Parks Operations Regional Parks is responsible for the daily operations and maintenance of CRD s regional parks and trails; attending to nature centres, buildings, and amenities such as washrooms, playgrounds, campgrounds, trails, beaches, picnic areas, parking lots, bridges, kiosks, and signs. Regional Parks supports restoration projects, and park safety and security, including bylaw enforcement and fire management. Annual operating plans guide the maintenance of all regional parks and trails. Regional Trails Regional trails connect people and communities throughout the region. These nearly 100 km of multi-use trails are easily accessible and act as important recreational and transportation links for residents and visitors to the region. They consist of the E & N Rail Trail, and the Galloping Goose and Lochside Regional Trails. 2015 saw approximately three million users accessing and enjoying the CRD s regional trails. 2015 Project Highlights Regional Trails E&N Rail Trail - Humpback Connector Galloping Goose Regional Trail Re-paving cracked asphalt near McKenzie and near Interurban $8,000 Galloping Goose Regional Trail Gravel surface water drainage upgrades near Roche Cove $5,000 Galloping Goose Regional Trail Sooke River Rd. overflow parking lot re-surfacing $2,000 Lochside Regional Trail Bollard replacement at four locations $2,000 Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park Lochside Regional Trail Resurfacing and widening the gravel portion of the trail between Loberunner and Royal Oak $5,000
Regional Parks North Area Regional Parks Regional Parks North Area consists of the parks located within the boundaries of the District of Central Saanich, Township of Esquimalt, the District of Highlands, District of North Saanich, District of Oak Bay, District of Saanich, Town of Sidney, City of Victoria, and Town of View Royal. 2015 saw Regional Parks support several large-scale projects and initiatives, such as the replacement of the 25 year old playground structure at Beaver Beach in Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park. The new playground structure was sourced locally and was built with recycled plastics. Also, the rock wall at Thetis Lake Regional Park was repaired, rooftops replaced on toilet facilities, asphalt was repaired within several of the parks, and several trails upgraded. Signage within Elk/Beaver Lake and Mill Hill Regional Parks was also replaced. West Area Regional Parks This area includes Regional Parks that lie within the boundaries of the City of Colwood, City of Langford, District of Metchosin, District of Sooke and the Juan de Fuca Electoral Area. In 2015, in addition to the routine operation and maintenance of the parks, Regional Parks prepared the campground (Spring Salmon Place) at Sooke Potholes Regional Park for its summer 2016 opening. Regional Parks also maintained the campground at Jordan River Regional Park, which welcomes visitors yearround. Repairs to the toilet buildings in East Sooke Regional Park were completed, an 81 metre boardwalk was replaced at Witty s Lagoon Regional Park, and trail erosion remediation work was done in Mt. Wells. In addition, work on final trail alignment and surveying was carried out in preparation for construction of the Trans Canada Trail. 2015 Project Highlights - North Park or Trail Project Project Costs Elk/Beaver Lake Beaver Beach Playground $45,000 Elk/Beaver Lake Hamsterly Beach toilet roof replacement $18,000 Elk/Beaver Lake Pipeline trail upgrades $5,000 Thetis Lake Rock Wall Repair $51,700 Various Parks Asphalt repairs along park roads $50,000 2015 Project Highlights - West Park or Trail Project Project Costs Witty s Lagoon Boardwalk replacement $9,850 Mt. Wells Summit Trail restoration $13,200 East Sooke 2 Toilet building repairs $14,000 Sooke Potholes Spring Salmon Place Campground upgrade $28,900 Page 11 Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park
Mount Wells Trail Restoration In October - November 2015, severe erosion threatening the wildflower habitat on the top third of the Mt. Wells Summit Trail at Mt. Wells Regional Park was addressed. Erosion and trail braiding had occurred for many years due to water runoff and freezing conditions during the winter. The steepness of the terrain proved challenging, requiring material and equipment to be transported to the work site by helicopter. This was hampered due to extreme weather conditions. A second helicopter lift was required to remove all material and equipment from the mountain prior to gravel being shuttled up. The project required 3 equipment operators, 2 traffic safety technicians, and 5 service area crew members who hiked up to the project site every day. Mount Wells Regional Park Spring Salmon Place Campground, Sooke Potholes Regional Park In April 2015, the Sooke Potholes Campground, Works Yard and Lodge Site were transferred to the Capital Regional District from The Land Conservancy of British Columbia. These properties represent significant ecological and cultural value to the region. The 67-site RV and tent campground is located at the north end of Sooke Potholes Regional Park, adjacent to the Galloping Goose Regional Trail, and offers a high quality, self-contained camping experience. Subsequent to acquiring the campground, CRD Regional Parks partnered with the T Sou-ke Nation to operate the campground under a pilot agreement for the 2015 season. The Sooke Potholes Spring Salmon Place campground was operated by T Sou-ke Nation, which assumed responsibility for all aspects of campground operations including, public safety, camper Page 12 Spring Salmon Place Campground registration, visitor services and operations and maintenance. Capital infrastructure such as water tanks, lines, buildings and shelters was maintained by CRD Regional Parks. The Sooke Potholes is known to our people as KWL-UCHUN, (Spring Salmon Place), the place where the spring salmon give themselves back to mother earth - these are the teachings of our ancestors, said T Sou-ke Nation Chief Gordon Planes. We are the salmon people and our language follows the salmon route, we are directly connected to the resource; it s a part of our identity. The spring salmon have taken care of us since time immemorial, and today we all need to do the same. We are here to ensure that the salmon are taken care of for our future generations and our children not born yet.
Page 13 Southern Gulf Islands Area The Southern Gulf Islands Area consists of the following Regional Parks and Reserves: Mount Parke (Mayne Island), Mill Farm (Salt Spring Island), Brooks Point (Pender Island), and Matthews Point (Galiano Island). Regional Parks works in concert with the Parks and Recreation Commissions and conservation groups to support and achieve shared goals and objectives. In 2015, Brooks Point and Mount Parke Regional Parks received upgrades in the form of boardwalk construction. Neil Boyle Mount Parke Regional Park 2015 Project Highlights Park or Trail Project Project Costs Brooks Point Regional Park Mount Parke Regional Park Installation of 100 metres of boardwalk Installation of 50 metres of boardwalk $8,200 $4,100 Brooks Point Regional Park
Regional Parks Fire Suppression Program Regional Parks fire crews liaise with local fire departments, Ministry of Forests Wildfire Management Branch, CRD Protective Services and Integrated Water Services for fire suppression. Regional Parks responded to two fire events in 2015. One was a small fire in Thetis Lake that covered less than half a hectare. The other fire was at the Heartland Landfill site. Regional Parks resources were on site in the event the fire spread to the forest. There were three other fires along the Galloping Goose trail, which were extinguished by municipal departments. Regional Parks had 25 staff trained to BC Forest Service standards ready to suppress fires in Regional Parks. Regional parks also sent one staff member to Cobble Hill Fire Base for one week to provide relief for provincial resources dealing with heavy fire loads. Protecting these resources strengthens the management of existing parks and trails and conserves and restores parklands so that they retain their ecological and cultural integrity. Training was carried out with CRD Water Fire crews as well as fitness testing. Regional Parks also participated in the annual Emergency Preparedness Day event. Thetis Lake Regional Park Bylaw Enforcement Program Page 14 Thetis Lake Regional Park The Regional Parks Bylaw Enforcement Program provides regulation enforcement to ensure safe and enjoyable visits to regional parks. In 2015, CRD Bylaw Enforcement Services provided 745 Bylaw Officer patrol hours. During the summer months, patrols were focused at popular beach and swimming areas to reduce the presence of alcohol, enforce seasonal dog prohibitions from designated areas, and address other non-complaint activities. In addition, patrols during the spring and fall season ensured that visitors complied with animal control and other park regulations. 94 written warnings, 13 fines, and 127 eviction notices were issued. Regional Parks continued to work closely with the region s RCMP detachments to coordinate joint CRD-RCMP park patrols, address more serious incidents or issues within regional parks, and to increase the overall enforcement presence in regional parks. William Ng
Visitation Statistics Regional Park/Trail 2015 Visits Albert Head Lagoon...85,743 Brooks Point...6,585 Coles Bay...27,742 Devonian...53,536 East Sooke...163,931 Elk/Beaver Lake...1,521,267 Francis/King...81,342 Galloping Goose...1,900,645 Gonzales Hill...45,006 Horth Hill...69,468 Island View Beach...383,519 Jordan River (Sandcut Beach)...16,524 Lochside...1,186,946 Lone Tree Hill...11,048 Matheson Lake...61,613 Mill Hill...37,506 Mount Parke...8,255 Mount Wells...35,237 Mount Work...182,853 Sea to Sea (Harbourview)...33,371 Sooke Potholes...132,685 Thetis Lake...457,731 Witty s Lagoon...78,346 Total...6,580,899 Visitor Services and Community Development Witty s Lagoon Connecting people with the natural environment, providing volunteer opportunities for residents and cultivating community partnerships are the cornerstones of Visitor Services and Community Development. Regional Parks provides opportunities for park visitors of all ages to learn more about their natural and cultural heritage through guided hikes, walks, school programs and special events throughout the year. Regional Parks also provides information and publications to the public about regional parks and trails, issue park use permits for group picnic shelters and special events and provide administrative and financial management support to the division. Page 15 Environmental Interpretation Services Environmental Interpretation offers a wide variety of free and low-cost information and education services to communities, including school field trips, public programs, and community events. These programs include guided nature walks, adult hikes, guided canoe programs, registered workshops, roving interpreters and special events. These activities provide opportunities for outdoor experiences in the region s park system while learning more about natural and cultural heritage. In 2015, a total of 570 programs were offered. Program Statistics: 2015 Nature Centres: Elk/Beaver Lake 957 Francis/King 3,622 Witty s Lagoon 3,305 Programs: School Programs 5,216 Community Events 3,150 Guided Walks 2,692 Special Events 6,608 # of Visitors # of Participants
Page 16 Partnerships and Legacy Programs Regional Parks values partnerships built with community organizations, volunteer groups, First Nations and other government agencies. Partnerships provide the opportunity for growth, engagement and service that reaches beyond core services. With partners, Regional Parks continues to acquire additional parkland, engages in environmental stewardship, and increases the accessibility of designated user-friendly trails and environments. New partnerships allow for collaboration that encourages a healthy active lifestyle for all ages and abilities. In 2015, the Sisters of Saint Ann generously donated a parcel of land adjacent to East Sooke Regional Park to the Capital Regional District. This 23-hectare (57 acre) parcel is located in the Juan de Fuca Electoral Area, adjacent to East Sooke Regional Park, near Anderson Cove on the Sooke Basin. The parcel features 300 metres of frontage along East Sooke Road, and includes inland forests. East Sooke Regional Park contains a diversity of ecosystems and rich cultural, natural and geologic features. Alldridge Point in the park was designated as a Provincial Heritage Site in 1927 in recognition of the petroglyphs found there. The area is the traditional territory of the Coast Salish people, and continues to hold special significance for the T Sou-ke and Beecher Bay First Nations. This acquisition will help to preserve the cultural value of this area, protect a wide variety of plants and animals, and contribute to the protection of green space. East Sooke Regional Park
Page 17 Volunteers in Parks Program For more than 30 years, volunteers have helped protect and manage over 13,000 hectares of regional parkland that add to the region s quality of life and the long-term health of the people who live here. Volunteers strengthen connections with visitors and encourage community stewardship of regional parks and trails. Volunteers are educators, ambassadors and hands-on stewards, supporting and complementing the work of Regional Parks. Regional Parks volunteers also support several annual events and initiatives including the Great Canadian Shoreline Clean-up, Earth Day activities, Mill Hill Broom Sweep and Bike to Work Week Victoria. Volunteer Naturalists support programs and events at the three nature centres located in Witty s Lagoon, Francis/King and Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Parks. Summary of Progress In 2015, 836 volunteers contributed over 5,000 hours of time pursuing their passion for parks. Parks Committee Chair Susan Brice, volunteer Ray Creasser, CRD Board Chair Nils Jensen CRD Board Chair Nils Jensen, volunteer Bill Spriggs, Parks Committee Chair Susan Brice Special Achievement As incredible as it may seem, the 2015 Annual Volunteer Recognition Event saw two volunteers receive their 25th year service awards. The time and energy that these volunteers have given to the parks system is truly amazing. Ray Creasser, first began volunteering as a Park Steward along km 25-26 section of the Galloping Goose Regional Trail in Metchosin near his home, and then later expanded his duties to also include Witty s Lagoon Regional Park. A long-time resident of Metchosin, Ray enjoys volunteering for Regional Parks as he enjoys spending time outdoors and contributing to his community, which has been a great benefit to Regional Parks. Each week, Ray patrols his section of the Galloping Goose and the trail to the beach at Witty s Lagoon. Ray has been a knowledgeable and welcoming presence on the Galloping Goose and at Witty s Lagoon over the years. Bill Spriggs, the main beekeeper, has helped establish observation bee hives in the Nature Centres and currently helps maintain the observation hive at Francis/King Regional Park, which has provided endless hours of fascination and enjoyment for visitors of all ages. Always willing to share his knowledge of bees or other aspects of the natural world, Bill has provided a wealth of information to visitors over the years. He and the bees have been a great asset to the Nature Centres and Interpretive Programs.
Communications and Creative Services Communications and Creative Services (CCS) help residents understand and be aware of Regional Parks programs and services through marketing, media relations, social media and reception/ general inquiries. CCS promotes regional parks and trails and environmental interpretation programs, provides up-to-date park information to enhance the visitor experience and raises awareness of the CRD Regional Parks mandate and strategic priorities. Headquarters and Administrative Services In 2015 Regional Parks issued 263 permits for events and activities in the parks. Park use permits issued are summarized below: 154 Group Picnic Shelter permits issued to groups, businesses and the public for use of shelters at East Sooke, Elk/Beaver Lake and Island View Beach Regional Parks. 74 Special Event permits issued for events such as the Saanich Strawberry Festival, Bike to Work Week, Triathlons, school cross-country meets, walkathons, running events and orienteering competitions. 17 Research Activity permits issues to agencies to carry out inventories, field trials and environmental assessments. 16 Commercial Service permits issued to companies providing guided hiking, cycling, kayaking and fitness training at Coles Bay, East Sooke, Elk/Beaver Lake, Francis/King, Horth Hill, Sooke Potholes and Thetis Lake Regional Parks and the Galloping Goose Regional Trail. 2 Commercial Filming permits issued for filming at Elk/Beaver Lake and Francis/King Regional Parks. In addition, Administrative Services issued 188 seasonal parking passes for the parking lots at Sooke Potholes and Thetis Lake Regional Parks. Page 18 Regional Parks Sign and Display Shop The multi-purpose sign and display shop is located at the Regional Parks headquarters. The shop provides creative services and products to support programs and projects. Areas of support include the Regional Parks sign replacement program, volunteer and partnership programs, nature centres, interpretive nature programs, community/special events, and parks management programs. Graphic design, illustration, typesetting, photo composites/concepts, image restorations and pre-press preparation skills are used in the production of a wide range of signs, decals, posters, display boards, banners and maps.
Links Appendix CRD Regional Parks Home Page https://www.crd.bc.ca/parks-recreation-culture/parks-trails/crd-regional-parks Page 19 Regional Parks Strategic Plan https://www.crd.bc.ca/docs/default-source/parks-pdf/regional-parks-strategic-plan-2012-21.pdf?sfvrsn=0 Regional Parks Legacy Program http://www.crd.bc.ca/legacies CRD Corporate Plan https://www.crd.bc.ca/docs/default-source/corporate-communications-pdf/crd-corporateplan2015-2018.pdf?sfvrsn=6
Page 20 Regional Parks 490 Atkins Avenue Victoria, BC V9B 2Z8 Telephone: 250.478.3344 Email: crdparks@crd.bc.ca www.crd.bc.ca/parks 2016 Capital Regional District