Metro Vancouver has major plans to protect its forested waterfront facility at Cape Roger Curtis onBowen Island. The
Regional District announced Wednesday that it plans to create a new regional park that will include a managed campground.
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Ecological Perspectives From the perspective of the area, there are many species that are endemic to this area," said David Hocking, director of Metro Vancouver and a member of the Bowen Island City Council.
The new park will include over 50 walk-in/bike-in tent sites, 35 accessible drive-in tent sites, and a supervised overnight camp with 10 tents. There are plans to include an areacabin.
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"I really like the fact that it's going to be a supervised camp and a low-impact camp," Hocking said.
``The problem with the area today is that people are tempted to camp there (without oversight), and the potential for wildfires and damage (to the area).
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Metro Vancouver has a conditional contract worth about $40. The district says it will need $1 million to purchase 97 hectares of land totaling 24 parcels that will make up the new park.
John McEwen, Chairman of Metro Vancouver's Regional Parks Commission, said:
"Metro Vancouver is poised to welcome another million residents over the next 30 years, and has seen a significant increase in visitor numbers to its regional parks over the past two years. Cape Roger Curtis access to regional parks for all residents.”
Metro Vancouver said it is also focusing on making regional parks more accessible and car-free.
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Mr. Hocking says the news is fresh, but gives Bowen Island residents his thoughts on the new park. said.
"Everybody's saying, 'Congratulations,' 'This is great,'" Hocking said.
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Metro Vancouver has begun the park planning process. This includes rezoning the property from rural housing to a park and applying to Bowen Island Municipality for an amendment to the official community plan.
The District also said it is working closely with Skwxwú7mesh uxwumixw/Squamish Nation on the development and management of the new park.
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