| Land at Cape Roger Curtis on Bowen Island Protected for Conservation | Land at Cape Roger Curtis on Bowen Island Protected for Conservation | | <div class="ExternalClassE7FDBB79F0C947189B27DF4F1ACB0A7E"><p>A unique and environmentally sensitive area at Cape Roger Curtis on Bowen Island will be protected in perpetuity following the sale of 65 hectares of land to the <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/bowenislandconservancy.org/about-us/__%3b%21%21A97xj4VDKevydJo%21liLvKVI8tfLX5isW6S_NksfKQ7CXzTA2XFnJwwzCe_OqKhdzOtSYXx_zvl3TZcxgA_C52nU5WxE9bXyQSOkMNreAyKHVC8RNRfflQkas9XeJndQ$">Bowen Island Conservancy</a>.</p><p>“Metro Vancouver places great value on protecting important natural areas within our region to preserve healthy and resilient ecosystems," said Mike Hurley, Chair of Metro Vancouver's Board of Directors. “We were thrilled to be able to purchase the land at Cape Roger Curtis back in 2023 to protect this incredible place for the public. Our agreement to sell a portion of the property to the Bowen Island Conservancy aligns with our environmental goals, and will place a conservation covenant on the land to ensure that it is safeguarded for generations to come."</p><p>Metro Vancouver connected with the Bowen Island Conservancy after purchasing the land from a private developer and during an engagement process meant to identify options for the land's future. Both parties shared an interest in preserving Cape Roger Curtis. The Conservancy owns the <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/bowenislandconservancy.org/our-work/the-wild-coast-nature-refuge/__%3b%21%21A97xj4VDKevydJo%21liLvKVI8tfLX5isW6S_NksfKQ7CXzTA2XFnJwwzCe_OqKhdzOtSYXx_zvl3TZcxgA_C52nU5WxE9bXyQSOkMNreAyKHVC8RNRfflQkaskmr88Xg$">Wild Coast Nature Refuge</a> and helps manage the <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/bowenislandconservancy.org/our-work/fairy-fen-nature-reserve/__%3b%21%21A97xj4VDKevydJo%21liLvKVI8tfLX5isW6S_NksfKQ7CXzTA2XFnJwwzCe_OqKhdzOtSYXx_zvl3TZcxgA_C52nU5WxE9bXyQSOkMNreAyKHVC8RNRfflQkasBaBX-oo$">Fairy Fen Nature Reserve</a> and other land reserves on the island owned by the <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/islandstrust.bc.ca/conservancy/__%3b%21%21A97xj4VDKevydJo%21liLvKVI8tfLX5isW6S_NksfKQ7CXzTA2XFnJwwzCe_OqKhdzOtSYXx_zvl3TZcxgA_C52nU5WxE9bXyQSOkMNreAyKHVC8RNRfflQkas_7lhcHE$">Islands Trust Conservancy</a>.</p><p>“This land is one of the last undeveloped stretches of coastline between Point Roberts and Lund that is available for public use, and we are very pleased that the Bowen Island Conservancy is able to protect this rare place in perpetuity," said Owen Plowman, President of the Bowen Island Conservancy.</p><p>In spring 2023, Metro Vancouver acquired 24 lots totaling 97 hectares of land at Cape Roger Curtis that had previously been slated for housing development. The intent was to create a new regional park, and Metro Vancouver had proposed an option for supervised overnight tent camping. While the existing zoning allows for park use, Metro Vancouver applied to Bowen Island Municipality for rezoning and a change to the Official Community Plan to allow for overnight tent camping. The application remains at first reading, and with the sale Metro Vancouver will withdraw its application. </p><p>“Visitation to regional parks grows each year, making it increasingly important for us to provide open spaces that support the health and well-being of our residents and visitors, as well as the environment," said John McEwen, Chair of Metro Vancouver's Regional Parks Committee and Vice Chair of the Board. “This agreement with the Bowen Island Conservancy is a win that helps us achieve our goal of ensuring the public has access to the outdoors and that the natural areas that so many treasure are cared for."<br></p><p>The Bowen Island Conservancy is made up of volunteers, from professional biologists to children and families, who together donate many hundreds of hours to conservation on Bowen Island. They are supported by the financial assistance of equally passionate philanthropists.</p><p>For the Conservancy, acquiring the land is the first big step on a long journey of research, planning, and restoration work, among other things. Over the next few years, they will look at user-impact studies and ecological assessments to determine the appropriate public use for the various areas at Cape Roger Curtis.</p><p>“For the Bowen Island community, there is a deep connection to this area: it isn't just undeveloped land, but more like an old friend. Thanks to the support of our donors and volunteers, we've secured an important location with a unique habitat and set of species within the Átl'ka7tsem/Howe Sound Biosphere Region," said Plowman. “Thoughtful, strategic planning will take time, but the end result will leave a rich legacy for Bowen Island and the entire biosphere region. It will be a lot of work for our group of volunteers, so for now we are simply taking a moment and celebrating."</p><p>The land was sold to the Conservancy for $30.5 million. Metro Vancouver will be exploring options for the remaining 32 hectares. Metro Vancouver has a <a href="/services/regional-parks/Documents/regional-parks-land-acquisition-2050.pdf">park land acquisition strategy</a> that outlines how the regional parks system can grow into a connected network of regional parks and greenways. Proceeds from this sale will go toward acquiring park land elsewhere in the region.<br></p></div> | 10/25/2024 7:00:00 AM | | Metro Vancouver Media Relations | media@metrovancouver.org | | |