| Metro Vancouver, Pitt Meadows Add 63 Hectares to Codd Wetland Ecological Conservancy Area | Metro Vancouver, Pitt Meadows Add 63 Hectares to Codd Wetland Ecological Conservancy Area | | <div class="ExternalClass604456D09830484BA2AE7800094E01FD"><p>Sixty-three hectares of forested land will be added to the <a href="/services/regional-parks/codd-wetland-ecological-conservancy-area">Codd Wetland Ecological Conservancy Area</a> thanks to a long-term lease agreement between Metro Vancouver and the City of Pitt Meadows.</p><p>“For over 50 years, Metro Vancouver has played an important role in protecting the region's natural areas, and this partnership with the City of Pitt Meadows means that we can continue our work to build a resilient network of regional parks and greenways in Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge," said Mike Hurley, Chair of Metro Vancouver's Boards.</p><p>Since 2019, Metro Vancouver has been working to increase the size of Codd Wetland, this being the latest in a series of land additions. Previous additions include 54 hectares of forested area on Thompson Mountain and 59 hectares of wetlands and forests.</p><p>The new leased lands are mostly forested, with Douglas-fir, western red cedar, western hemlock, and deciduous tree species like mature big leaf maple and alder. Two streams run north to south and flow into Blaney Creek at the north end of <a href="/services/regional-parks/blaney-bog-regional-reserve">Blaney Bog Regional Park Reserve</a> in Maple Ridge.</p><p>This lease agreement directly supports the <a href="https://www.pittmeadows.ca/parks-recreation/parks-recreation-and-culture-master-plan">City's Parks, Recreation, and Culture Master Plan</a>, as well as its <a href="https://www.pittmeadows.ca/our-community/environment-sustainability/climate-action/climate-action-strategy">Climate Action Strategy</a>, specifically its goal to Preserve and Enhance Natural Environments and Parks. By protecting 63 hectares of high-value forested land, the agreement helps conserve biodiversity, maintain natural carbon storage, and support ecosystem functions that contribute to flood mitigation and climate resilience. It also advances the strategy's objective of protecting environmentally significant areas, including wetlands and forested lands, through regional partnerships.</p><p>“Pitt Meadows is proud to be known as The Natural Place, and protecting our abundant greenspaces and natural beauty is an important part of our community's vision," said Mayor Nicole MacDonald. “This partnership with Metro Vancouver reflects our commitment to balancing growth with environmental stewardship and safeguarding an important part of our community's natural heritage. By working together to conserve these lands, we are helping to maintain the quality of life that residents value while contributing to a healthier and more resilient region."</p><p>Under the lease, Metro Vancouver will operate the properties as regional parkland for 25 years, with the possibility of a 25-year extension. Metro Vancouver and the City have a history of cooperating on ecological conservation, with several similar agreements in place for Codd Wetland as well as the <a href="/services/regional-parks/park/pitt-river-regional-greenway">Pitt River Regional Greenway</a>.</p><p>“Parks and green spaces are key to the region's livability, providing opportunities to be active and escape from urban life, while mitigating climate change and protecting important natural areas," said John McEwen, Chair of Metro Vancouver's Regional Parks Committee and Vice Chair of the Boards. “Sensitive ecosystems are disappearing as the region grows, so this significant addition to Codd Wetland is a gift to current and future generations."</p><p>Metro Vancouver acquired Codd Wetland in 2004, supported by the Province of BC, the City of Pitt Meadows, The Land Conservancy of British Columbia, Ducks Unlimited, and the Aquilini family.</p><p>This ecologically important area contributes to the health of local waterways, air, climate, and soil systems. It protects critical habitat for a variety of birds, fish, mammals, and amphibians, some of which are no longer found in developed and well-used landscapes of the region.</p><p>As a conservancy area, the goal is to protect the ecosystems and associated wildlife, so it is not currently open to the public. However, the long-term vision for Codd Wetland is to develop public access, including trails, through these new properties leading east into upland areas of Blaney Bog.</p><p>Metro Vancouver's <a href="/services/regional-parks">regional parks system</a> comprises 24 parks, five greenways, two ecological conservancy areas, and two regional park reserves, spanning nearly 14,000 hectares in communities from Bowen Island in the west to Langley and Maple Ridge in the east. Since 1967, Metro Vancouver has been expanding this system to create a resilient network of connected parks and greenways that protect natural areas while providing access to nature for the region's growing population. <br></p></div> | 7/8/2026 7:00:00 AM | | Metro Vancouver Media Relations | media@metrovancouver.org | | |