qathet, BC – The qathet Regional District (qRD) is excited to announce the successful establishment of a new regional park on Lasqueti Island, following a recently secured lease agreement for a 2.2-hectare area of undeveloped Crown land at the end of Spring Bay Road.

At the June 5, 2024 Regional Board meeting, the Board requested staff to pursue a License of Occupation from the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. This license will be granted for five years with options for renewal.

Spring Bay Regional Park is home to a magnificent forest of mature Coastal Douglas-fir, and Western Red Cedar. The establishment of the park ensures the protection of this ecosystem, and will feature a rough trail along the waterfront, which, with minor improvements, will provide access to the scenic areas within the Park.

View of the Ocean from Spring Bay Park. (Photo supplied by the Lasqueti Island Nature Conservancy)

The Board’s decision follows a presentation from the Lasqueti Island Nature Conservancy at the January 13, 2022, Committee of the Whole meeting, President Gordon Scott advocated for creating a regional park on the Ministry of Transportation’s undeveloped right-of-way at the end of Spring Bay Road. The decision to establish Spring Bay Regional Park aligns with the desires of Lasqueti Island residents, as indicated by a Lasqueti Island Nature Conservancy community-wide survey. The survey revealed a strong local desire for park land and trails on the north end of the island, emphasizing the importance of access to off-road walking paths.

The acquisition of Spring Bay Regional Park aligns with the qRD’s Parks and Trails Strategy to identify, acquire, and manage new regional parks and trails, enhance the protection and management of natural areas, and strengthen community partnerships and volunteer resources. In support of the development of the Parks and Trails Strategy, the online survey highlighted that Lasqueti Island was one of the most frequently requested areas for new parks and trails. To read the qRD Parks and Trails Strategy please visit: qathet.ca/parks-and-recreation.

“Seeing Spring Bay Regional Park come to fruition showcases the great things our community can accomplish when we work together,” said Electoral Area E Director, Andrew Fall. “We thank the Lasqueti Island Nature Conservancy for their advocacy to enhance outdoor recreational opportunities and land conservation on Lasqueti Island.”

About the qathet Regional District:

The qathet Regional District serves the rural areas from Lund to sḵelhp (Saltery Bay), the City of Powell River, Texada Island, Savary Island, and Lasqueti Island. The qRD provides some services, through contract, to Tla’amin Nation. To learn more please visit qathet.ca.

CONTACT:

Patrick Devereaux, Manager of Operational Services

#202 – 4675 Marine Avenue

Powell River, BC V8A 2L2

P: 604∙485∙2260 | E: administration@qathet.ca