Guess what, outdoor enthusiasts? West Vancouver will soon have a new park to explore, and it’s going to be nearly double the size of Stanley Park!
On Monday, May 27th, the District of West Vancouver announced that a new park will form a key ‘puzzle piece” in a larger system of protected areas, including the popular Cypress Park, Capilano and Seymour Watersheds, and the lands around the Old Growth Conservatory. Combined, they cover over 32,000 hectares, forming one of the largest protected areas in the world so close to an urban centre, according to the District.Â
“Today we are proud to share we will be protecting 781 hectares – or 1932 acres – of forest land as our gift to our community and the world,” says Mayor Mark Sager. “This area will help preserve sensitive ecosystems and wildlife and store carbon to fight climate change.”
This news comes after decades of work by local community groups, who have worked tirelessly to preserve the area. In 1990, citizens of West Vancouver rallied to stop a golf course proposal moving forward, which led to the creation of the Old Growth Conservancy Area, managed by local non-profits.
This includes the North Shore Mountain Bike Association, BC Mountaineering Club, West Van Streamkeepers, and Hollyburn Ridge Association, among others.
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To ensure the area and the sensitive old-growth ecosystems remain protected, the BC Parks Foundation is launching a Cypress Hollyburn Legacy Fund along with a $3M matching gift from the Wilson 5 Foundation.
Well, that’s all for now, Vancouver! Stay tuned for more info about the newly dedicated park as it comes, including an official name and opening date.
