News Release - March 14, 2017
Donation Expands Little Qualicum River Regional Park
A new parkland donation to the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) has more than doubled the size of Little Qualicum River Regional Park. The gift, donated by Wicklow West Holdings, Ltd., and valued at $1.837 million, includes 68 hectares adjacent to the existing park in Electoral Area ‘F’. The lands were transferred to the RDN on March 3, 2017, expanding the park from 44 to 112 hectares.
"On behalf of the RDN, I want to thank Wicklow West Holdings Ltd. for making a significant and lasting contribution to our region," said RDN Chair Bill Veenhof. "The new park lands are a wonderful addition to the greenway along Little Qualicum River."
The donated land opens up a much larger green belt for park users to enjoy. The park runs along both sides of Little Qualicum River, immediately downstream from Little Qualicum River Falls Provincial Park and connects to the RDN’s Meadowood Community Park. The donation also increases the conservation value of the park which protects salmon and trout habitat as well as a variety of plant communities.
"This land transfer creates a lasting benefit for the community and the environment," said Wally Campbell, Director of Wicklow West. "We are proud that the expanded park will be part of our company’s legacy in the region."
Wicklow West has been developing rural properties in the area since the 1980s.
The expanded park is now open to the public with the main trailhead located off Corcan Road in Qualicum Beach. The RDN will develop additional signage and the bridge within the park will be repaired later this year.
Contact:
Tom Osborne
General Manager, Recreation and Parks
Regional District of Nanaimo
250-248-3252
Michelle Jones
Agent for Wicklow West Holdings
Timberlake-Jones Engineering
250-248-2001