Camping may be available on Bowen Island if Metro Vancouver proposal goes through
A Lower Mainland destination that doesn't currently have any campsites may welcome campers in the coming years if Metro Vancouver's proposal goes through.
Metro Vancouver announced Wednesday it plans to buy 24 parcels of land on Bowen Island to preserve forested and waterfront areas in Cape Roger Curtis. The 97-hectare lot would cost about $40 million.
"Regional parks safeguard natural areas that are home to important ecosystems and contribute to the health and well-being of our residents by connecting them with natural spaces," said Sav Dhaliwal, chair of Metro Vancouver's Board of Directors, in a news release.
"Expanding the regional parks system is a board priority and supports climate action and regional growth targets."
Early plans for the park are for it to include day-use picnic areas, trails, beach access and an overnight camping area. The campground could include 50 walk-in sites, 35 drive-in sites and 10 tent cabins. Recreational vehicle and trailer camping won't be permitted, however.
If the purchase goes through, planning and design are expected to continue into 2023.
Metro Vancouver said it's working with the Squamish Nation on developing plans for the new park.
"This regional park will make it easier for current and future generations to enjoy nature and help to preserve the coastal ecosystem, which Squamish Nation has stewarded since time immemorial," said Sxwíxwtn, Skwxwú7mesh úxwumixw/Squamish Nation spokesperson and councillor, in a statement.
"We look forward to working in partnership with Metro Vancouver and Bowen Island Municipality to see how we can incorporate our language and culture in the park planning process."
Metro Vancouver has applied with the Bowen Island Municipality for rezoning of properties from rural residential to park and has requested a change to the Official Community Plan.
"This new regional park initiative is incredible news, not just for Bowen Island, but for the entire region," said Bowen Island Mayor Gary Ander in a statement.
"Cape Roger Curtis holds some of the most unique ecological characteristics in the region — and this park enhances local efforts by the Bowen Island Conservancy and many islanders to protect the area. It will provide excellent recreational and educational opportunities for island and regional residents alike for years to come."
Bowen Island is about a 20-minute ferry ride from West Vancouver.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Pedestrian, baby injured after stroller struck and dragged by vehicle in Squamish, B.C.
Police say a baby and a pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a vehicle struck a baby stroller and dragged it for two blocks before stopping in Squamish, B.C.
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
BREAKING Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko won't play in Game 2
The Vancouver Canucks will be without all-star goalie Thatcher Demko when they face the Nashville Predators in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.