Rick Stiebel
Special to the Gazette
A fundraiser April 29 will provide an up-close, non-invasive look at a new park in Highlands destined to become a crown jewel among the region’s parks.
The Powerful Voices Gathering for the Guardians of Mary Lake Festive Fundraiser is organized by the Greater Victoria Greenbelt Society, which purchased the land for the park at the end of 2016 for $2 million.
The approximately 70-acre property includes a seven-acre lake, creeks, wetlands and forest. It is a preserve for dry coastal Douglas fir trees and sensitive ecosystems that protect rare habitat and endangered species.
The Capital Regional District recently purchased a portion of land that will allow the completion of a 25-kilometre trail that will connect Mary Lake Park with Thetis Lake, Mount Work, Gowlland Tod and Goldstream parks.
Proceeds from the fundraiser, along with grants and other upcoming initiatives, will go toward paying down the $700,000 remaining on the mortgage, which is due by the end of 2018, said Koi Neah, a board member with the society.
“The land has been under conservancy ownership for the past 70 years,” she said. “It’s a unique park with a focus on nature as sanctuary, a place to let nature have its way with you.”
Tsartlip First Nation elder Tom Sampson, federal Green Party leader Elizabeth May, Highlands Mayor Ken Williams and Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps will join other politicians, stakeholders and people from the community to speak about the vital role Mary Lake plays in preserving the natural environment.
Williams said he appreciates the work the society has done to ensure Mary Lake is preserved as a park everyone can enjoy. “It’s a great location and connects with some of the most beautiful natural areas in the region and has great importance as a wildlife corridor,” he said.
“The fundraiser is shaping up to be quite an event and we hope a lot of people come out to have a look and support the society’s efforts.”
The gates open at 1772 Millstream Rd. at noon, with the festivities starting at 1 p.m. Admission is $10, or free for those with a Guardian of Mary Lake membership. Children under 12 are free.
As parking is limited on the site, a shuttle bus option is available for $3 return. It leaves from and returns to Western Speedway. Car pooling is also encouraged, visit Guardians of Mark Lake Festive Gathering and Fundraiser on Facebook to organize ride sharing.
reporter@goldstreamgazette.com