Media Release
For Immediate Release
April 21, 2015
TLC To Transfer Sooke Potholes Campground to the CRD
Victoria, BC – The Capital Regional District (CRD) Board is pleased to announce the pending transfer of Sooke Potholes campground to the Region, with the support of The Land Conservancy of British Columbia (TLC) in consideration of their overall restructuring plan.
Sooke Potholes Regional Park in-holdings, known as the Campground, the Works Yard and Lodge Site, are held by TLC with reversionary rights secured by CRD under registered Option to Purchase and Right of First Refusal agreements. The CRD previously exercised its Option to Purchase and Right of First Refusal for the lands owned by TLC at Sooke Potholes Regional Park. The Court stayed the completion of the transactions pending completion of the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act process. With TLC’s restructuring plan accepted by the Monitor and the Court, TLC is in a position to transfer the Sooke Potholes parcels to the CRD.
“As a result of the transfer, the CRD will resume discussions and explore opportunities with the T’Sou-ke First Nation who previously expressed an interest in operating the campground,” said the CRD Board Chair Nils Jensen.
“We are thrilled that the Potholes will remain protected and that the CRD will be continuing our discussions with the T’Sou-ke First Nation regarding operating the campground,” said John Shields, TLC’s Director of Operations. “This recognizes the important connection the band has to that land.”
CRD staff will return to the Regional Parks Committee with a recommendation on next steps following discussions with T’Sou-ke First Nation.
Shaw Communications Inc., a major contributor to the initial acquisition of the Sooke Potholes has agreed to donate a further $50,300 the amount of TLC’s tax arrears with the District of Sooke, following the transfer of the Sooke Potholes lands from TLC to CRD and the dedication of the Sooke Potholes lands as part of CRD’s adjacent Sooke Potholes Regional Park. “We are extremely grateful to Shaw Communications for their generous contribution,” said Susan Brice, CRD Regional Parks Committee Chair. “The CRD’s primary interest is to secure these properties because of their ecological values and great cultural significance to the region.”
TLC and CRD first worked together in partnership to secure these lands to ensuring future generations will continue to benefit from this unique regional treasure. In 2004, TLC and the CRD purchased lands neighbouring Sooke Potholes Regional Park for $3 million, effectively creating a regional park managed by the CRD and a campground managed by the TLC. Shaw Communications Inc. also contributed to the TLC’s campaign to purchase the property and improve the facilities.
The CRD is a local government that delivers 200+ regional, sub-regional and local services for residents of the region which includes 13 municipalities and three electoral areas within 2370 square kilometres on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Governed by a 24 member Board of Directors, the CRD is working to serve the public, and build a vibrant, livable and sustainable region.
The Land Conservancy of BC (TLC) is a non-profit, charitable Land Trust working throughout British Columbia. TLC’s primary mandate is to benefit the community by protecting habitat for natural communities of plants and animals. Founded in 1997, TLC is membership-based and governed by an elected, volunteer Board of Directors. TLC relies on a strong membership and volunteer base to help maintain its operations.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
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Andy Orr, Senior Manager |
John Shields, Director of Operations |
