The Regional District of Nanaimo is forming a management group for the Englishman River Regional Park.
Staff presented a recommendation at the Regional Parks and Trails Committee meeting on May 7 citing the need to have a management group that will consist of the RDN and co-owners of the park that include The Nature Trust of BC and Ducks Unlimited Canada. It will also include members of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Snaw-Naw-As First Nation, the Snuneymuxw First Nation and Qualicum First Nation.
Manager of Park Services Rick Daykin indicated the group will be tasked to come up with a new management plan for park conservation area as it has been 16 years since the initial plan was drafted.
Staff recommended $75,000 be added to the 2025-2029 Regional Parks Financial Plan for the develpment of a revised management plan.
Electoral Area F (Coombs, Hilliers, Errington, Whiskey Creek, Meadowood) Leanne Salter wanted to know what the funding is for as the Englishman River Regional Park has existed without it for a long time.
READ MORE: Nature Trust of BC raising funds to protect Englishman River area
Daykin pointed out the importance of revisiting the park in the management plan and believes that the cost would probably be less than the proposed $75,000.
“It’s a number to get us started,” Daykin said. “And also to ensure that we look at the park as it evolves and as people continue to use its intended uses and review the areas that perhaps needs a little more additional help and support within the park.”
The management group will review the status of the management plan actions at least annually, reconfirm management and conservation directions as required, and to review the park updates prepared by the RDN every five years.
The development of the revised plan will be conducted by a qualified consultant and administered by RDN parks staff in 2025.
The 205-hectare Englishman River Regional Park was acquired by the RDN in 2003, partnering with The Nature Trust of BC, Ducks Unlimited Canada, the Nature Conservance of Canada and the Province of BC. It can be accessed via 175 Allsbrook Rd. in Parksville.
