Heritage Forest in Qualicum Beach may get some extra funding thanks to bequests allowed by Qualicum Beach town council.
In response to a request from the Heritage Forest Commission, council started the process in February and received the first copy of the bylaw Monday, which would establish a reserve fund for people who want to bequeath money to the forest in their wills.
"My understanding is that this issue is somewhat time sensitive," said commission liaison, councillor Neil Horner suggesting. "It might be appropriate to move a little quicker on this," suggesting several readings.
"I don't think there's a down side to this," agreed mayor Teunis Westbroek, indicating there is someone waiting to make a donation.
Council unanimously passed three readings of the bylaw, meaning it just needs final adoption at the next regular council meeting.
As requested by a recent meeting of the commission, council also passed several minor forest management plan amendments, including a requirement to send correspondence — when required to neighbours — by registered mail and name specific species found in the forest.
Town will also look into installing a slab of Douglas fir at the kiosk at the main entrance to the forest.
Council also used the opportunity to start a process to establish a similar wider fund or "legacy program" under which people could donate to any cause or project in the town, which chief administrative officer Daniel Sailland pointed out is common in other municipalities.
More information on the wider program will come back to council in the future.