The District of Saanich is adding a parcel of land to the Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary.
The district spent $875,000 acquiring 1,089 square metres of land on the west side of Swan Lake.
It’s the second land acquisition this year to grow the 650,000-square-metre nature area, which the district has been adding to since the 1960s.
Saanich had its eye on the Lancaster Road property due to its proximity to the lake and nature trail and because it borders the sanctuary.
Mayor Fred Haynes said the district acted quickly when the property owner approached them about selling the land.
“They wanted to have their property used in a beneficial way to the community,” he said.
The purchase helps the district move closer to their long-term goal to acquire key properties around the lake, Haynes said. There are a couple more parcels the district is interested in, he said.
Haynes said the pandemic has highlighted the importance of urban parks and this expansion will preserve ecologically significant areas. The sanctuary contains two distinct areas: a low wetland surrounding Swan Lake and the rocky and forested hilltop of Christmas Hill.
The sanctuary provides habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife, as well a space for people to connect with nature, said Cara Gibson, executive director of the Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary.
“The acquisition of this land will allow us to preserve more of the area in its natural state for the use and enjoyment of the public, local naturalists, school groups, volunteer groups and many others,” Gibson said.
The district has not yet decided how the property or the house on it will be incorporated into the operations of the sanctuary society, which manages the land on behalf of the district.
