FAQ

Acquiring Hamilton Marsh as a conservation site has been a priority for the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) for many years. Acquiring the approximately 360 hectares of land would help protect vital ecosystems and enhance regional parkland offerings.

Securing this area would represent a significant step within British Columbia toward achieving Canada’s 30 by 30 conservation target which aims for the effective protection and management of 30 per cent of Canada’s land and water by the year 2030.

Hamilton Marsh is located south of the Town of Qualicum Beach bounded by Hilliers Road on the north and west sides, Memorial Avenue on the east side and the Island Corridor Foundation rail corridor on the south side. 

Most of the lands are located with RDN Electoral Area F and a segment within Electoral Area G.

The property is approximately 360 hectares. Hamilton Marsh itself is approximately 36 hectares in size and the surrounding forest area make up the remaining 324 hectares.

The Hamilton Wetlands and Forest Preservation Society have a great website you can visit: hamiltonwetlands.com

Mosaic Forest Management accepted an offer of $30 million for the 360 hectares of land. To help offset the $30 million cost, the RDN is actively pursuing funding contributions from partners, including conservation groups and the provincial ministries, in the amount of $7.5 million.

The funding sources include $1.3 million from the Regional Parks and Trails reserve funds, $7.5 million from external fundraising and $21.2 million from long-term borrowing.

The long-term borrowing of $21.2 million will require debt repayment costs for 20 years. The estimated annual debt repayment costs of each participating area are outlined in the table below. The amounts in the table assume a borrowing rate of 4.8% as per the Municipal Finance Authority and a 20-year borrowing term. The average residential value is based on BC Assessment 2025 Revised Roll Assessments. Interest and assessment values are subject to change at time of borrowing.

If the RDN is successful in securing the property it will be maintained as a regional park and conservation area. A management plan for the park would be developed and the future costs of maintaining the property will be determined.

Hamilton Marsh is currently owned by Island Timberlands and managed under Mosaic Forest Management. 

Hamilton Marsh would be considered a Regional Park and Conservation Area therefore, would be purchased through the Regional Parks and Trails service area.

To help offset the $30 million cost, the RDN is actively pursuing $7.5 million in funding support from partners such as the Government of British Columbia, support through federal grants, conservation groups and the provincial ministries. 

If the RDN is successful in securing partnership funding, information will be shared here on the Get Involved RDN project page.

Look for the Stay Informed and microphone image at the bottom of the page. Fill in your email address and click the SUBSCRIBE button. Once you have clicked on SUBSCRIBE, it will change to: Thank you for subscribing. We will then send updates directly to those subscribed to the project page moving forward. 

The project page will also be updated as more information becomes available.