Hamilton Marsh Conditional Purchase

Share Hamilton Marsh Conditional Purchase on Facebook Share Hamilton Marsh Conditional Purchase on Twitter Share Hamilton Marsh Conditional Purchase on Linkedin Email Hamilton Marsh Conditional Purchase link
credit to Arrowsmith Media

The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) and Mosaic Forest Management are pleased to announce that a conditional Contract of Purchase and Sale (CPS) has been signed for approximately 360 hectares (ha) of land known as Hamilton Marsh. An offer of $30 million was accepted, with the sale anticipated to be completed by March 31, 2026.

Acquiring Hamilton Marsh as a conservation site has been a priority for the RDN, lands trusts and conservation organizations for many years.

Contributing to the Preservation of Hamilton Marsh

The RDN is required to secure $7.5 million of external funding by January 30, 2026. The RDN is actively pursuing contributions agreements from conservation groups and funding agreements with provincial ministries. Support from the Government of British Columbia, as well as funding support through federal grants, land trusts, individuals and corporations are essential to complete the acquisition.

The RDN has secured agreements with Nanaimo & Area Land Trust (NALT) and Mt. Arrowsmith Biosphere Region (MABR). As new agreements are secured, updates will be posted to this page.

If you are considering contributing to the preservation of Hamilton Marsh, there are two options:

Nanaimo & Area Land Trust - Fundraising campaign
NALT has committed to raising $250,000 towards the purchase of Hamilton Marsh. For more information please visit our What's New article or donate directly at nalt.bc.ca/hamilton-marsh.

Mt. Arrowsmith Biosphere Region - Pledge Drive
MABR have launched a pledge drive to help raise part of the $7.5 million fundraising target. For more information please visit our What's New article or download your pledge form at mabr.ca/hamiltonmarsh.

About Hamilton Marsh

Owned by Island Timberlands and managed under Mosaic Forest Management, the Hamilton Marsh site is located south of the Town of Qualicum Beach with most of the land located within RDN Electoral Area F and a segment within Electoral Area G. The site is 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.

The marsh, located on the north side of the property and approximately 36 ha in size, forms part of the French Creek watershed and connects with Beach and Grandon Creek in the Town of Qualicum Beach. It is formed through a combination of several wetland habitats including a prolific waterfowl brood marsh. Several species of wildlife that use the marsh and the surrounding mature, second-growth forest are listed by the Conservation Data Centre as species of concern or at risk.

The acquisition site contains many priority West Coast Region (WCR) environmental values including an extensive stand of mature forest. This ecologically significant wetland and mature forest is located within the Coastal Douglas-fir moist maritime (CDFmm) biogeoclimatic subzone. In the absence of a stand-altering disturbance the 100-year old mature forest will be classified as old-growth within 150 years; the area represents an important recruitment site for this rare type of old forest within the province.

For More Information and to Get Involved

  • Stay informed by clicking on subscribe to leave your email address and receive email updates
  • Explore this webpage to find out more about the agreement to purchase the property, the property and next steps in the Background Documents and Important Links
  • Check out the FAQ's, which answer common questions, more will be added to along the way based on what we are hearing
  • Ask a question and we will do our best to answer it and share the information with everyone

The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) and Mosaic Forest Management are pleased to announce that a conditional Contract of Purchase and Sale (CPS) has been signed for approximately 360 hectares (ha) of land known as Hamilton Marsh. An offer of $30 million was accepted, with the sale anticipated to be completed by March 31, 2026.

Acquiring Hamilton Marsh as a conservation site has been a priority for the RDN, lands trusts and conservation organizations for many years.

Contributing to the Preservation of Hamilton Marsh

The RDN is required to secure $7.5 million of external funding by January 30, 2026. The RDN is actively pursuing contributions agreements from conservation groups and funding agreements with provincial ministries. Support from the Government of British Columbia, as well as funding support through federal grants, land trusts, individuals and corporations are essential to complete the acquisition.

The RDN has secured agreements with Nanaimo & Area Land Trust (NALT) and Mt. Arrowsmith Biosphere Region (MABR). As new agreements are secured, updates will be posted to this page.

If you are considering contributing to the preservation of Hamilton Marsh, there are two options:

Nanaimo & Area Land Trust - Fundraising campaign
NALT has committed to raising $250,000 towards the purchase of Hamilton Marsh. For more information please visit our What's New article or donate directly at nalt.bc.ca/hamilton-marsh.

Mt. Arrowsmith Biosphere Region - Pledge Drive
MABR have launched a pledge drive to help raise part of the $7.5 million fundraising target. For more information please visit our What's New article or download your pledge form at mabr.ca/hamiltonmarsh.

About Hamilton Marsh

Owned by Island Timberlands and managed under Mosaic Forest Management, the Hamilton Marsh site is located south of the Town of Qualicum Beach with most of the land located within RDN Electoral Area F and a segment within Electoral Area G. The site is 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.

The marsh, located on the north side of the property and approximately 36 ha in size, forms part of the French Creek watershed and connects with Beach and Grandon Creek in the Town of Qualicum Beach. It is formed through a combination of several wetland habitats including a prolific waterfowl brood marsh. Several species of wildlife that use the marsh and the surrounding mature, second-growth forest are listed by the Conservation Data Centre as species of concern or at risk.

The acquisition site contains many priority West Coast Region (WCR) environmental values including an extensive stand of mature forest. This ecologically significant wetland and mature forest is located within the Coastal Douglas-fir moist maritime (CDFmm) biogeoclimatic subzone. In the absence of a stand-altering disturbance the 100-year old mature forest will be classified as old-growth within 150 years; the area represents an important recruitment site for this rare type of old forest within the province.

For More Information and to Get Involved

  • Stay informed by clicking on subscribe to leave your email address and receive email updates
  • Explore this webpage to find out more about the agreement to purchase the property, the property and next steps in the Background Documents and Important Links
  • Check out the FAQ's, which answer common questions, more will be added to along the way based on what we are hearing
  • Ask a question and we will do our best to answer it and share the information with everyone

Ask a Question

If you have any questions about the process or project, please add them here and the answer will be shared with you and on the page.  

loader image
Forgot password?
Didn't receive confirmation?
Register Now
Seems like you are already registered, please provide the password. Forgot your password? Create a new one now.
  • Share When the Hamilton Marsh gets subdivided will the zoning for all the land change from managed forest to something else? If so what else? on Facebook Share When the Hamilton Marsh gets subdivided will the zoning for all the land change from managed forest to something else? If so what else? on Twitter Share When the Hamilton Marsh gets subdivided will the zoning for all the land change from managed forest to something else? If so what else? on Linkedin Email When the Hamilton Marsh gets subdivided will the zoning for all the land change from managed forest to something else? If so what else? link

    When the Hamilton Marsh gets subdivided will the zoning for all the land change from managed forest to something else? If so what else?

    bradmcarthur asked 21 days ago

    The subdivision application does not automatically change the land use zoning. The property will remain under its existing zoning designation until a formal rezoning process is initiated. The Regional District of Nanaimo’s intent is to acquire the property as a Regional Park and Conservation Area. No change in zoning is required for this purpose, as parks are a permitted use in every zone under the current zoning bylaw.

  • Share I would like to the the Hamilton marsh purchase agreement, Where or how can I see it? on Facebook Share I would like to the the Hamilton marsh purchase agreement, Where or how can I see it? on Twitter Share I would like to the the Hamilton marsh purchase agreement, Where or how can I see it? on Linkedin Email I would like to the the Hamilton marsh purchase agreement, Where or how can I see it? link

    I would like to the the Hamilton marsh purchase agreement, Where or how can I see it?

    bradmcarthur asked 21 days ago

    The Contract of Purchase and Sale is in-camera and, pursuant to the Community Charter, is considered confidential and not available for public distribution.

  • Share I can barely afford my property taxes now. How is purchasing a $30 million Marsh going to affect my taxes? Thank you. on Facebook Share I can barely afford my property taxes now. How is purchasing a $30 million Marsh going to affect my taxes? Thank you. on Twitter Share I can barely afford my property taxes now. How is purchasing a $30 million Marsh going to affect my taxes? Thank you. on Linkedin Email I can barely afford my property taxes now. How is purchasing a $30 million Marsh going to affect my taxes? Thank you. link

    I can barely afford my property taxes now. How is purchasing a $30 million Marsh going to affect my taxes? Thank you.

    Blueshurler asked 23 days ago

    The purchase price would be funded through $7.5 million of external fundraising, $1.3 million of reserve contributions and $21.2 million of long-term debt. The long-term debt would result in an increased cost to the Regional Parks and Trails Service. To understand how the debt repayment would impact property taxes for your area, please visit our FAQ section. More detailed information about the entire Regional Parks and Trails Service can be found in the preliminary 2026-2030 Financial Plan shared on our website.

  • Share Has the First Nations been consulted or involved with the Hamilton Marsh purchase process? on Facebook Share Has the First Nations been consulted or involved with the Hamilton Marsh purchase process? on Twitter Share Has the First Nations been consulted or involved with the Hamilton Marsh purchase process? on Linkedin Email Has the First Nations been consulted or involved with the Hamilton Marsh purchase process? link

    Has the First Nations been consulted or involved with the Hamilton Marsh purchase process?

    bradmcarthur asked about 2 months ago

    Yes, the RDN engaged at an early stage with area First Nations to invite their comments and insight on the potential purchase.

  • Share Why are my questions not being shared with everyone as you stated you would do? on Facebook Share Why are my questions not being shared with everyone as you stated you would do? on Twitter Share Why are my questions not being shared with everyone as you stated you would do? on Linkedin Email Why are my questions not being shared with everyone as you stated you would do? link

    Why are my questions not being shared with everyone as you stated you would do?

    bradmcarthur asked about 2 months ago

    All the questions asked through the Q&A function of the Get Involved website have been answered publicly and are available to be viewed by anyone. Here is the link the Q&A section getinvolved.rdn.ca/hamilton-marsh-conditional-purchase?tool=qanda#tool_tab. You can also navigate to it be scrolling to the start of the "What's New" section of the Get Involved website, you should see a title beside "What's New" labeled "Questions", if you click on the word Questions it will show a list of the questions posed by members of the community and the answers the RDN has provided. Please note, questions only appear on this list after an answer has been provided.

  • Share Firstly Why are the has the RDN agreed to purchase at this time of economic uncertainty and a lack of funding for other more critical services and Why has there been no public consultation over the past 20 years? Why does the RDN need this parkland? The RDN has already more that 2000 hectares providing a ratio of approx 92 people / hectare, far greater than most municipalities! Secondly, The agreed price $30,000,000? I think it is fair that as requested by taxpayers you share the independent 3rd party appraisal at this time. Why hasn't a costed plan for the proposed development and maintenance been prepared ? Thirdly, Why hasn't the current owners been asked to donate the land to the RDN through conservation programs such as the Canada Ecological Gifts Program, they would have received significant tax benefits. That would of been a WIN WIN ! Thank you on Facebook Share Firstly Why are the has the RDN agreed to purchase at this time of economic uncertainty and a lack of funding for other more critical services and Why has there been no public consultation over the past 20 years? Why does the RDN need this parkland? The RDN has already more that 2000 hectares providing a ratio of approx 92 people / hectare, far greater than most municipalities! Secondly, The agreed price $30,000,000? I think it is fair that as requested by taxpayers you share the independent 3rd party appraisal at this time. Why hasn't a costed plan for the proposed development and maintenance been prepared ? Thirdly, Why hasn't the current owners been asked to donate the land to the RDN through conservation programs such as the Canada Ecological Gifts Program, they would have received significant tax benefits. That would of been a WIN WIN ! Thank you on Twitter Share Firstly Why are the has the RDN agreed to purchase at this time of economic uncertainty and a lack of funding for other more critical services and Why has there been no public consultation over the past 20 years? Why does the RDN need this parkland? The RDN has already more that 2000 hectares providing a ratio of approx 92 people / hectare, far greater than most municipalities! Secondly, The agreed price $30,000,000? I think it is fair that as requested by taxpayers you share the independent 3rd party appraisal at this time. Why hasn't a costed plan for the proposed development and maintenance been prepared ? Thirdly, Why hasn't the current owners been asked to donate the land to the RDN through conservation programs such as the Canada Ecological Gifts Program, they would have received significant tax benefits. That would of been a WIN WIN ! Thank you on Linkedin Email Firstly Why are the has the RDN agreed to purchase at this time of economic uncertainty and a lack of funding for other more critical services and Why has there been no public consultation over the past 20 years? Why does the RDN need this parkland? The RDN has already more that 2000 hectares providing a ratio of approx 92 people / hectare, far greater than most municipalities! Secondly, The agreed price $30,000,000? I think it is fair that as requested by taxpayers you share the independent 3rd party appraisal at this time. Why hasn't a costed plan for the proposed development and maintenance been prepared ? Thirdly, Why hasn't the current owners been asked to donate the land to the RDN through conservation programs such as the Canada Ecological Gifts Program, they would have received significant tax benefits. That would of been a WIN WIN ! Thank you link

    Firstly Why are the has the RDN agreed to purchase at this time of economic uncertainty and a lack of funding for other more critical services and Why has there been no public consultation over the past 20 years? Why does the RDN need this parkland? The RDN has already more that 2000 hectares providing a ratio of approx 92 people / hectare, far greater than most municipalities! Secondly, The agreed price $30,000,000? I think it is fair that as requested by taxpayers you share the independent 3rd party appraisal at this time. Why hasn't a costed plan for the proposed development and maintenance been prepared ? Thirdly, Why hasn't the current owners been asked to donate the land to the RDN through conservation programs such as the Canada Ecological Gifts Program, they would have received significant tax benefits. That would of been a WIN WIN ! Thank you

    P&JHobern asked about 2 months ago

    Acquiring Hamilton Marsh as a conservation site has been a priority for the Regional District of Nanaimo for many years. The 2023-2026 Regional District of Nanaimo Strategic Plan prioritizes protecting vital lands and ecosystems and includes a goal of accelerating the acquisition of regional parkland to secure and steward natural areas with high conservation and recreation values. Hamilton Marsh contains many priority West Coast Region (WCR) environmental values including previous occurrences of species and ecosystems at risk.

    Hamilton Marsh was first identified in the Regional District of Nanaimo’s (RDN) Parks System Plan in 1994 following public interest in preserving the site. It was confirmed again through public engagement in 2005 during the development of the Regional Parks and Trails Plan, as well as in 2022 as part of developing the Parks and Trails Strategy.

    The $30 million purchase price is considered fair market value for the property. The RDN has invested considerable time and resources over decades to advance this conservation initiative and now has a fair deal in place to secure the lands for parkland conservation. Funding partners are actively being pursued, including conservation groups and the provincial ministries.

    If the RDN is successful in securing the property a management plan for the park and conservation area would be developed in collaboration with RDN funding partners and would include engagement with residents of the region. Once the plan is finalized, detailed cost estimates for any proposed amenities and annual operational costs would be presented to the RDN Board for review and approval. Developing management plans requires a considerable amount of time and resources, developing a management plan prior to purchasing a property would not be considered an efficient use of resources.

  • Share The marsh consists of 7 properties which BC Assessment has valued at $1,688,800, so why is the RDN paying $30 million? on Facebook Share The marsh consists of 7 properties which BC Assessment has valued at $1,688,800, so why is the RDN paying $30 million? on Twitter Share The marsh consists of 7 properties which BC Assessment has valued at $1,688,800, so why is the RDN paying $30 million? on Linkedin Email The marsh consists of 7 properties which BC Assessment has valued at $1,688,800, so why is the RDN paying $30 million? link

    The marsh consists of 7 properties which BC Assessment has valued at $1,688,800, so why is the RDN paying $30 million?

    bradmcarthur asked 2 months ago

    The land that Hamilton Marsh is comprised of is private managed forest, class 7. Class 7 Managed Forest properties in British Columbia are not assessed at market value. Instead, they are valued using legislated rates set under the Assessment Act and the Managed Forest Land and Cut Timber Values Regulation (B.C. Reg. 90/2000). BC Assessment applies regulated schedules to determine the bare land value and adds the value of harvested timber based on prescribed formulas, ensuring assessments reflect forest use rather than land sales.

     The Hamilton Marsh property encompass a total of 360 hectares, which includes not only the 36-hectare marsh but also 324 hectares of mature forest. The diverse landscape significantly contributes to the overall value of the property. To ensure the purchase price is in line with market conditions, the RDN commissioned comprehensive land and timber appraisals through industry professionals.

     By considering both the ecological value of the marsh and the forest along with timber values, the price reflects a fair and informed assessment of the land's worth. The acquisition of Hamilton Marsh Lands is seen as an investment in preserving a vital ecological asset that offers long-term environmental and community benefits.

  • Share I asked the question below, but you did not answer it. The survey and subdividing is happening now and costs have been allocated. So what are/were the costs Concerning the purchase of Hamilton marsh, I would like to know the additional costs associated with, cost of surveys, cost to legally subdivide, cost of lawyers, cost of future operational needs, cost of new staff and how many, cost of future capital needs (parking, trails etc..) on Facebook Share I asked the question below, but you did not answer it. The survey and subdividing is happening now and costs have been allocated. So what are/were the costs Concerning the purchase of Hamilton marsh, I would like to know the additional costs associated with, cost of surveys, cost to legally subdivide, cost of lawyers, cost of future operational needs, cost of new staff and how many, cost of future capital needs (parking, trails etc..) on Twitter Share I asked the question below, but you did not answer it. The survey and subdividing is happening now and costs have been allocated. So what are/were the costs Concerning the purchase of Hamilton marsh, I would like to know the additional costs associated with, cost of surveys, cost to legally subdivide, cost of lawyers, cost of future operational needs, cost of new staff and how many, cost of future capital needs (parking, trails etc..) on Linkedin Email I asked the question below, but you did not answer it. The survey and subdividing is happening now and costs have been allocated. So what are/were the costs Concerning the purchase of Hamilton marsh, I would like to know the additional costs associated with, cost of surveys, cost to legally subdivide, cost of lawyers, cost of future operational needs, cost of new staff and how many, cost of future capital needs (parking, trails etc..) link

    I asked the question below, but you did not answer it. The survey and subdividing is happening now and costs have been allocated. So what are/were the costs Concerning the purchase of Hamilton marsh, I would like to know the additional costs associated with, cost of surveys, cost to legally subdivide, cost of lawyers, cost of future operational needs, cost of new staff and how many, cost of future capital needs (parking, trails etc..)

    bradmcarthur asked about 2 months ago

    The RDN has budgeted $350,000 for professional fees in relation to the purchase of Hamilton Marsh, funded from reserve funds of the Regional Parks and Trails service. This amount includes legal fees, professional assessments and costs related to the subdivision. 

     If the RDN is successful in securing the property, a management plan for the park and conservation area would be developed in collaboration with RDN funding partners and would include engagement with residents of the region. Once the plan is finalized, detailed cost estimates for any proposed amenities and annual operational costs, including staffing requirements, would be presented to the RDN Board for review and approval.

  • Share Concerning the purchase of Hamilton marsh, I would like to know the additional costs associated with, cost of surveys, cost to legally subdivide, cost of lawyers, cost of future operational needs, cost of new staff and how many, cost of future capital needs (parking, trails etc..) on Facebook Share Concerning the purchase of Hamilton marsh, I would like to know the additional costs associated with, cost of surveys, cost to legally subdivide, cost of lawyers, cost of future operational needs, cost of new staff and how many, cost of future capital needs (parking, trails etc..) on Twitter Share Concerning the purchase of Hamilton marsh, I would like to know the additional costs associated with, cost of surveys, cost to legally subdivide, cost of lawyers, cost of future operational needs, cost of new staff and how many, cost of future capital needs (parking, trails etc..) on Linkedin Email Concerning the purchase of Hamilton marsh, I would like to know the additional costs associated with, cost of surveys, cost to legally subdivide, cost of lawyers, cost of future operational needs, cost of new staff and how many, cost of future capital needs (parking, trails etc..) link

    Concerning the purchase of Hamilton marsh, I would like to know the additional costs associated with, cost of surveys, cost to legally subdivide, cost of lawyers, cost of future operational needs, cost of new staff and how many, cost of future capital needs (parking, trails etc..)

    bradmcarthur asked 2 months ago

    In addition to the purchase price, the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) has allocated funding from the Regional Parks and Trails Service reserve to cover professional services required to complete the terms of the conditional purchase and sale agreement. These services include legal, assessment, permit and subdivision-related work.

     If the RDN is successful in securing the property a management plan for the park and conservation area would be developed in collaboration with RDN funding partners and would include engagement with residents of the region. Once the plan is finalized, detailed cost estimates for any proposed amenities and annual operational costs would be presented to the RDN Board for review and approval.

  • Share Was a public survey done to determine if the taxpayers want this Marsh? on Facebook Share Was a public survey done to determine if the taxpayers want this Marsh? on Twitter Share Was a public survey done to determine if the taxpayers want this Marsh? on Linkedin Email Was a public survey done to determine if the taxpayers want this Marsh? link

    Was a public survey done to determine if the taxpayers want this Marsh?

    bradmcarthur asked 2 months ago

    There has not been public consultation specific to the current purchase and sale agreement for Hamilton Marsh. However, the protection of this property has been a longstanding regional priority. 

    Hamilton Marsh was first identified in the Regional District of Nanaimo’s (RDN) Parks System Plan in 1994 following public interest in preserving the site. It was confirmed again through public engagement in 2005 during the development of the Regional Parks and Trails Plan, as well as in 2022 as part of developing the Parks and Trails Strategy. The RDN has observed consistent public support for protecting the forest and wetland over the past three decades. 

    The RDN Board has prioritized the protection of vital lands and ecosystems in its Strategic Plan. Securing Hamilton Marsh is a great opportunity to advance the goal of securing natural areas with high conservation and recreation values.

Page last updated: 08 Dec 2025, 03:59 PM