SQUAMISH – One of the less known facts about The Land Conservancy of BC’s work is the amount of hours the organization dedicates to negotiating deals that save threatened sites throughout B.C. The latest success of the Malamute property in Squamish is no exception.
As a popular climbing destination and valuable falcon nesting bluff, the Malamute was recently protected and added to the Stawamus Chief Provincial Park. It was a multi-level initiative which involved the Province of BC, the District of Squamish, several First Nations, various climbing associations, and the landowner, Malamute Holdings Ltd. From the beginning TLC played a vital role in the land acquisition as the mediator.
TLC received approximately $60,000 from Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) to help research and negotiate the deal to purchase the Malamute. TLC established the initial contact with the owner, presented the deal to the District of Squamish and the Province of BC, organized the tax incentives through Environment Canada’s Ecological Gifts Program, conducted various appraisals, and supported the deal until completion.
In addition to public fundraising campaigns to protect natural areas, heritage sites and agricultural lands, TLC often labours behind the scenes and acts as a mediator to negotiate deals that save special places for future generations. It is because of TLC’s considerable experience in putting together multi-party solutions – which have included federal, provincial and municipal governments, as well as many other non-profit groups and businesses – TLC is respected and relied upon by many organizations to make land negotiations happen.
Even though, TLC does not have an official stake in the final Malamute deal which was announced on September 24, 2010, the Province acknowledged that TLC was the catalyst for this deal and that they provided the leadership and the groundwork to make this possible.
TLC credits MEC with the vision to launch a campaign to protect the Malamute, with bringing TLC in to lead the project and committing the financial support to make it happen. In addition, TLC would like to thank the Province for staying committed to the project during the long and complex process. This new addition to Stawamus Chief Provincial Park would not have happened without the efforts of provincial staff, West Vancouver Sea-to-Sky MLA Joan McIntyre, and Environment Minister Barry Penner.
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For further information:
Bill Turner, TLC Executive Director, 250-479-8053, bturner@conservancy.bc.ca
Heather Skydt, TLC Communications Manager, 604-733-2313, hskydt@conservancy.bc.ca
Tamsin Baker, TLC Lower Mainland Regional Manager, 604-733-2313, tbaker@conservancy.bc.ca
To Bill and the TLC staff
Once again you have made me and my family proud. Although my fear of heights will make it very unlikely I will ever use this facility, it is gratifying to know those who enjoy this sport are being supported. It is this diversity of ideas, interests, ambitions, and recreational richness that benefits society as a whole. It is what makes the TLC important to each individual.
Thank you for your efforts.
Michael R. Hewison