Amongst the rain shadows of the Vancouver Island and Olympic Mountains near Duncan, lays a coastal bluff so incredible its moss and lichen-covered rocks create a new shade of vibrant green. Everywhere you look Arbutus and Garry oak trees frame breathtaking views of Salt Spring Island, Sansum Narrows, and south to Satellite Channel. This special place is called Sansum Point and it needs your help.
While navigating through the Sansum Narrows, Sansum Point has long been looked upon with awe by mariners for its skyline features and waterfront seascapes. Along its shores, divers also explore marine life such as rock scallops, trumpet sponges, coral, colourful anemones, and sea lilies. Further into the forest, amid the Douglas fir, Bigleaf maple and western red cedar trees, numerous wetlands support a community of wildlife.
On September 1, 2011, the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) took ownership of the 128-acre property, turning it into parkland for current and future generations to enjoy. TLC and the Cowichan Land Trust jointly hold a conservation covenant on the entire parcel.
With only five months to raise the necessary funds, assistance from the CVRD allows TLC and the Cowichan Land Trust more time to fulfill their remaining financial contribution of $495,000. This three-way partnership is an important step for building future parkland acquisitions in the Valley.
“The CVRD is exceptionally pleased to have developed a working partnership with TLC and the Cowichan Land Trust to acquire Sansum Point. We look forward to continuing to work with these groups and with others to ensure that parkland and open spaces are available in the Valley. Sansum Point is a wonderful community asset and over time will become even more of a treasure,” says Gerry Giles, CVRD Chair.
The two land trusts along with the Cowichan Valley community have done an amazing job of fundraising for the campaign. Renowned artist, Sue Coleman, created a beautiful limited edition giclee print titled Sansum Point, with a significant portion of each sale going to Sansum. Wilderness International and the Cowichan Tribes joined the cause through their fundraising event ‘Take a Walk for the Wild’. As well, recent events by Wilderness Kayaking and Godfrey-Brownell Vineyards brought in another $5,000 for the campaign and, with the support of the Duncan-Cowichan Chamber of Commerce, businesses like Godfrey-Brownell have agreed to take Sansum Point under its wing for the next year by hosting various fundraising events to keep the cause top of mind in the community.
 Photo by Jill Patterson. |
So much of the energy driving this campaign has come from the local residents. It’s amazing what can be accomplished when a community comes together. “Support to date has been overwhelming and we are extremely grateful for each gift. With a little more time, I’m confident we will reach our goal,” says Bill Turner, TLC’s Executive Director. |
Be the change you want to see in the world and contribute to the protection of Sansum Point today! Donate at 1-877-485-2422 or conservancy.bc.ca. Businesses interested in hosting fundraisers for Sansum, please email: membership@conservancy.bc.ca.
View photos of the amazing Sansum Point in our online photo gallery. View our prospectus.
