Christmas Hill by Vic Derman
TLC has completed an important acquisition and addition to the Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary in the Municipality of Saanich on Vancouver Island. This acquisition involved four large lots, of almost one half acre each, on the north side of the hill. Christmas Hill and surrounding lands make up one of the largest remaining greenspace areas within the urban core of the Capital Region.
The hill itself is adjacent to one of the busiest intersections in the region and is a widely recognized landmark and signature greenscape. Along with the land around it, the hill is an important part of a potential greenway that would connect with the major Lochside and Galloping Goose trail network. Most importantly, however, the nature sanctuary at the top of the hill has been recognized as an ecologically significant Garry oak meadow, one of the most threatened native plant communities in Canada. Unfortunately, most of the lands surrounding the sanctuary are in private hands and are currently being developed or are under extreme pressure for development. The lots, which contain significant amounts of Garry Oak, are part of a parcel known as Rogers Farm.
Camas on Christmas Hill
We have been working on this project in partnership with local Saanich schools and residents. In a ground breaking arrangement, the Municipality of Saanich agreed to advance TLC a three-year interest free loan of almost four hundred thousand dollars to acquire the property. In return, TLC has agreed to make the lots part of the adjacent Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary which expands the size of the sanctuary, creates a large contiguous area and provides as much “buffer” area as possible.
TLC purchased the property for $425,000 including appraisal and closing costs.
Access to Christmas Hill through Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary, off Rainbow Road or off Quadra Street in Victoria.
