Parksville Wetlands - Park Management Plan

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Parksville Wetlands is our largest public park covering 35.27 hectares and features a network of trails which are popular for birdwatching, walking, and quietly enjoying the natural surroundings.

The Parksville Wetlands is largely surrounded by a natural succession forest with a diverse range of wetland plant species, unique marsh birds and amphibians. It acts as a water filtration, flood mitigation and contributes to Parkville’s aquifer. The park has naturalized itself into a wetland over many decades through a combination of naturally existing moisture and soil types, land clearing for development, and diversion of drainage water into the park, all prior to this area falling under the City’s ownership.

Past and more recent information identified areas for improvement with stewardship, conservation, education, and eco-sensitive park visitation.

Background
The City has engaged ISL Engineering and Land Services to support the development of a park management plan for the Parksville Wetlands. This fifteen-year, comprehensive plan will provide a vision for the future of the park and identify ongoing park management. The plan will include strategies for educational and stewardship opportunities, strategies for maintenance, increasing conservation and land protection, ecological and cultural management, and accessibility.

The City values and understands the importance of natural spaces for biodiversity, conservation, habitat, and recreation. Stewardship of these spaces is integrated into our Official Community Plan, the Parks, Trails and Open Space Master Plan and once finished, the new Urban Forest Strategy, along with many other studies and reports to preserve and protect green spaces.

Building on the work completed by the City, the plan for the Parksville Wetlands will include habitat improvements responsive to the site analysis, land use mapping and improvements, and will incorporate feedback from the public and interested parties.

The City appreciates and thanks the many individuals, groups and organizations
who have contributed their time and energy to the Parksville Wetlands.


Parksville Wetlands is our largest public park covering 35.27 hectares and features a network of trails which are popular for birdwatching, walking, and quietly enjoying the natural surroundings.

The Parksville Wetlands is largely surrounded by a natural succession forest with a diverse range of wetland plant species, unique marsh birds and amphibians. It acts as a water filtration, flood mitigation and contributes to Parkville’s aquifer. The park has naturalized itself into a wetland over many decades through a combination of naturally existing moisture and soil types, land clearing for development, and diversion of drainage water into the park, all prior to this area falling under the City’s ownership.

Past and more recent information identified areas for improvement with stewardship, conservation, education, and eco-sensitive park visitation.

Background
The City has engaged ISL Engineering and Land Services to support the development of a park management plan for the Parksville Wetlands. This fifteen-year, comprehensive plan will provide a vision for the future of the park and identify ongoing park management. The plan will include strategies for educational and stewardship opportunities, strategies for maintenance, increasing conservation and land protection, ecological and cultural management, and accessibility.

The City values and understands the importance of natural spaces for biodiversity, conservation, habitat, and recreation. Stewardship of these spaces is integrated into our Official Community Plan, the Parks, Trails and Open Space Master Plan and once finished, the new Urban Forest Strategy, along with many other studies and reports to preserve and protect green spaces.

Building on the work completed by the City, the plan for the Parksville Wetlands will include habitat improvements responsive to the site analysis, land use mapping and improvements, and will incorporate feedback from the public and interested parties.

The City appreciates and thanks the many individuals, groups and organizations
who have contributed their time and energy to the Parksville Wetlands.


  • Park Management Plan for Parksville Wetlands

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    May 10, 2023

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    The City has engaged ISL Engineering and Land Services to support the development of a park management plan for the Parksville Wetlands. This fifteen-year, comprehensive plan will include strategies for education, stewardship, maintenance, conservation, land protection, and cultural management for Parksville Wetlands.

    The park management plan will build on several existing planning studies (available on Let’s Talk Parksville) including the Lower Englishman River Watershed Wetlands Study (2015), Parksville Wetlands Education and Outreach Program Report (2019) and the City’s Parks, Trails and Open Spaces Master Plan (2019). We thank the many individuals, groups and organizations who have and continue to contribute to the Parksville Wetlands.

    This project will:

    • Review and analyze historic and current land use, park visitation and recreational uses.
    • Identify information gaps in the background documents that will be filled by the project scope of services.
    • Conduct a site investigation including extensive mapping and assessment of its ecological systems and features.
    • Complete an environmental assessment of the wetlands including an inventory of wildlife habitat and biodiversity.

    The draft concept plan for the wetlands will show natural and built enhancements in the park and will include direction and guidance on the types, locations, uses, and activities within different parts of the park including visitor use, accessibility, and supportive infrastructure.

    HOW TO BE INVOLVED
    During the first phase of this project, there are several ways you can share your insights, knowledge and experience about the Parksville Wetlands:

    PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE - June 6
    A drop-in open house will provide a positive and meaningful opportunity for residents and interested parties to share knowledge, experience, and use of the Parksville Wetlands. During this interactive session, the project team will collect stories and insights from participants to incorporate into the development of the park management plan. The open house will be held on Tuesday, June 6 from 4 to 7 pm in the Forum, Parksville Civic and Technology Centre, 100 Jensen Avenue East.

    There will be a kids’ corner with some activities to keep little people busy for a few minutes to provide parents the opportunity to participate in the open house.

    LET’S TALK PARKSVILLE
    Our Let’s Talk Parksville engagement site provides project background, reference documents, an engagement schedule, and opportunities to comment and ask questions. Please refer to this site for information and project updates.

    PUBLIC SURVEY - June 6-27
    In June, we will conduct a survey for the public; a chance for you to have your say and share ideas, thoughts and concerns you might have for the Parksville Wetlands. The survey will be open from June 6 to June 27 and will be available on Let’s Talk Parksville and the City’s website. As well, paper copies will be provided should that be a preferred way to complete the survey.

    The City of Parksville and consultant, ISL Engineering and Land Services, look forward to this project and receiving input from our residents and interested groups and organizations throughout the process and preparation of the park management plan for the Parksville Wetlands.

    For more information:
    Deb Tardiff; Manager of Communications
    communications@parkville.ca; 250 954-3073

Page last updated: 18 May 2023, 04:43 PM