The Capital Regional District is taking over the Sooke Potholes campground, the abandoned Deertrails Lodge and a nearby works yard from The Land Conservancy of B.C.
The transfer fulfils a long-standing aim to incorporate the three properties, measuring a total 21 acres, into Sooke Potholes Regional Park, owned and run by the CRD. Once the lands are added, the five-kilometre-long park will total 157 acres.
For decades, people have flocked to the Potholes, which are connected by waterfalls and gorges. Their clear water makes them a favourite summer destination. Trails within the nearby forest are linked to more parkland.
The CRD and The Land Conservancy raised funds to buy what became the regional park and the three parcels in 2004. This land was on the market under a court-ordered sale after the financial collapse of the planned Deertrails Lodge resort.
More than 2,700 individuals from around B.C. contributed to the $3-million land acquisition.
At that time, the regional district obtained first refusal on the three parcels held by the Victoria-based non-profit.
“It was accepted, at some point in the future, we would take possession of them,” said CRD board chairman and Oak Bay Mayor Nils Jensen on Tuesday.
The Potholes were formed about 15,000 years ago during the last ice age, The Land Conservancy’s website says.
“As the moving, melting ice packs stripped the surface, violent torrents of meltwater, pressurized beneath hundreds of metres of ice, carved a path deep into the natural bedrock,” the website says.
“Huge boulders carried by the glacial action became lodged and were swirled against the canyon walls, consequently carving out the potholes that can be seen today.”
Susan Brice, CRD regional parks committee chairwoman, said the district’s “primary interest is to secure these properties because of their ecological value and great cultural significance to the region.”
John Shields, director of operations for The Land Conservancy, said the three Sooke parcels are debt-free. The change in ownership involves a transfer only.
The deal was arranged as The Land Conservancy works toward reaching a sound financial footing and eliminating close to $8 million in debt.
It has been in protection from creditors since 2013. It recently won court approval for its survival plan, which includes selling or transferring the bulk of its approximate 50 properties around the province. Creditors are to be paid what is owing over 18 months.
Shaw Communications Inc., a previous supporter of the park, is donating $50,300 to pay for taxes owed by The Land Conservancy to the District of Sooke.
After the transfer is completed, the plan is to reopen the popular Sooke Potholes campground, which was closed last year as The Land Conservancy cut costs and staff. But Jensen said it is too soon to say if the campground, with about 65 spots, will re§consopen this year.
Talks will be taking place with the T’Sou-ke First Nation in the hopes it will agree to manage the campground.
Sooke Mayor Maja Tait is looking forward to the campground opening again, saying visitors support local businesses and tourism. “It is good exposure for Sooke. It has been a real negative not having it open,” Tait said.
Once the former Land Conservancy properties are officially granted park status, taxes will not be levied on them. But Tait believes that loss is offset by the benefit of having the campground back in operation.
