Save PioneerForestDistrict of Lantzville PresentationJune 25, 2012by Pam Agnew
Objectives of Presentation
1. Share facts about Pioneer Forest2. Explain what Pioneer Forest means to residents3. Demonstrate commitment & importance of keeping Pioneer Forest a park 4. Request Lantzville Mayor and Council's consideration and support:
● Letter to SD#68 ● Letter to City of Nanaimo
1. Pioneer Forest
Pioneer Forest
History:● 1913: Privately owned by Elizabeth and William Cook● 1960s/70: Province acquired?● 1984: Province gave land to City by way of a free Crown
Grant, for as long as it is used as a park● 1996/7: Property was subdivided and SD#68 became
owner of the forest with no condition● Nov. 2011: SD#68 & City sign 5-year license agreement● May 2012: City officially opened off-leash dog park (up
to $75,000 spent on upgrades); City and SD#68 sought to correct a "housekeeping error" changing OCP designation from "park and open space" to "neighbourhood"
Pioneer Forest
● Rare Coastal Douglas-fir ecosystem
● Urban forest● Recreation: easily
accessible for all● Community involvement● Balanced development● A good "fence" between
Lantzville & Nanaimo: our commons
● Health and well-being● Long-term community
asset
2. What does Pioneer Park mean to residents?
● It's my connection with nature. I can't drive, can't do stairs or walk on rocks
● It's a big part of what makes Pioneer Park a recreational asset; removes pollutants, reconnects us with the land
● It's why we bought our house; it was and is a park & the OCP has it as park and open space.
● I have walked my dogs here for years
What does Pioneer Park mean to residents?
● This forest is why I came back to Nanaimo
● This is where I run every day and where my kids connect with nature
● The value of this forest to the liveability of the area cannot be replaced
● The land valuation is $960,000 -- 3 days of SD#68 salaries & benefits. Our forest is priceless.
3. Protecting Pioneer Forest
● Within a week of aborted City of Nanaimo public meeting, 100 people gathered in the forest (June 14)
● "Friends of Pioneer Forest" -- concerned people seeking engagement to find a permanent long-term solution to protect this forest as park
● www.savepioneerforest.com
4. Goodwill support
● Appreciate issue is outside the jurisdiction of the District of Lantzville
● Also recognize that the impact is real to Lantzville including loss of green space, more noise, more pollutants, less pleasing aesthetics, loss to social, health and well-being of residents, decreased livability, negative impacts on property values
● Appeal to Council to demonstrate support for the many residents immediately impacted by this decision
● Please write letters supporting the protection of the forest to SD#68 and the City of Nanaimo
Questions?
Thank you.