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.