Save PioneerForestSchool District #68 PresentationJune 27, 2012by Pam Agnew

Pioneer Forest Location

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 so long as it is used as a park● 1996/7: Property was subdivided and SD#68 became

owner of the forest with no use condition● Nov. 2011: SD#68 & City sign 5-year license agreement● May 2012: City and SD#68 sought to "correct a

housekeeping error" changing OCP designation from "parks 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

● 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 a permanent solution to protect forest as park

● All agree forest must be protected

● www.savepioneerforest.com

What does Pioneer Forest mean to residents?

What does Pioneer Forest 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 Forest 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

● A great deal. We need more trees, not less

What does Pioneer Forest mean to residents?

Youth work parties to remove invasives, revive forest

● Sadie Biggs, Grade 10, Dover Bay Secondary:

“It’s a really active project and it’s a really visible thing you’re doing.”

● Ashley Wilson, Grade 11, Dover Bay Secondary:

“You get a result at the end of it, which is always nice. And it’s good to get out.”

● Terry Zhang, Grade 10, Dover Bay Secondary:

“I feel like I do good when I help the community. I feel like I’m getting involved, and I’m making new friends. I like the Pioneer Park thing.” From Nanaimo Daily News, March 13, 2012

What Might it Mean to SD#68?

● Possible building site?Bad location, expensive to build, destroys forest

● Sale to fund operating costs?The land valuation is $960,000 -- 3 days of SD#68 salaries & benefits: destroys forest

● Alternatives?Community wants to protect Pioneer forest in perpetuity, care for it, keep it the special place it is. We have ideas.

Will SD68 work with us to find alternatives? Will SD#68 Work With Us?

● Halt the redesignation proposal● Explore all options with community● Let's work together to save Pioneer forest● Secure a long-term, living asset that will

reap positive returns for this and future generations

● I would like to invite all the Trustees to come and visit the forest, walk it with Friends and experience first-hand why it is worth so much more as a living forest.

Questions?

Thank you.