RDN and Nature Trust Secure Moorecroft

Will Be Known As

Moorecroft Regional Park

The RDN and Nature Trust of BC will officially acquire Moorecroft Camp from the United Church on March 2, 2011. The cost for the 85 acre oceanfront Nanoose Bay property was $4.8 million.

The nearly pristine site has almost 3000 feet of waterfront and 79 acres of natural forest featuring Western Red Cedar, Douglas Fir, Arbutus, Bigleaf Maple, Red Alder and Garry Oak. The RDN has had their eye on the site since it was identified in the 1995 Park Master Plan as a priority site for acquisition as a regional park.

The United Church had listed the property for $7.95 million in September of 2010. They accepted the RDN offer in Novemeber and as a condition of sale a conservation covenant has been developed with the Nature Conservancy of Canada that ensures the natural habitat and ecosystems present in the new park will continue to be protected.

Under the stewardship of the RDN the park will provide a place of beauty and sanctuary for people to visit for years to come; says United Church spokesman Doug Goodwin.

Comment: Perhaps now the cash strapped United Church in Nanaimo will be able to complete the much needed renovations at the historic St. Andrew's United Church on Fitzwilliam St. which apparently is badly in need of nearly $750,000 worth of renovations.