News release

For immediate release

Saanich to add more land to Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary 

Saanich, BC – Saanich has acquired a new piece of land that will eventually form part of the Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary.

“Following our vision to save and improve our green spaces for future generation, the District has been acquiring land for many years in the Swan Lake area with a goal of preserving it as a nature sanctuary,” said Mayor Fred Haynes.  “We recently had the opportunity to acquire a new parcel of land that will further this goal so that Saanich residents can enjoy this area for generations to come.”

Over time, the land will be rezoned to match the surrounding P-5 conservation area and eventually form part of the broader sanctuary.

During the 1960s, the District began acquiring lands around Swan Lake and Christmas Hill with the goal of retaining the area in its natural state for the use and enjoyment of the public. The District has acquired 26 properties in the Swan Lake area. 

Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary quick facts:

• The sanctuary is comprised of two physically and ecologically distinct areas: the low wetland area surrounding Swan Lake, and the rocky oak-forested hilltop of Christmas Hill.
• The over 160 acres of land within the sanctuary are owned by the District of Saanich - except for two small Nature Trust BC parcels - and are managed by the Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary Society.
• More information about the Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary is available here.

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Media contact:
Kelsie McLeod
Saanich Communications 
kelsie.mcleod@saanich.ca
250-475-7638