News release

For immediate release 

Saanich has acquired a new piece of land that will eventually form part of the Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary (shown top left).

 

Protecting a green jewel: Saanich expands the Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary 

Saanich, BC – The over 160 acre Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary continues to expand following the acquisition of a new parcel of land by the District of Saanich.

The acquisition of a parcel of land on the west side of Swan Lake is adding 1,089 square metres (0.269 acres) to the Nature Sanctuary and is furthering Saanich’s goal of preserving green spaces for future generations to enjoy. Over time, the land will be rezoned to match the surrounding conservation area and form part of the broader nature sanctuary.

“Saanich has been acquiring land around the Swan Lake and Christmas Hill areas for many years to help protect the nature and wildlife that depend on this habitat,” said Saanich Mayor Fred Haynes. “Our ongoing experience with the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the critical value of urban parks as the green jewels in our cityscape. I am delighted to announce this important expansion which is preserving additional ecologically-significant space for future generations.”

The nature 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. All of the over 160 acres are owned by Saanich – except for two small Nature Trust BC parcels – and are managed by the Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary Society. Saanich has a strong partnership with the Society, which provides many educational opportunities for residents of all ages to get close to and learn about nature and grow their natural intelligence.

"The Nature Sanctuary is a vital habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. We also offer critical opportunities for city dwellers to develop deeper relationships to nature,” said Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary Executive Director Cara Gibson. “The acquisition of this land will allow us to preserve more of the area in its natural state for the use and enjoyment of the public, local naturalists, school groups, volunteer groups and many others.”

During the 1960s, the District began acquiring lands around Swan Lake and Christmas Hill to retain the area in its natural state for the use and enjoyment of the public. To date the District has acquired 29 properties in the immediate Swan Lake area.

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.
• Swan Lake and Christmas Hill are dog free zones to help preserve the natural state and sensitive ecosystem.
• The Nature Centre hosts a native plant sale each year and also provides online workshops to educate local residents on growing and gardening with Native plants.
• The summit of Christmas Hill is 109 meters above sea level and rewards those who ascend to the top with a magnificent view of the city.

Learn more

• More information about the Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary is available here.

• Follow the Nature Sanctuary @SwanLakeNature on Instagram and Facebook for educational posts, event information and more.
• Check out the Nature Sanctuary's iNaturalist project to see what’s being spotted on site.
• Visit the Nature House and Gift Shop, open Monday - Friday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

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Media contact

Erika Schade
Communications Manager
erika.schade@saanich.ca
250-475-7638