After decades of consideration, the Comox Valley Regional District has launched a regional parks service — a collaboration between local municipalities and rural areas to pool money for significant land purchases in the future.
Area A director Daniel Arbour — elected chair of the parks and trails committee Tuesday — said the lack of a regional approach in the past has resulted in missed opportunities, such as a possible purchase of Stotan Falls.
He said the committee’s first task is to build a long-term strategy for the new fund, focusing on conservation, recreation and active transportation.
“Parks are interesting,” said Arbour, who studied the colonial legacy of parks while working on a masters degree. In the early 2000s he was involved in an initiative to create a park in Clayoquot Sound.
“I’m sure each of you believe there will be a need to engage K’ómoks First Nation early and often in this body of work.”
Courtenay Coun. Wendy Morin will serve as the committee’s vice-chair.
reporter@comoxvalleyrecord.com
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