Save French Creek Estuary Land

French Creek Estuary Lands, a 23-acre parcel of Coastal Forest Land is in danger of being lost to a pending development by Elkay Developments Ltd., Surrey, B.C.

This ecologically sensitive land with its mature trees, pond and marsh lies between the towns of Parksville and Qualicum Beach, bordering the French Creek Estuary which flows into the Salish Sea. It is the last remaining Coastal Douglas Fir forest in the area and is home to beavers, otters, bald eagles, great blue herons, owls, turtles, frogs, countless ducks and birds, and other wildlife.

Salmon and other fish populations depend upon the mature intact forest which serves to impede runoff from heavy rainfall, mitigate erosion, decrease sediment loading, protect from contaminants, and prevent flooding.

The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) has approved zoning for multi-unit dwellings. This is not consistent with the Electoral Area “G”, BYLAW No. 1540,2008, Official Community Plan page 31, Section 3.2, Objectives 1 and 3 which state: “Protect and enhance the characteristics of existing residential neighbourhoods” and “Avoid higher forms of urban development which are not compatible with the character and identity of existing residential neighbourhoods.”

Will we lose this coastal forest land to ever-increasing development? Elimination of this intact forest could result in faster rainfall runoff, flooding, and erosion problems which could be costly both to the RDN and residents.

We urge you to sign this petition:
If you oppose the development on this land resulting in the devastating loss of mature trees, displacement of wildlife, increased traffic and safety issues, too much demand on water supply and loss of diminishing coastal forest.

Want to do more? We've made it easy! Email us at ProtectColumbiaBeach@gmail.com and we'll forward example letters and a contact list.