VANCOUVER ISLAND

CRD snaps up two properties in Sooke for salmon enhancement

CTV Vancouver Island Published Monday, May 30, 2016 1:47PM PDT

The Sooke Potholes, a rocky stretch of river about 40 kilometres west of Victoria, B.C., is shown in this undated Google Maps image.

Text:

The Capital Regional District is coughing up a cool $1.2-million for two pieces of prime parkland on Sooke River Road.

The CRD will snap up two lots at 2540 and 2548 Sooke River Road for a total of 6.47 hectares.

“These properties provide the only access to the Sooke River’s ‘Pemberton Pool,’ which has provided the Chinook and Coho brood stock for the Sooke Salmon Enhancement society,” said Mike Hicks, chair of the CRD’s regional parks committee.

He said directors felt it necessary to secure the land for the future of salmon stocks on the South Island.

“The property is situated close to the Galloping Goose Trail, has an incredible old growth forest and will make a beautiful addition to our regional parks system,” said CRD board chair Barbara Desjardins.

The acquisition is expected to be completed this August.

It was bought through the CRD’s Regional Parks Lands Acquisition Fund, which residents pay an average of $20 into from their annual home assessment fees.