The Linley Valley Team has approached Nanaimo City Council to request that the undeveloped lands in west Linley Valley be designated as a nature park.

Currently, the Linley Valley provides habitat for beaver, stickleback fish, red legged frogs, pileated woodpeckers and other flora and fauna.

These lands are approximately 310 acres in size excluding the lands currently under development as a residential subdivision adjacent to Rutherford Road. Some are designated for imminent development while others are identified in the Official Community Plan as “Urban Reserve” and are earmarked for future urban development.

To designate the lands as a nature park and protect them fully from development would likely require that the lands be acquired from the existing owners at market value. The assessed value of the total 310 acres is currently $6.6 million.

Nanaimo Info Blog has reported that the City of Nanaimo has decided instead to spend $16 million dollars on a new building to house 160 staff.

I echo Nanaimo Info Blog’s comment:

Which project would have the greater benefit for the greater good of the community. Protect 310 acres of wilderness, or provide 160 highly paid staffers with shiny new digs??

I know what city council and city staff have already said, so the question is addressed to the rest of Nanaimo residents.

To learn about this area, check out the page “Saving Linley Valley West”