@crd.bc.ca
VICTORIA – The Capital Regional District (CRD) has announced an agreement to purchase 1,973 hectares of land from the Kapoor Lumber Company (KLC). The lands are located adjacent to the Sooke Lake Reservoir catchment area and the Sooke Lake Watershed. The CRD Board endorsed the Regional Water Supply Commission’s recommendation to acquire this land for $33.3 million.
“The CRD has identified these lands as an acquisition priority for many years, but they only recently became available,” said CRD Board Chair Cliff McNeil-Smith. “This purchase ensures the further protection of our primary water source and aligns with our long-term vision for sustainable water management and environmental stewardship.”
The main source of drinking water for the Regional Water Supply Service is the Greater Victoria Water Supply Area, which consists of three water supply areas (Sooke, Goldstream and Leech). The Sooke Water Supply Area provides the primary source of drinking water from the Sooke Lake Reservoir. Stewardship of the Water Supply Area means thoughtful and cautious management of the watersheds’ ecosystems. The strategic location of the KLC Lands makes them crucial for safeguarding the region’s water supply and critical transmission infrastructure, and ensuring the continued provision of high-quality, safe drinking water for the residents of Greater Victoria.
“The Kapoor Lumber Company Lands are vital for the protection of our water resources. By integrating these largely forested areas into the Greater Victoria Water Supply Area, we are safeguarding our water infrastructure and enhancing our ability to manage and expand our water resources sustainably,” said Gord Baird, Chair of the Regional Water Supply Commission. “This purchase is a rare and significant opportunity to secure land that is important to the future of our region’s water supply, ensuring that we continue to provide clean and safe drinking water for generations to come.”
Several First Nations have potential interests that overlap with this property. The CRD has initiated conversations with First Nations regarding management opportunities for these lands.
The KLC, a family business involved in sustainable forest management since the 1920s, has long been recognized for its commitment to environmental stewardship. As part of the agreement, the KLC will continue to sustainably manage the property until September 2025, when the CRD will assume ownership.
The purchase will be funded through long-term debt and repaid by water users over the course of many years. The cost to an average household is estimated at $14 per year. Elector approval must be obtained to advance a new loan authorization bylaw, which would be required to borrow the funds to purchase the KLC Lands. The CRD will seek elector approval through an Alternative Approval Process which is expected to take place in 2025.
Source: Capital Regional District
