The District of Mission has purchased a 4.7-acre property to safeguard its wetland environment and develop more park space.
Located on St. Anthony Way, the land was purchased for $860,000 from the Parkland Acquisition Reserve, which is financed through development cost charges and used exclusively for purchasing park space.
“This investment in parkland and environmental conservation continues Mission’s legacy with this type of land acquisition,” said Acting Mayor Cal Crawford. “Parks and open spaces are important for a healthy and sustainable community, and the ongoing protection of our wetlands is critical to maintaining this significant natural ecosystem for the benefit of wildlife.”
An estimated 80 per cent of the Fraser Valley’s historical wetlands have been lost due to development, according to the district, who said this purchase will protect important transitional lands between the wetland and the upland forest.
The portion of the property that has already been cleared will be used for park space, including a playground, picnic area and trails, the district said.
The land is adjacent to a larger wetland area owned by the conservation group, Ducks Unlimited Canada, who, together with the Stave Valley Salmonid Enhancement Society and the Fraser Valley Watershed Coalition, helped identify the property as a valuable acquisition for the district.
“Stave Valley Salmonid Enhancement Society appreciates the district’s long-standing practice of working co-cooperatively with our society and other agencies in identifying and permanently protecting environmentally-sensitive habitat,” said Jim Taylor, a director of Stave Valley Salmonid Enhancement Society.
“The cooperative approach taken by the district goes beyond land purchase and opens the door for attracting outside funding and technical expertise in restoring fish and wildlife values.”
The district thanked the Donatelli family for their stewardship of the land over many generations.
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