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City Enters Land Exchange Agreements to Expand Millstone Greenway

Agricultural Land Commission Approval Required to Move Forward

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed June 19, 2014 10:00 AM

Summary

The City of Nanaimo has entered into land exchange agreements with two property owners along the Millstone River to expand the Greenway system. Under the land exchange agreement, the City will transfer 4.5 acres of land from a City owned parcel at 155 Westwood Road in exchange for 10.7 acres of land, north of the Millstone River. The land exchange agreement requires the approval from the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) to permit the adjustment of the property boundaries and for the construction of a pedestrian trail linking East Wellington and Westwood Roads.

On June 23, 2014, a staff report will be brought forward to Council requesting a resolution supporting the project be forwarded to the ALC. Council will also be asked for direction to publish a Notice of Disposition in the local newspaper. Once the Notice has run, Council will be in a position at the July 14, 2014 Council meeting to provide final approval of the agreements.

Link to Strategic Plan: Environmental Responsibility: Focus park land and green space acquisition on natural areas, consistent with the Parks Master Plan (i.e. recent purchases at Neck Point, Joan Point, East Wellington Park).

Key Points

  • The land exchange agreement will create a 44.5 acre park between East Wellington Road and Westwood Road.
  • The land will support a wide variety of uses and include a one kilometre pedestrian trail running the length of the property.
  • Upon successful completion of the land exchange, Parks Recreation and Environment staff will work with the community to conduct a parks planning process for the lands.
  • The land exchange agreements are contingent upon approval from the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC). If ALC approval is granted, the lands will transfer to the City by the end of 2014.

Quotes

John Ruttan

"This land exchange agreement will preserve a significant area of the Millstone River Valley. In the past 6 years, Council has focused on acquiring key areas such as Linley Valley, Buttertubs Marsh and the Millstone River Valley for future generations."

John Ruttan
Mayor
City of Nanaimo
Diana Johnstone

"I'm thrilled to see the Millstone River greenway materialize. This land exchange agreement is the final piece of the project. We have preserved the entire Millstone River valley from the City limits on East Wellington Road to Maffeo Sutton Park."

Diana Johnstone
Chair, PRE Commission
City of Nanaimo

Quick Facts

  • The City purchased 155 Westwood Road (6.8 acres) in December 2013 for $340,000.
  • The City acquired 2191 East Wellington Road (31.5 acres) in February 2011. The lands were purchased for $800,000. The City contributed $200,000. A neighbouring development paid the remainder.
  • Through the land exchange agreements, the City is responsible for subdivision costs (survey and application fees) which are estimated to be $20,000.

Images

Millstone Greenway - Final Plan
Millstone Greenway - Final Plan
Map showing the proposed greenway upon completion of the land exchange agreement
Land Exchange Agreement
Land Exchange Agreement
Map showing the 3 properties involved in the land exchange agreement
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Contact:

Bill Corsan
Manager, Real Estate
City of Nanaimo
250.755.4426
Richard Harding
Director, Parks Recreation & Environment
City of Nanaimo
250.755.7516

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