Thursday, February 26, 2026
The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) has announced additional funding has been secured to acquire 360 hectares (ha) of land known as Hamilton Marsh on Vancouver Island in British Columbia.
The RDN is partnering with B.C.’s ministry of water, land and resource stewardship, the federal government, the Nature Trust of BC (NTBC) and the Sitka Foundation.
In January 2026, Mosaic Forest Management agreed to revise the purchase terms to $28 million in their efforts to help the RDN preserve the site, an RDN release said. To fund the purchase, the RDN Board approved long-term borrowing of $21.2 million and has committed over $4 million of capital reserve funds.
Almost $550,000 has also been raised by the Nanaimo & Area Land Trust (NALT), Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region, Hamilton Wetlands and Forests Preservation Society and Ducks Unlimited Canada – Oceanside Chapter.
“We are deeply grateful to our funding partners, community organizations and residents whose collective support has made the protection of Hamilton Marsh possible. This achievement is an outstanding example of what can be accomplished when government, not-for-profit organizations and the community unite for a shared vision. Together, we are protecting a vital natural legacy for current and future generations.” Regional District of Nanaimo chair Stuart McLean said.
B.C. in partnership with Environment and Climate Change Canada and Parks Canada has made a funding commitment of $1,250,000 and the NTBC has committed to $841,832 in North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) funding. The Sitka Foundation has pledged $100,00 through the NTBC.
“Hamilton Marsh is one of the largest remaining freshwater marshes on Vancouver Island and a vital stopover along the Pacific Flyway. It supports thousands of migratory birds and an impressive diversity of species, including up to 30 kinds of dragonflies. Together with Sitka Foundation and our partners through NAWCA, we are proud to help the RDN secure this remarkable ecosystem for the future,” Nature Trust of B.C. CEO Dr. Jasper Lament added.
The sale is anticipated to be completed by March 31, 2026, and will make Hamilton Marsh the RDN’s thirteenth regional park and conservation area and add to the over 2,814 ha of land already held within the other 12 regional and 216 community parks in the RDN, the release said.
