A massive new 781 hectares park in the District of West Vancouver will support stewardship and responsible use in the area.

The land donated by West Vancouver makes the park almost twice the size of Stanley Park. It is a key puzzle piece in a larger system of protected areas, including Cypress Provincial Park, Capilano and Seymour Watersheds and other parks within the District of West Vancouver. It also protects lands around the Old Growth Conservancy, home to an important stand of old growth trees in West Vancouver. Combined, these areas cover more than 32,000 hectares – one of the largest protected areas in the world so close to a major urban centre.

“This area will help preserve sensitive ecosystems and wildlife and store carbon to fight climate change. It will also ensure that old growth trees will continue to stand in our stunning municipality, which we know is very important to our residents and people across the globe. We also recognize that this new park dedication will maintain the beautiful view of the mountains, which is something that everyone in the metro region can enjoy,” said Mayor Mark Sager.

BC Parks Foundation has set up a Cypress Hollyburn Legacy Fund for the park maintenance with a $3 million matching gift from the Wilson 5 Foundation for the park. The Wilson 5 Foundation will match every dollar contributed to the fund, up to $3 million.

“We are thrilled to be able to help protect this iconic Vancouver landscape and all of its wonderful values,” said Andy Day, CEO of the BC Parks Foundation. “It’s the right thing to do at this moment in history– people coming together to do something tangible, positive, and lasting for the planet and people’s health.”