Save Juan de Fuca Park

When a Vancouver developer submitted plans to construct a massive resort right next to the Juan de Fuca wilderness trail, Sierra Victoria members were determined to protect the jewel of our wild coast - the renowned Juan de Fuca park.

Bear Beach. Photo: Nori Sinclair

CRD residents sent in literally thousands of letters and emails opposing the resort and calling for protection of the area adjacent to the trail. Sierra Club BC supporters alone sent over 500 letters to Premier Christy Clark. Sierra Victoria formed a coalition with other environmental organisations and citizens' groups, organised a public outing to the trail and  spoke up at countless meetings and public hearings.

Together, hundreds of residents of the Capital Regional District voiced their opposition to the development in a marathon public hearing. Three nights in a row, hundreds of people packed the auditorium at Edward Milne Community School in Sooke. The overwhelming majority - over 200 people - spoke eloquently and passionately in opposition to the proposed development along the Juan de Fuca trail and the process that has allowed the CRD to let the application get this far. Hundreds more sent in written submissions.

Sierra Club BC's Sarah Cox speaks at the September 2011 public hearing on the Juan de Fuca resort proposal. Photo: Robert Lovett

Many of our members came on our Juan de Fuca outing on August 5 and donated amazing photography. Others attended the September public hearing or sent us last-minute submissions to read out or hand in.

This is a story with a happy ending. Together, we saved Juan de Fuca! On September 14, Committee A of the Capital Regional District Board voted unanimously to reject the development proposal.

This is truly a victory for our wild coast, and a vindication of the love and caring so many people feel for our shared home. This issue has brought us all together. Celebrations are in order!

None of this would have been possible without our supporting members. We are proud and honoured to represent and magnify your voices. Over 500 Sierra supporters sent a letter to Premier Christy Clark through our action centre. Hundreds more wrote in to the CRD. Others came on our Juan de Fuca outing on August 5 and donated amazing photography. Many attended the hearing or sent us last-minute submissions to read out or hand in. To all of you, our deepest thanks!