Quadra Island parks

Paddlers and boaters exploring the Octopus Islands Provincial Park off the northern tip of Quadra Island are drawn to the sheltered Waiatt Bay. A short portage over flat terrain leads to Small Inlet Provincial Park on Quadra's north-western side, complete with moorage and wilderness camping. While waiting for slack water to launch into the tidal rapids of Discovery Passage, paddlers can enjoy a hike through hemlock forest to a delightful small lake perfect for an afternoon swim.

Unfortunately, the land between the two parks - including the portage and the viewshed - is not protected, despite a commitment made in 1996 by the B.C. government to acquire it for the parks. The land is so essential to the parks that the trail and portage route on the private land are even featured on a B.C. Parks website that promotes the parks!

The lands have been at the top of B.C. Park's acquisition list since 1996. Waiatt Bay, Kanish Bay and the portage to Small Inlet are all part of one of the best preserved Clam Gardens complexes south of the Broughtons - a well-known archeological site for First Nations aquaculture.

Sierra Quadra has been asking the government for years to honour its commitment to acquire the land. The Washington-based forestry company that owns the land is willing to sell right now and has been negotiating with the provincial government.

After years of negotiations and delays, the situation is at a critical stage. The company is selling off a number of its holdings in B.C. If the government does not move swiftly, these lands - right in the heart of the two parks - may soon be sold for logging or development and forever lost to the park.

Sierra Club BC is calling on the government to honour its commitment to complete the Small Inlet and Octopus Islands Parks and acquire this land. Completion of the parks will enhance tourism and other economic benefits for Quadra Island and neighbouring communities such as Campbell River, and ensure valuable recreation opportunities for B.C. families in one of the most spectacular areas of our province.