Proposed $40M regional park would bring camping to Bowen Island for first time

Metro Vancouver has unveiled plans to buy $40 million worth of land on Bowen Island to turn into a regional park.

The future park would incorporate both day use and overnight camping, a first for the island municipality in Howe Sound.

The preliminary concept for the park includes day-use picnic areas, trails with impressive views, beach access and a supervised overnight camping area.

Around 50 walk-in or bike-in tent sites, 35 accessible drive-in tent sites, 10 tent cabins and three group sites would be a part of the camping area, while RV and trailer camping would not be permitted.

"Regional parks safeguard natural areas that are home to important ecosystems and contribute to the health and well-being of our residents by connecting them with natural spaces," said Sav Dhaliwal, chair of Metro Vancouver's Board of Directors.

"Expanding the regional parks system is a Board priority and supports climate action and regional growth targets.”

Metro Vancouver has plans for a new regional park at Cape Roger Curtis on Bowen Island. The vision includes:
🌲 Trails, picnic areas, water access
⛺️ Around 90 tent campsites
🚌 Accessible by bike and bus
💚 Protection for the dry coastal bluff landscape
https://t.co/pKsgfVp9jl pic.twitter.com/G6TasNEFv5

— Metro Vancouver (@MetroVancouver) August 10, 2022

A conditional agreement is in place for Metro Vancouver to purchase 24 parcels of land, totalling 97 hectares, on the southwest tip of the island, called Cape Roger Curtis.

The purchase agreement is in effect until spring 2023 and Metro Vancouver is now looking for other funding partners to help acquire and develop the new regional park.

The land is within Skwxwú7mesh úxwumixw/Squamish Nation territory and discussions are underway about opportunities for Metro Vancouver to work together with the First Nation on this project.

"This regional park will make it easier for current and future generations to enjoy nature and help to preserve the coastal ecosystem, which Squamish Nation has stewarded since time immemorial," said Squamish Nation spokesperson and Councillor Sxwíxwtn.

"We look forward to working in partnership with Metro Vancouver and Bowen Island Municipality to see how we can incorporate our language and culture in the park planning process."

Bowen Island Mayor Gary Ander called the new regional park initiative “incredible news” for both the island and the surrounding region.

"Cape Roger Curtis holds some of the most unique ecological characteristics in the region — and this park enhances local efforts by the Bowen Island Conservancy and many islanders to protect the area,” he explained.

“It will provide excellent recreational and educational opportunities for island and regional residents alike for years to come.”

Metro Vancouver has started the park-planning process, which includes applying to Bowen Island Municipality for rezoning of the properties and an amendment to the Official Community Plan.