The former Royal Oak Golf Course could potentially go through ecological restoration after being purchased by the Capital Regional District (CRD) for $8.5 million.

According to the CRD, the parcel is 10.92-hectares (27 acres) of land adjacent to Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park in the District of Saanich.

Photo credit: Left- 123rf/stock photo of Barn Owl. Right-CRD map of land parcel

“Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park is one of the most beloved and popular parks in the region and provides a much-needed near-urban natural recreation space for CRD residents and visitors alike,” said Colin Plant, CRD Board Chair. 

“Acquiring a parcel of this size adjacent to such a popular park is extremely welcome news and creates new opportunities to protect valuable green space and explore future potential uses for the land.”

The new parcel is adjacent to the southeast boundary of Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park and includes existing connector trails between Saanich Commonwealth Place and Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park. 

“The land shows ecological restoration potential and is also located within a critical habitat zone for the barn owl (Tyto alba),” said the CRD. “Through ecological restoration, the landscape could potentially support a wider diversity of species.”

The district is also having discussions with local First Nations on the future of this property.

“In the spirit and practice of reconciliation, the CRD will continue to collaborate with local First Nations to determine appropriate actions in regional parks and trails that respect Indigenous rights, uplift Indigenous governance and strengthen government-to-government relationships.”

“Now that the land has been purchased, a park values inventory (cultural, environmental, recreation) will be undertaken, and an Interim Management Guideline will be prepared to guide decisions until the development of a long-term management plan is undertaken which will include a full public engagement on future land uses and relationship with Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park.”