Today, the District marked a historic achievement in environmental protection and community legacy with the official park dedication of 262 acres of the Eagleridge Lands, along with an additional 704 acres of adjoining District-owned land.
This accomplishment comes as the result of over two decades of community-driven planning efforts aimed at balancing sustainable development with conservation. The District’s long-term vision, first initiated in the early 2000s, has focused on planning new neighbourhoods in the Upper Lands while protecting large areas for conservation and recreation.
The vision for achieving this milestone was shaped through the work of the Council-appointed citizen volunteers of the Upper Lands Working Group, an unprecedented level of public consultation, and close collaboration between the District and British Properties (BP). Between 2013 and 2015, the Upper Lands Working Group undertook extensive community engagement and strategic planning, ultimately recommending the protection of two major areas—Eagleridge and Inter Creek—by transferring their development potential to more compact, sustainable neighbourhoods in Cypress Village and Cypress West.
The dedication of the Eagleridge Lands, in combination with existing District-owned parkland, establishes one of the largest urban park networks in the region. With the addition of Eagleridge Lands, combined with the Upper Lands parkland, the Old Growth Conservancy, Whyte Lake Park, and Nelson Canyon Park, the District is protecting over 3,400 acres of contiguous green space. These lands include ecologically sensitive areas that support diverse ecosystems and wildlife habitats and ensures their preservation for future generations.
This achievement is a testament to the power of community vision, responsible planning, and collaborative partnerships. The District extends its gratitude to all those who contributed, including the Upper Lands Working Group, British Properties, First Nations members, and the broader community.
Learn more about the history and planning process for the Upper Lands at westvancouverite.ca/upperlands.