Nanaimo Search and Rescue is taking advantage of the 744-hectare site before development of the Lantzville Foothills Estates.
According to Richard Römer, search and rescue volunteer, the lay of the Lantzville land is “great backcountry area,” and it’s a chance for volunteers to further enhance their abilities on that type of terrain.
Römer said because of his friendship with Mark Holland, Foothills Estates director of development, search and rescue was able to gain access to the land.
Holland said work is being done to put the agreement to paper.
Outdoor recreationalists, such as hikers, cyclists, horseback riders and ATVers, frequent the area, said Römer, and Rob Christopher, Nanaimo Search and Rescue Society president, said it’s an area the group could potentially have a call-out.
Training has consisted of survival training, shelter building and fire building, said Christopher.
“It’s unlikely we would get somebody lost up there, just because it’s not difficult terrain, but we could definitely get an injured (person),” Christopher said. “B.C. Ambulance may not be able to get off the road, so we may be called to help extricate an injured mountain biker or hiker.”
Holland said his father worked with a search and rescue group in the Okanagan and is happy to support the volunteer search and rescue group.
The development includes a community park and Holland foresees search and rescue being able to continue training.