A team of Nanaimo residents determined to protect western portions of Linley Valley say they won't stop until there's 10,000 signatures dropped on the mayor's desk.
Team Linley Valley West held its first public meeting Wednesday at the Kin Hut in Departure Bay.
Joanne Jonas-McRae, spokeswoman for the team, said the response exceeded expectations.
"It was our first public meeting so we weren't to sure what to expect, but the place was packed and we had a very positive discussion," said Jonas-McRae. "A lot of people came out to show their support and provide information."
She said the team has worked diligently to explore funding possibilities to purchase some of the valley's land parcels after Nanaimo council flip-flopped on its own commitment to seek funding.
In late February, council passed a motion 8-1 to explore funding mechanisms to possibly purchase the parcels, which have an assessed value of more than $6 million. Two weeks later, council reconsidered that motion, which subsequently failed with a 7-2 vote.
Jonas-McRae called that move negative and disappointing.
Linley Valley West is 162 hectares of marshland, coastal Douglas fir forest, beaver ponds, wetlands, rock bluffs and wildlife habitat, with much of it enjoyed by hikers, bird watchers, mountain bikers and runners.
It is divided into five privately owned parcels with the majority zoned for residential development.
Council, after its flip-flop, said Linley Valley West is not a priority for parkland preservation and that it has always been slated for development.
It pointed out that Nanaimo already enjoys an abundance of parkland, including Neck Point, Bowen, Beban, and Linley Valley East parks.
"Those are great places, but they're pockets – parks in isolation," said Jonas-McRae. "Linley Valley West, if protected, would provide a continuous corridor for wildlife and the people who use it."
Already, the group has received about 3,000 signatures on its petition which can be found at various retailers throughout the community or on its 'Save Linley Valley West' Facebook page.
Jonas-McRae said a group of volunteers is scheduled to go door-to-door in the community to educate people and acquire more signatures, as well as meet with the valley's landowners. They are also seeking a biologist to help establish the presence of various bird species that inhabit the valley. Deer, cougars and beavers are already known to call the park home.
"We think 10,000 signatures can make a difference," she said. "Linley Valley East, which is now a park, received 12,000 signatures, and we're gaining more support every day, so we're confident."
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