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Unsafe buildings removed at Moorecroft park

NANAIMO - A number of unsafe buildings are being removed from Moorecroft Regional park between now and April.

Certain areas of Moorecroft Regional Park will be closed to the public over the next two months while several unsafe buildings are removed from the property.

According to a news release from the Regional District of Nanaimo, the park will remain open during the work, which will be ongoing, but specific areas of the park, such as the main trail from the parking lot to the boat house, will be closed. Visitors will be directed to use other trails during this time.

The RDN acquired Moorecroft Park in March 2011 for $4.8 million, from the B.C. Conference of the United Church of Canada. Because of its high conservation value, it is under a conservation covenant with the Nature Conservancy of Canada.

A 2011 risk management survey report showed most of the buildings on the site are in poor condition and do not meet public safety requirements, and that the cost to bring them up to standards would be cost-prohibitive. However, Kennedy Hall will remain on site.

Administration of the park is guided by the Moorecroft Regional Park Management plan which was adopted by the RDN in January.

“The RDN Board of Directors is committed to making Moorecroft as safe as possible for the public,” said George Holme, director, Area E, in a news release. “We understand that it may be difficult for long-time visitors to Moorecroft to see these familiar buildings removed. At the same time, we must do our due diligence and remove unsafe structures.”

The work is expected to be complete by the end of April.

The final Moorecroft Regional Park Plan is available on the regional district website. Please visit www.rdn.bc.ca and click on Services/Parks/Regional Parks. For more information, please contact Margaret Paradien, parks planner, at 1-888-828-2069.