The District of Saanich will be receiving more than 41 hectares of land for the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific (HCP) through the B.C. government's Sponsored Crown Grant program, announced Ida Chong, MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head today on behalf of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Bill Bennett.

HCP was incorporated in 1979 to develop a centre for horticultural education that encourages gardening, plant diversity and sustainable practices. The centre's operations include the Glendale Gardens and Woodlands and the Pacific Horticulture College.

Prior to the land transfer, the B.C. government leased the property to HCP. As the new landowners, the District of Saanich plans to extend the lease to a 60-year term to help support the success of the centre's work long term.

Quotes:

Ida Chong, MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head -

"The Horticulture Centre of the Pacific is highly esteemed for its outstanding gardens and leadership in horticultural education. This land transfer to the District of Saanich by the government of B.C. supports the centre's ongoing work as an educator and champion for gardeners and sustainable horticultural practices on Vancouver Island."

Frank Leonard, mayor of

"It is with great gratitude that we receive this Crown land. The District of Saanich and its citizens place a high value on the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific and its goals. We are, and continue to be, committed to supporting the work of the centre so that this community treasure can be enjoyed by residents and visitors for years to come."

Simon Wade, president of Horticulture Centre of the Pacific -

"The Horticulture Centre of the Pacific is very pleased with this transfer of the land from the B.C. government to the District of Saanich. The District of Saanich has been actively engaged in the activities of the centre, and the transfer of the land supports the district's ongoing interest in the work of the centre and its future."

Quick Facts:

• The Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development has yearly allocations to sponsor Crown grants or nominal rent tenures for local governments and community organizations.

• The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations manages the land transfer process once a sponsoring ministry agrees to sponsor a grant of Crown land.

• The value of the land for this project has been assessed at $2,961,000.

Learn More:

For more information on sponsored Crown grants and nominal rent tenures and links to other sites with information, visit: http://www.cscd.gov.bc.ca/lgd/gov_structure/sponsored_crown_grants/

Media Contact:

Matt Gordon
Communications Director
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 896-4923 (cell)