More options are available for youth, seniors and anglers with disabilities following construction of a trail and fishing dock at Durrance Lake, near Victoria.

The new dock construction, made possible under the Province's Urban Lakes Infrastructure Project, also includes aluminum walkways and railings for increased safety. Areas of Durrance Lake, which previously could be accessed only by a small group of anglers, can now be enjoyed by many.

Durrance Lake provides a great fishing environment relatively close to an urban centre. The lake is stocked with 4,000 rainbow trout annually (twice in the spring and twice in the fall) by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC.

The Durrance Lake project was supported through $16,000 in funding from the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, $4,000 from the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC. Both of these agencies receive funding through angling licence sales as part of a long-standing agreement with the Province to improve fishing opportunities. The Capital Regional District's parks department also supplied $17,000 worth of construction costs and materials and the Province provided additional in-kind contributions primarily logistical support.

The Urban Lakes Infrastructure Project is a collaborative program co-ordinated by the Province that works with local government, the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC and local fish and wildlife clubs to increase fishing opportunities around Vancouver Island.

This is the eighth project completed, since the Province initiated the program in September 2010 to help provide increased angler opportunity at various Vancouver Island locations. All the projects were supported by the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation and the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC. Recent projects include:

• Lake Cowichan: A new fishing float at Mayo Lake. Additional partners included the Cowichan Valley Regional District and the Valley Fish and Game Club.

• Chemainus: Repairs to the walkway of the existing fishing float at Chemainus Lake. Additional partners included the Municipality of North Cowichan.

• Nanaimo: Development of lake access via a car-top boat launch for Quennell Lake. Additional partners included the Regional District of Nanaimo.

• Qualicum Beach: Improvements to the launch for boats and other watercraft at Spider Lake. Additional partners included BC Parks, Comox Valley Flyfishers, Mid-island Castaways Fly Fishing Club and the Island Waters Flyfishers.

The total investment by the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation so far has been $75,000, with another $54,000 committed for 2013-14. The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC has contributed $25,000 with another $12,000 committed for 2013-14.

Quotes:

Steve Thomson, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations -

"Everyone should be able to get out and enjoy the great outdoor experiences British Columbia has to offer. This program brings together multiple partners in common cause to create a fishing experience for those who might not otherwise get to participate fully."

Susan Brice, Regional Parks Committee chair, Capital Regional District -

"The co-operation and collaboration between the province, CRD and our partners has led to an excellent park amenity that is accessible to all. As soon as the project was completed, people were out fishing on the dock and they have been very appreciative of our efforts."

Brian Springinotic, CEO, Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation -

"The freshwater anglers of this province make a tremendous contribution to the conservation of fish and fish habitat through their HCTF surcharges. HCTF is proud to reinvest those funds in quality projects such as this one, because increased angler access and participation ultimately means increased funding for conservation."

Don Peterson, president, Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC -

"The new fishing dock on Durrance Lake will make freshwater fishing even more accessible to people in Victoria. Like most of the lakes in the district, we regularly stock Durrance Lake - so people can enjoy great fishing close to home."

Learn More:

For a photo of the new Durrance Lake dock construction visit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bcgovphotos/8620086164/in/photostream

To learn more about Capital Regional District's parks, visit: http://www.crd.bc.ca/parks/

To learn more about the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, visit: www.hctf.ca

For more information on the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC, including the latest stocking reports and tips on how and where to fish, visit: www.gofishbc.com

Contact:

Brennan Clarke
Media Relations
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261