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Saanich sanctuary secures donation

Co-op Community Spaces program provides $75,225 for new boardwalk at Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary
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Penny Sopel

A $75,225 donation from the Co-op Community Spaces program will help the Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary build bridges to nature with a new boardwalk.

“The Floating Boardwalk Campaign of $800,000 is needed to ensure a safer, environmentally friendly solution that will provide a better guest experience for the over 65,000 visitors to the sanctuary and over 10,000 students that participate in the programs,” said Kathleen Burton, executive director with Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary.

“The first phase of boardwalk replacement was completed in 2015, and was facing possible closure until the funding of $350,000 was secured. And now we see the real possibility of completing the second phase with the help of the Co-op’s funding.”

The Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary is home to many native plants and animals and features more than 1,000 feet of floating boardwalks, which are used as outdoor classrooms.

Co-op’s donation will help replace the existing structure with a new aluminum boardwalk, which will be safer and guarantee longevity.

“All of us at Peninsula Co-op are excited to see the floating boardwalk revitalization come to fruition for Swan Lake, where we know it will be enjoyed for years to come,” said Penny Sopel, marketing and community relations manager for Peninsula Co-op. “We believe everyone benefits when we support organizations and improve our surroundings. This is the heart of the Co-op Community Spaces initiative in more than three dozen communities across Western Canada.”

Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary is one of 21 community organizations to receive $1.5 million in funding from Co-op Community Spaces in 2016. Community Spaces has been developed to help protect, beautify and improve spaces across Western Canada.