Regional District of Nanaimo Secures Funding to Buy Hamilton Marsh
The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) has moved a major step closer to owning the Hamilton Marsh, a 360-hectare wetland and forest parcel north of Nanaimo near the Town of Qualicum Beach. After signing a conditional purchase agreement in September 2025, the RDN recently confirmed that it has secured the needed funding partnerships to complete the acquisition — anticipated to close by March 31, 2026.
Rare Ecosystem Poised for Protection
Hamilton Marsh lies along Highway 4 and forms part of the French Creek watershed, a crucial ecological system that supports dozens of bird species and other wildlife. The property consists of mature forest and significant wetland habitats that are rare in British Columbia’s Coastal Douglas-fir moist maritime zone — a biodiversity hotspot under pressure from development and climate change.
The marsh and surrounding forestland are so ecologically valuable that experts say the forest may qualify as old-growth within about 150 years if left undisturbed. In protecting this land, the RDN would not only safeguard local ecosystems but also contribute to broader conservation goals within the province.
Funding Partnerships Make the Deal Possible
The purchase hinges on collaborative funding from a mix of government and non-profit partners. The RDN secured at least $7.5 million in external contributions, including support from the Province of B.C.’s Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, the Government of Canada, The Nature Trust of B.C., and the Sitka Foundation — with those partners contributing about $1.25 million toward the cost.
To complete the acquisition, the RDN board approved long-term borrowing of roughly $21.2 million, and the property price was recently lowered by about $2 million after negotiations with the seller.
A Rare Win for Conservation Advocates
Local conservation groups have been advocating to protect Hamilton Marsh for years, with some efforts stretching back two decades. Advocates say the land’s ecological features — from its wetlands and waterfowl habitat to its mature forest — make it a priority for preservation and public benefit.
Once finalized, the acquisition will add Hamilton Marsh to the RDN’s regional parks and conservation lands, making it one of the largest protected natural areas in the district and a complement to existing parks like the Mount Benson Regional Park.
What Happens Next
Officials say the final closing documents need to be signed and conditions met, but if all goes according to plan by the end of March, Hamilton Marsh will officially become the RDN’s 13th regional park. The site’s protection is seen as a significant achievement for regional conservation and community planning efforts on Vancouver Island.
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