BC Parks Foundation

Important biodiversity and land protected in Smuggler Cove and Jeddah Point

When Bill Henwood retired from Parks Canada, he spent a lot of time in his kayak near his home in Halfmoon Bay.  One of his favourite spots was Jeddah Point - an untouched, pristine outcropping of land home to seals, cormorants and blue herons.  

“This is a chunk of coastline that looked as if it had never been logged or touched in any way,” says Bill. “I assumed it was part of Smuggler Cove Marine Provincial Park, but I wanted to check to make sure.”  

His decision to check changed everything.    

“I did some research and learned it was privately owned. Alarm bells went off, because if the owners ever wanted to sell or develop it, we could lose a jewel.”  

Bill started investigating – kicking off a journey that took four years.  

“I did a title search and found who owned it.  I wrote letters.  I did a business registry search.  One, two, three years went by. Finally, we spoke with the legal executor of the property, a wonderful man, who was getting ready to list the property for sale.  Thankfully, the owner, who had kept it in pristine condition, was dedicated to its continued preservation for future generations.  That’s when I called BC Parks Foundation.”  

The Foundation was already aware of the property through several of its neighbours, who knew its ecological value and wanted to see it protected.  With the owner now ready, the Foundation worked its magic and, through generous donors including the Wilson 5 Foundation and Environment Canada, Jeddah Point is protected now, forever.  

“This is probably the most untouched, pristine pieces of land on the lower Sunshine Coast,” says Andy Day, CEO of BC Parks Foundation. “It was critical we save it forever, and by working together we did it.”  

But the Foundation, with Bill’s help, didn’t stop there.  Like many British Columbians, Bill supports efforts to conserve 30% of BC by 2030, so he thought about what he could do to protect 30% of the Sunshine Coast by 2030.  

 “The fact I am retired doesn’t seem terribly relevant to me,” laughs Bill. “There are so many areas worth saving.” 

Alda Grames, the owner of 32 acres, northeast of Smuggler Cove, contacted Bill after learning of his conservation efforts. With more than 2,000 feet of waterfront, her large, beautiful property includes the majority of Secret Cove’s undeveloped northern shoreline, consisting of important biodiverse Douglas-fir forest with scattered magnificent old growth.

Coastal Douglas-fir is one of the most endangered forest ecosystems in BC. It has the highest diversity of plant species in BC, and yet also has the highest density of species and ecosystems at risk. The area to the north of the property, within the Sechelt Provincial Forest, is recognized as a retention area for Marbled Murrelet Suitable Habitat. Species at risk found in the vicinity include Northern Red-legged Frog, Great Blue Heron, Common Nighthawk, and Roosevelt Elk.

A lifelong environmental advocate, Alda Grames found BC Parks Foundation to be the best conservation organisation to protect the land in perpetuity, and their commitment to preserving natural heritage is unmatched.

Working with Alda, BC Parks Foundation acquired the property, which included a generous donation by Alda Grames herself to make it possible. For 50 years Alda always considered herself a “steward of the property” and believes that “protecting the environment is essential for our future. I hope the donation inspires others to do their part.”


“This remarkable story is all about teamwork - landowners, neighbours, volunteers, donors, governments - passionate people who love the BC coast and want to keep it beautiful,” says Day. “Everybody stepped up in a huge way. This is a great example of the difference people can make individually and together.”   

 For Alda, Bill, and all the private landowners and tireless advocates working hard to protect the Sunshine Coast, this is just the beginning. The Foundation is inviting landowners and donors interested in conservation to get in touch.  Anyone interested in contributing can contact the Foundation directly here.