Rae-Leigh Place

A 6 hectare parcel of land containing old-growth directly adjacent to ȽÁU,WELNEW / John Dean Park has been permanently protected by BC Parks Foundation. This safeguards one of the last remaining areas of old-growth Douglas fir and Garry oak on the Saanich Peninsula and continues a remarkable tradition of British Columbians donating land for conservation.

“This forest is being protected because of a community of passionate individuals, businesses, and larger donors like the Wilson 5 Foundation and Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Nature Smart Climate Solution Fund, continuing a legacy of British Columbians working together to keep BC beautiful,” says Andy Day, CEO of the BC Parks Foundation.

Located on Mount Newton - known to the W̱SÁNEĆ First Nations as ȽÁU,WELNEW, meaning “place of refuge” - the park holds deep cultural and ecological significance. During a great flood, the W̱SÁNEĆ ancestors survived by anchoring canoes to Arbutus trees with cedar rope. As the waters receded, ȽÁU,WELNEW emerged as the first accessible land, giving rise to the W̱SÁNEĆ name, meaning “emerging people.”

In 1895, John Dean, a passionate naturalist, former mayor of Rossland, and dedicated civic activist, purchased 40 hectares in the area. Inspired by the beauty of the forest, he wanted to ensure it stayed conserved as a sanctuary for wildlife and people. He donated 32 hectares to the Province in 1921 to be used as parkland, leaving a legacy for all to enjoy. John Dean Park, established in 1921, is the first provincial park in Canada donated by an individual.

Dean then convinced his neighbours to follow suit. Over the following decades, an additional ~142 hectares of land was donated by various families to form what is now the park. This latest purchase carries on the tradition of a park created entirely by donors who wanted to create a lasting legacy.

“Today’s announcement shows how individuals can make a lasting difference to people and other species, and it highlights the importance of conservation,” says Day. “Protecting areas is the most effective way to mitigate climate impacts, protect biodiversity, honour First Nations culture, and improve our health and well-being.”

“Old-growth forests are an irreplaceable gift—purifying the air, inspiring movement, and grounding us in the beauty of nature,” say Summer and Chip Wilson. “Protecting this rare ecosystem means creating a legacy where everyone can stay active, explore freely, and experience the beauty and renewal that only old-growth forests can provide, for generations to come.”

“Through collaboration with partners like the BC Parks Foundation and the support of generous donors, we are working to safeguard one of the last remaining stands of old-growth Douglas fir and Garry oak on the Saanich Peninsula,“ says Minister of Environment and Climate Change Steven Guilbeault. “The Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund is playing a key role in helping combat climate change and biodiversity loss while pushing forward to conserve 30 percent of lands and waters in Canada by 2030.”

“Today’s announcement marks a dream realized,” says Maureen Dale, President of Friends of John Dean Park Society. “John Dean’s vision of a protected sanctuary on Mount Newton is flourishing. We’re thrilled to witness further protections next to our beloved park and look forward to continuing our work with BC Parks and BC Parks Foundation to care for this precious land.”

The Foundation will work with the W̱SÁNEĆ First Nations, BC Parks and Friends of John Dean Park Society to discuss future management of the newly protected area. In the meantime, it will remain closed to protect its sensitive values.

BC Parks Foundation encourages others to follow in the footsteps of John Dean and the many generous donors who have contributed to the conservation of BC's natural beauty. By donating land or contributing to conservation projects like this one, individuals across BC have the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy. By protecting it now, people and other species can enjoy it forever.

Media photos available here.

We are grateful to the District of Central Saanich for granting us tax exemption on this property. This allows our dollars to stretch further to help conserve and manage more ecologically sensitive land in BC.