September 18, 2025 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Vancouver, BC – Boaters, kayakers and other donors have less than two weeks to raise funds to purchase 100 acres of waterfront in Desolation Sound so it can added to one of BC’s most iconic parks.
“This is one of those places people assume must already be protected,” says Andy Day, CEO of BC Parks Foundation. “But it’s not. Desolation Sound is loved by British Columbians and attracts people from all over the world, so it’s important that we take this chance to add this private land to it.”
Approximately $1.1m is left to raise, thanks to a matching commitment from the Wilson 5 Foundation. Jim Phillips leads Marine Parks Forever, a group of boaters who have a sizeable contribution and are enthusiastic about the purchase.
"Desolation Sound is a mecca, and gets packed in the summer” says Phillips, who points that marine parks are loved by British Columbians and contribute to BC’s economy. “It’s just such a world-class place, reflecting BC’s natural beauty. We need to jump on these chances, just like the people before us who have created the parks we all now enjoy.”
The property includes nearly a kilometre of shoreline and borders both Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park and the East Redonda Island Ecological Reserve. Protecting it will strengthen an existing network of conservation lands, safeguard old-growth nesting habitat for the threatened marbled murrelet, and preserve eelgrass meadows that shelter young fish and store blue carbon, which helps fight climate change.
Prideaux Haven, in the Traditional Territory of the Tla'amin and Klahoose is a sanctuary for paddlers and boaters alike,” says Karina Younk of BC Marine Trails. “Its protection ensures future generations can experience the wonder of these waters, while safeguarding vital ecosystems. It’s a win-win.”
The Tla’amin Nation, on whose traditional territories Prideaux Haven lies, supports the campaign. Once purchased, the land will be permanently owned by the BC Parks Foundation and conserved forever. Every dollar goes directly to the land purchase. If the goal is exceeded, additional funds will support long-term stewardship.
“Protecting places like this one in Prideaux Haven goes to the heart of who we are as British Columbians,” says Day. “We come together in these awesome spaces to enjoy time with each other on the water, paddling and boating and witnessing beauty. By acting now, you ensure that this important part of our coastal heritage will be here for people and for nature forever.”
Until September 29, every dollar will be matched and go directly toward the purchase and permanent protection of this property in Prideaux Haven. Find out more here.
Photos of the property can be found here.