Project Summary: Invasive Species Removal Program - Portage Park

Project Summary

Priority: Strategic
Financial Plan: 2025 – 2029
Public Engagement: Inform
Project Name: Invasive Species Removal Program - Portage Park
Project Number: 1-2-072130-310/07250-310
CC300-03

Submitted by: Ivan Leung
Director: Ivan Leung, Parks

Executive Summary

As a condition of rezoning, the developer of 167, 169 and 171 Island Highway (the “Grand and Fir”) was required to contribute $50,000 for the removal of invasive plant species and planting of trees at Portage Park, under the direction of the Director of Engineering. This project leverages this funding to create a 5 year invasive species and tree planting program within Portage Park.

Business problem and opportunity

Portage Park is one of the flagship community parks within the Town of View Royal, providing both public space for all ages and protecting natural greenspaces for habitat. It was identified in the Parks Master Plan as the most frequently visited park via respondents. Public engagement throughout the master planning process identified concerns about species danger within Portage Park.

The Town’s invasive species volunteer coordinator has observed significant invasive species throughout this park. Adding more invasive species removal events, followed by the immediate planting of native species will help speed up the success in the Town’s environmental stewardship in protecting native habitat in this community park.

Proposed project objectives

Work with the Town’s invasive species volunteer coordinator, in partnership with other community engagement coordinators (i.e. Greater Victoria Green Teams) to enact a 5 year invasive species and tree planting program within Portage Park.

Business risks

The $50,000 budget includes fee for service costs for the Town’s invasive species removal volunteer coordinator, community event costs, and tipping fee costs for disposal.

Proposed sources of funding

Developer Contribution ($10,000 per year for 5 years, 2025-2029), 1-1-00390-199, DCC Parks – 1-1-00500-184

Costs and benefits

Costs	FY1	FY2	FY3	FY4	FY5	5-year Total
Capital	0	0	0	0	0	0
Operational	10,000	10,000	10,000	10,000	10,000	50,000
Total	10,000	10,000	10,000	10,000	10,000	50,000

Benefits
Tangible	Improved preservation in the natural habitat of Portage Park
Intangible	Follows the Town's Strategic Plan in Environmental Stewardship

Recommendation

THAT the Committee recommend the 2025-2029 Financial Plan include Invasive Species Removal Program - Portage Park in 20__ to be funded by Park Improvement DCC’s.