Project Summary N-123: Invasive Species Removal Program - Portage Park
Five-year program leveraging developer contributions to restore native habitat in Portage Park.
Project Summary: Invasive Species Removal Program - Portage Park
Priority: Strategic
Public Engagement: Inform
Financial Plan: 2026-2030
Project Number: 1-2-07230-310 CC723-01
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 | 0 | 40,000 |
| Total | 10,000 | 10,000 | 10,000 | 10,000 | 0 | 40,000 |
| 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 2026-2030 Financial Plan include Invasive Species Removal Program - Portage Park in all years to be funded by Developer Contributions and Park Improvement DCC’s.