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Ladysmith makes most significant parkland acquisition in decades

The Town of Ladysmith has acquired 5.68 hectares on Arbutus Hump from District Development Group, marking what Jake Belobaba of Development Services called the 'most significant park acquisition for the town in decades.'
Under the agreement, the Town allowed District Development Group to transfer density to other land holdings in Southwestern Holland Creek, eliminating the need for two crossings over Holland Creek.
A significant portion of the property lies within the provincially red-listed Douglas Fir Arbutus Ecosystem; the site will eventually host a recreational trail network connecting to Holland Creek and Stocking and Heart Lake networks.
Invasive plant removal begins immediately, with Ladysmith Broom Busters authorized for the 2026 season. Mayor Deena Beeston said, 'We are proud to secure this land as parkland.'
The Town is also exploring the use of goats to assist in invasive plant removal, while holding covenants to potentially purchase remaining red-listed ecosystem portions on Arbutus Hump currently owned by other developers.

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