A unique flower species within the pea family, known to exist at only six sites in Canada, has drawn attention to the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN). With one of these sites, located on Gabriola Island, facing potential development threats, the significance of preserving its habitat has escalated.
During the board meeting held on March 26, directors of the RDN unanimously endorsed motions urging both the British Columbia and federal governments to collaborate with the regional district, the City of Nanaimo, Snuneymuxw First Nation, and the Nanaimo and Area Land Trust (NALT) to safeguard an area referred to as Harewood Plains. This region hosts a rare ecosystem featuring Garry oak meadows with ephemeral vernal pools. Additionally, it is home to federally listed species at risk, notably including a substantial portion of the known populations of Hosackia pinnata, commonly known as bog bird’s-foot trefoil. This low-growing herb, adorned with yellow and white flowers, thrives in open wet meadows, along creeks, and in wet ditches and seepages.
Of particular concern is the portion of Harewood Plains within the City of Nanaimo, currently under consideration for a housing subdivision development permit. Meanwhile, the area falling within Electoral Area C of the RDN is under the ownership of Mosaic Forestry Company.
A report dating back to 2004 from the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) underscores the significance of the Gabriola site. It appears to be the sole location where a notable increase in the population of Hosackia pinnata has been observed, rising from a solitary specimen in 1996 to an estimated 65 to 70 individuals by 2003. However, this site, situated near Peterson and Perry Road on the south island, remains privately owned and zoned for large rural residential use.
Erica Wheeler, the species at risk coordinator for Islands Trust Conservancy, clarified that while the conservancy is not directly involved in activities related to the species on Gabriola due to jurisdictional constraints, it unequivocally supports habitat preservation efforts.
Following a comprehensive presentation by NALT’s executive director, Paul Chapman, RDN directors expressed their unanimous support for the protection of Harewood Plains. Lehann Wallace, Electoral Area G Director, emphasized the importance of seeking external funding partners for land acquisition, citing limited resources within the RDN, primarily allocated towards essential infrastructure projects such as upgrades to Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.
Jessica Stanley, Electoral Area A Director, underscored the opportunity presented by Harewood Plains to rethink land development strategies and prioritize the preservation of ecologically sensitive areas. “Although we’re in a time of financial constraint,” Stanley noted, “we’re in a unique position relative to the mainland. We have undeveloped areas… We have a choice, which is to do things differently than has been done elsewhere.”