Mary Hill Battery Lands
This area is not continuous with the other lots and is found further south in Metchosin

  • 178 ha
  • Past and Current Usage:
    • The land was used by the DND as part of the coast defence system that was constructed during WWII. Then used after the war for infantry training until the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) battalion was removed from Victoria.
    • Today it is the location of a large water reservoir and pipeline that serves the Canadian Forces Armament Depot on the other side of Pedder Bay.
  • Ecological Features:
    • This area exists in a rain shadow due to its close proximity to the Olympic Mountains. This creates a highly beneficial microclimate for residential settlement.
    • The lot contains:
      • 70 ha of coastal Douglas fir, of which only one per cent (800 ha) remains on Vancouver Island
      • riparian areas and boggy wetlands, Garry oak and arbutus woodlands, open hilltop "mossy balds" and coastal bluffs;
      • 1200m of coastline on Pedder Bay (sheltered);
      • 1200m of coastline on Parry Bay (more exposed);
      • And several rare and endangered species along with a bat colony.
  • Archaeological Features:
    • No evidence of settlement was found, though there are signs of camas cultivation, and culturally modified trees. Approximately 24 burial mounds are located here.
  • Threats:
    • Unfortunately, this area is ideal for up-scale real estate development.
    • Though previously declared surplus, this area is currently down-phased, and it the military may keep it in active use for the following reasons:
      • Reserve army or militia training.
      • The water reservoir-pipe that goes under the Bay to Rocky Point, where the military stores its weapons.
      • And in case of an accident the land may act as a barrier between people and ammunition storage.
    • The major concern for the area is the coastal regions where development would be more profitable.
    • Section 31 may be declared surplus. This site contains the majority of old growth forest on the site, and is land-locked.
    • There is also unexploded ordinance on the site, and it is fenced off to prevent public access.
  • Preferred Protection Strategy: o The Wilderness Committee would like to see Mary Hill designated as a National Wildlife Area.
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