Royal Roads University (Also called Hatley Park-or Lot 1)

  • 228.84 ha
  • Status:
    • Royal Roads University (RRU) has a 50 year lease on 59.5 ha core of property (this includes the buildings, and the gardens) with the DND.
    • The Commemorative Integrity Statement, a broad, vague statement of intent signed in 2000 with multiple stakeholders, refers to the remaining 169 ha. This statement provides little protection to this valuable habitat as it doesn't give concrete, tangible conservation prescriptions for the property. These lands are managed under a number of leases (of an average of five years in length) that are governed by the Commemorative Integrity Statement. The most effective and permanent protection will come through the designation of this land as an official protected area.
  • Ecological Features:
    • Hatley Park contains approximately 70 ha of old growth coastal Douglas fir, one of the largest remaining tracts in existence.
    • There are 3 major ecological and geographical zones:
      • An older and old growth forest clad plateau (South, East, and West of the main campus area);
      • Two bedrock outcrops in SE corner;
      • And a large riparian seepage zone
      • This region contains estuary conditions at the mouth of Cottonwood creek.
    • Two post ice age kettles, caused by slow melting ice lenses;
    • Suspected remnants of an ancient drowned forest in Esquimalt Lagoon;
    • The shoreline is a National Migratory Bird Sanctuary.
  • Archaeological Features:
    • This site contains major archaeological artefacts such as shell middens and culturally modified trees.
  • Threats:
    • This land is under heavy threat by development and expansion of RRU buildings into the forest, potentially causing permanent habitat loss and increasing development and degradation of this scenic campus.
    • There is a proposed hotel development on the site that would increase the amount of parking, sewage, and other facilities necessary on the campus. This would work to degrade the ecological integrity of the property.
    • Whatever development occurs here would also impact the state of the Esquimalt Lagoon. The lagoon is the destination for water runoff from the site. As this shoreline is essential migratory bird habitat, it is home to blue heron, red-breasted mergansers, feral mute swans and green-winged teals, among other bird species for at least part of the year. It is a top conservation priority, and any development on this property will have consequences for this valuable wildlife habitat.
  • Protection strategy:
    • Any renewed lease should see provisions (i.e. forest should stand as it is), and have an open, clear public input process during the lease negotiation phase.
    • The Wilderness Committee would like to see all lands outside of the core area designated as a National Park Reserve or a National Wildlife Area.
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