Editor’s note: many Currents readers, including myself, have enjoyed spending time in Prideaux Haven and so may be interested in this news item shared by BC Parks Foundation.
News Release: September 18, 2025
Vancouver, BC – Boaters, kayakers and other donors have [until September 29] to raise funds to purchase 100 acres of waterfront in Desolation Sound so it can be added to one of BC’s most iconic parks.
“This is one of those places people assume must already be protected,” says Andy Day, CEO of BC Parks Foundation. “But it’s not. Desolation Sound is loved by British Columbians and attracts people from all over the world, so it’s important that we take this chance to add this private land to it.”
Approximately $1.1million is left to raise, thanks to a matching commitment from the Wilson 5 Foundation. Jim Phillips leads BC Marine Parks Forever Society, a group of boaters who have a sizeable contribution and are enthusiastic about the purchase.
“Desolation Sound is a mecca, and gets packed in the summer,” says Phillips, who points out that marine parks are loved by British Columbians and contribute to BC’s economy. “It’s just such a world-class place, reflecting BC’s natural beauty. We need to jump on these chances, just like the people before us who have created the parks we all now enjoy.”
The property includes nearly a kilometre of shoreline and borders both Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park and the East Redonda Island Ecological Reserve. Protecting it will strengthen an existing network of conservation lands, safeguard old-growth nesting habitat for the threatened marbled murrelet, and preserve eelgrass meadows that shelter young fish and store blue carbon, which helps fight climate change.
“Prideaux Haven, in the Traditional Territory of the Tla’amin and Klahoose, is a sanctuary for paddlers and boaters alike,” says Karina Younk, Chair of BC Marine Trails. “Its protection ensures future generations can experience the wonder of these waters, while safeguarding vital ecosystems. It’s a win-win.”
The Tla’amin Nation, on whose traditional territories Prideaux Haven lies, supports the campaign. Once purchased, the land will be permanently owned by BC Parks Foundation and conserved forever. Every dollar goes directly to the land purchase. If the goal is exceeded, additional funds will support long-term stewardship.
“Protecting places like this one in Prideaux Haven goes to the heart of who we are as British Columbians,” says Day. “We come together in these awesome spaces to enjoy time with each other on the water, paddling and boating and witnessing beauty. By acting now, you ensure that this important part of our coastal heritage will be here for people and for nature forever.”
Until September 29, every dollar will be matched and go directly toward the purchase and permanent protection of this property in Prideaux Haven. Learn more and donate today [1] to safeguard this beautiful place.
Download photos of the property here [2].
About BC Parks Foundation [3]
BC Parks Foundation proudly acts as the official charitable partner for British Columbia’s world class system of parks and conservation areas. We inspire and empower you to enjoy and conserve areas in BC, so that they flourish for now, for all, forever.
About Wilson 5 Foundation [4]
The Wilson 5 Foundation is a private philanthropic foundation established in 2012 by Chip and Summer Wilson. The foundation partners with world class organizations and invests time, knowledge, and resources to create what otherwise might not occur. The Wilson 5 Foundation is focused on funding land conservancy, park creation and sharing public art in British Columbia.
Media contact for BC Parks Foundation
Chelsea Rooney, email [5]
(236) 477-2554 x 130
Update: September 24
Longtime British Columbian Brian Piwek, former President of Save-On-Foods, has just made a $50,000 gift to help protect 100 acres of shoreline in Desolation Sound, and he’s challenging others to join him before the September 29 deadline. You can read more here [6].