Mary Lake Nature Sanctuary
Regional Economic ValueIn applying the formulas found in the white paper “Measuring the Economic Value of a City Park System” developed by The Trust for Public Land’s Center for City Park Excellence(2003) to the Mary Lake property it is possible to calculate the real monetary value of the various benefits the sanctuary will bring to the Highlands District and Capital Regional District.
The community economic benefits of the Mary lake Nature Sanctuary are multiple.
- Environmental Services
- Recreational direct use
- Human Health
Environmental Services
Based on estimates from the international Ecosystem Service Value Database (ESVD) that gives monetary valuations for 22 services provided by 10 distinct biomes.
The many services include water purification and management, air quality, etc.
The 3 major ecosystems Inland Wetlands, Rivers & Lakes, and Temperate Forests found on the property provide services with an economic value of $280,000 per year.
Human Health
The link between nature and human health is being built up across many research areas and nations, with an economic value also attributable to that health.
In one study after identifying the common types of medical problems that are inversely related to physical activity, such as heart disease and diabetes, they created the calculator based on studies in seven different states that show a $250 cost difference between those who exercise regularly and those who don’t.
For people over the age of 65, the value is $500 because seniors typically incur two or more times the medical care costs of younger adults. (Parks Health Benefits Calculator- Measuring the Economic Value of a City Park System: Published by the Trust for Public Land)
Based on approx. 1650 residents under 65 years of age and 550 residents 65 yrs or older and using only a 50% use average the cost benefits for health related costs would be $206,205 < 65 yrs and $137,500 > 65 years
Total Economic Value related to Health is $343,705 per year
The total economic value of the above benefits that are provided by creating a nature park that protects important ecosystems is $623705 per year.
Total Economic Value related to Health is $343,705 per year
The total economic value of the above benefits that are provided by creating a nature park that protects important ecosystems is $623705 per year.
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Gathering with W̱SÁNEĆ Elders
In 2019 we had the privilege of sitting with W̱SÁNEĆ elders at the Sanctuary to hear their stories and wisdom to learn and understand more about local First Nations traditions, experiences, and worldview.
The land and waters embody the teachings that are at the core of the indigenous world view, a place where elders can share their wisdom and guide the children of future generations. This project is on the forefront of the movement towards reconciliation with First Nations Peoples offering all of the learnings and wisdom that such a commitment fosters.
"I appreciate being here today, and, I have many thoughts about the land and the water. And for us, we’re here as protectors of the land. And I’m glad to see that there’s other people; hwunitum [settler/white/non-Indigenous] people, with the same kind of thought, about how do we preserve what we have left, and can we save things like the salmon and some of the plants that we require for medicines, and food. Ah, this is a beautiful place, and it seems like we’ve been just dropped, dropped here to the wilderness. And, on my way up, I was admiring the Oceanspray. Actually I was looking at it more as a harvest. I was thinking — those are things that we need for cooking salmon on a stick, and clams on a stick, and those kind of things"
Earl Claxton, Jr. SȾÁUTW̱ (Tsawout) Elder,
W̱MÍYEŦEN Nature Sanctuary
1772 Millstream Rd,
Victoria, BC V9B 6E4
W̱MÍYEŦEN Nature Sanctuary Society
1772 Millstream Rd. Victoria, BC. V9B 6E4
WSÁNEC Coast Salish
W̱MÍYEŦEN Nature Sanctuary lies within the traditional territories of the WSÁNEC (Saanich) Coast Salish Peoples.
We recognize the integral role the ancestors of the WSÁNEC Coast Salish Peoples play as past and present day stewards of the Highlands lands.