The popular rock climbing and falcon nesting bluff known as the Malamute is now under the protection of the province thanks to a land acquisition announced today.
The 10 hectares of land, which is valued at $1.66 million had been owned by Malamute Holdings Ltd., overlooks the Howe Sound and connects with the Stawamus Chief via a pedestrian overpass above Highway 99.
The parcel was acquired through a land exchange involving provincial Crown lands valued at $1.25 million, a $333,000 gift from Malamute Holdings Ltd. through Environment Canada's Ecological Gifts Program, and $81,000 from the B.C. government.
Mountain Equipment Co-op donated $15,000 towards The Land Conservancy to study the possibility of purchasing the land.
"This is a local success story about working together to sustain healthy and dynamic outdoor spaces," stated Environment Minister Barry Penner in a press release.
Penner will introduce legislation in 2011 to add the lands to the provincial park following First Nation consultations. With the addition, Stawamus Chief Provincial Park will span 526 hectares.
"The Land Conservancy of British Columbia got the ball rolling on this land acquisition. Since then, with the persistent encouragement of [West Vancouver-Sea-to-Sky] MLA Joan McIntyre, the provincial government, and the private firm have worked together to find a way to protect this important site for future addition to the park," he said.
Kevin McLane, author of numerous local rock climbing guidebooks including, and he said his latest publication was used by all levels of government as a reference book for why the Malamute is so important, represented the recreational community at the event.
"It's very significant because when the process of the Chief itself becoming a park, which began 20 years ago, the Malamute was always intended to be part of the Chief park," said McLane. "Shortly before the announcement came 15 years ago the Malamute didn't make it, so this brings an end to the original vision."
In March 2007, recreational users were angered when Malamute Holdings principals Steve Miles and Paul Turner - also of CRB Logging - removed nearly 1,500 trees from the site, leaving noticeable scarring.
The work was in contravention of the District of Squamish tree removal bylaw and carried a possible penalty of between $1,000 and $10,000 per tree, meaning the company could be liable for anywhere from $1,413,000 to $14,130,000.
"Three and a half years ago, it became clear to us that this land had a different importance to a lot of people," said Miles at the handover ceremony today.
"Malamute Holdings Ltd. was pleased to work with the provincial government to complete this transaction and protect the conservation and recreation values of this site," said Miles and Turner in a joint statement.
Squamish Mayor Greg Gardner was not immediately able to provide information on what penalty was levelled. He did say, however, the District of Squamish helped facilitate the land exchange.
"The District of Squamish is pleased we were able to help deliver a significant recreational amenity and natural gateway to our community into the public trust," he said.
"The addition of the Malamute lands to the provincial park will help foster a legacy of Squamish as a climbing destination and the outdoor recreation capital of Canada for generations to come."
McIntyre was at the handover ceremony and presented her perspectives on the acquisition.
"This is an important piece of land to the community," she said.
"Thanks to the excellent work of BC Parks and our partners, we're protecting important wildlife habitat and recreation features, as well as the extraordinary views of Howe Sound and the Squamish River estuary for residents and visitors."
- With files from Meagan Robertson
