The Town of Ladysmith has been approved for a grant to help improve local ecosystems.
The B.C. Hydro grant would give the town up to $5,000 to help restore areas around Holland Creek, supporting the Garry Oak Glade project.
One of the areas, Methuen site, was cleared of Scotch broom over the last three years.
The town said with the grant they can focus on providing restoration efforts.
“The site will be prepared over the summer months and planted in the fall of 2026 when the cooler weather occurs,” said the town.
Mayor Deena Beeston said the town is excited to get the grant to protect the local ecosystems.
“We’re grateful for the support from BC Hydro and the continued partnership with Friends of Holland Creek to help restore and protect these important natural areas of our community,” she said.
Funding will help cover the cost of plant materials, and the town said they’ll contribute to storage, mulch and signage for the project with Friends of Holland Creek to source the plants needed, provide volunteers, and the necessary equipment.
Friends of Holland Creek treasurer and board member Nikki Toxopeus said the support from the town, BC Hydro and other partners is highly appreciated and will ensure Sunny Glades is a place for all to enjoy.
“We look forward to Sunny Glades becoming another source of inspiration and education to encourage the use of native plants in yards and public spaces,” Toxopeus said. “We’re also grateful to Stantec Consulting, the Town of Ladysmith and BC Hydro for having this space to demonstrate good restoration efforts.”
The project will also build on recent fuel mitigation work completed in the Holland Creek area by Emergency Management Cowichan last year that helped with mitigation while improving the forest health.
