Forestlands or Subdivisions? Discussion and Tour
by Zoe Blunt

Sunday, Nov. 2, starting at 1 pm
Join the discussion at Shirley Community Hall West Coast Road at Sheringham Point Road, Shirley (21 km west of Sooke on Hwy 14, Vancouver Island). Take the tour of Sandcut Beach starting at 2 pm, 10 km west of Shirley. RSVP – rides available!

The private subdivision plans for the forestlands near Jordan River are now public. Now is the time for everyone concerned to take a closer look at these threatened coastal forests and efforts to protect them.

Join us at the Shirley town hall west of Sooke this Sunday at 1 pm for a discussion of Western Forest Products' subdivision application. The company recently submitted detailed development plans which would replace a large segment of forest and coastline with a sprawling suburb, similar to Bear Mountain Resort in Langford.

After the discussion, local guides will lead a short hike through the forest to beautiful Sandcut Beach. This beach is one of the South Island's best-kept secrets, with huge trees towering over the water and picturesque tiny waterfalls falling from miniature sandstone plateaus.

If approved by the province, the forest company will slice up and sell pieces of this popular recreation spot to the highest bidders. Roads are already being cleared uphill from the beach, even though permits have not been granted. Meanwhile, Western Forest Products and concerned local residents are waiting for a court decision on the area's zoning. The controversial land-use plans are seen as a threat to wildlife habitat, drinking water sources, First Nations culture, and local community planning, which was sideswiped by the decision to allow development applications.

We are planning for an hour of discussion and at least an hour for the tour of Sandcut Beach. Local environmentalist Jane Munro will share inspirational poetry while we enjoy tea and cookies on the beach.

Folks are welcome to bring a picnic lunch, good walking shoes, warm clothes (and rain gear, just in case). The trail is accessible to all ages but unfortunately will not accommodate wheelchairs or scooters.

Please RSVP so we have enough rides and cookies for all! Contact
Kelsey at info@dogwoodinitiative.org, or call 250-370-9930 ext. 28.

This event is organized by the Dogwood Initiative with the Shirley
Education and Action Society, Conservation Voters of BC, Sea to Sea Greenbelt Society, Vancouver Island Community Forest Action Network, and local community groups.

More info: SaveJordanRiver.com, ForestAction.ca

Thank you!