Metro Vancouver has a new plan in the works for the Delta Nature Reserve and parts of Burns Bog.
The regional district provided Delta council with an update saying that Metro’s board recently authorized staff to proceed with an engagement process for the development of a management plan for the nature reserve next to Burns Bog and the Delta South Surrey Regional Greenway.
The plan would also include portions of the Burns Bog Ecological Conservancy Area east of Highway 91.
Working with the City of Delta, Metro’s new plan is to guide decision-making for the park lands and greenway over the next 20 years, including planning for habitat protection and enhancement, as well as new facilities and amenities.
The regional district notes considering these areas of parkland together will create a more cohesive plan that ensures coordinated resource management and integrated visitor experiences.
“The Delta Nature Reserve is part of the Burns Bog Ecological Conservancy Area and has long been identified as a key component of the bog lands to be open to the public. Nearby portions of Burns Bog east of Highway 91 include a large paved area, previously used as a peat plant. Both areas have opportunities for habitat protection and enhancement as well as recreation and education,” the regional district explains.
“Running along the eastern edge of these park lands is the future route of the Delta South Surrey Regional Greenway, a multi-use trail and greenway corridor. The first phase of the Delta South Surrey Regional Greenway currently runs from Mud Bay Park to 64th Avenue. The future extension of the greenway is from 64th north to the Alex Fraser Bridge, and potentially to the Fraser River,” Metro adds.
The regional district also notes the planning area does not include the vast area of the Burns Bog Ecological Conservancy Area west of Highway 91, which will remain closed to the public.
In 2020, the regional district received 50 per cent ownership and assumed operational control of the nature reserve from Delta.
