FALL 2008

Landmark Landmark Landmark Landmark Landmark Landmark Landmark Landmark Landmark Landmark mark Landmark Landmark Landmark Landmark Landmark Landmark Landmark Landmark Landmark Land Landmark Landmark Landmark Landmark Landmark Landmark Landmark Landmark Landmark Landmark mark Landmark Landmark Landmark Landmark LandmarLANDk Landmark Landmark Lanmarkdmark Landmark Land Saving an Icon TLC asked to protect B.C. Binning Residence by Tamsin Baker Lower Mainland Regional Manager

To the world over, West ’s B.C. Binning House is a very special place. Designed in 1941 by artist Bertram Charles Binning, the home is considered to be a prototype of modern west coast design – one that shaped Vancouver’s current architecture, and inspired other (now) famous Canadian architects, like Arthur Erickson.

Though a National Historic Site, concerns about the long-term The design of B.C. Binning House inspired architests like Arthur Erickson and infl uenced conservation of the house arose in 2007 the development of modern Vancouver architecture. To protect this important piece of when Jessie Binning, the widow of B.C. B.C.’s cultural heritage, TLC will need to raise $200,000 for an endowment fund by the Binning, passed away at the age of 101 end of 2008. Photo Tamsin Baker with no direct heirs. Her Will, however, outlined her desire for the house and “We are honoured that the executors of Vancouver, the North Shore Heritage furnishings to be preserved for historical the late B.C. and Jessie Binning estate Preservation Society, and interested purposes through a foundation or have asked The Land Conservancy to members of the local community. To other organization and, as a result of own and manage this special heritage view this special place for yourself, TLC’s experience in protecting heritage property,” says Tamsin Baker, Lower watch for future public events at B.C. properties like the Historic Joy Kogawa Mainland Regional Manager at The Land Binning House, or contact TLC’s Lower House in Vancouver and Arthur Conservancy. “Saving B.C.’s heritage Mainland offi ce to arrange a special tour. Erickson’s Baldwin House in , can be a struggle at times, but by setting we have been approached to help. up an endowment we will be able to properly care for this architectural gem, Make your donation to the To successfully take over the long-term and ensure the legacy of the Binnings will B.C. Binning endowment maintenance and restoration of the 1,540 live on for future generations.” sq. ft. bungalow, however, TLC has fund by calling determined that an endowment fund of Once the endowment is created, and the 1-877-485-2422 or visit $200,000 will be required. If this amount house is secure, The Land Conservancy can be raised from public donations by will be able to create a long-term www.conservancy.bc.ca. „ the end of 2008, the long-term protection management plan for the site by working of the residence will be assured. in concert with the District of West www.conservancy.bc.ca Executive Director’s Message

I believe in angels. There’s simply no other word to describe Jean Mackenzie and the impact that she had on TLC.

Right from the very beginning Jean saw the promise of what TLC could become, and she provided a critical helping hand to The Land Conservancy get our fl edging organization off the ground. Head Offi ce 301-1195 Esquimalt Road I will always remember taking Jean and her husband Cort Victoria, BC V9A 3N6 to see South Winchelsea Island in 1998. TLC had just been created, and – as our fi rst major project – protecting South Ph: 250-479-8053 Winchelsea was critical to TLC’s future aspirations. Toll-free: 1-877-485-2422 Bill Turner, www.conservancy.bc.ca Landing on the island with a small motorboat, I toured TLC’s Executive Director Jean and Cort through the property’s beautiful Garry Oak-Arbutus Charitable Registration # ecosystem. The tour certainly could have gone more smoothly: Jean’s 88902-8338 RR0001 dog was terrifi ed the entire time by the huge sea lions basking on the shore. I could only hope that Jean had been impressed enough to make some contribution to the campaign. Honorary Patron His Honour, I didn’t have to wait long to fi nd out. In the car on our way to Nanaimo, Jean asked me, Steven L. Point, OBC Lt.-Governor of B.C. “How much do you need right now to allow the purchase to go ahead?” “Thirty-fi ve thousand,” I replied. Jean immediately wrote a cheque right there in the back of the car. Honorary President Iona Campagnolo, PC, OM, OBC That one gift – what turned out to be the fi rst of many that Jean gave TLC – transformed (former Lt.-Governor of B.C.) everything. We purchased South Winchelsea, and suddenly communities from across the province were seeking out TLC to help protect their special places. Jean was one of the key Board of Directors people that allowed TLC to grow and attract new supporters from across B.C. and beyond.

Peta Alexander Jean McIntosh Judith Brand Sue Morhun Sadly, Jean passed away this past summer. She will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with Henry Ellis Brent Nichols Cort and his family. Michelle Ellison Colin Rankin Colin Gabelmann Murray Rankin * * * Deborah Griffi ths George West Chris Hamilton Jim Wyse I believe in angels. From individuals like Jean, to companies like TAXI (see opposite); Richard Hankin Dave Zehnder whenever TLC’s work takes a quantum leap forward, it’s because some rare individual, or Lindsay Jones Karin Lengger company, has taken it upon themselves to help us get there.

I know I’m not lucky enough to know all of TLC’s Editor Tom Arnold angels – those who give anonymously, or plan to give through their Wills – the way I knew Jean. So Production Coordinator I would like to take this opportunity to extend my Valerie Tabone most heartfelt thanks to all our TLC angels. We Graphic Design could not do it without you. Jenn Hobson

Advertising Valerie Tabone For advertising rates and information, please e-mail [email protected] View from South Winchelsea Island - the very This newsletter is printed on 100% fi rst property purchased and protected by TLC. post consumer waste paper. Photo Christina Symons

Page 2 The Land Conservancy of Save A Place Campaign

Building membership their expertise in the The coolest place your dog can take you communications fi eld. in the Lower Mainland 10% off for TLC Region “The reason why TAXI Members is involved with this project is that we truly Cougarscrag.com 1 888 808 2724 by Heather Skydt believe in the mandate of Ask about our gas card / External Relations Specialist The Land Conservancy ferry voucher offer of BC. We want to help minutes from Sooke Hills and downtown Victoria Discover your own back yard ast spring, The Land Conservancy move the organization to received an incredible offer. TAXI the next level in terms of L public awareness, interest, Canada Inc. – an internationally known, award-winning advertising fi rm – had emotional impact, heard about the work of The Land and most importantly, Conservancy, and offered to donate membership growth. their services to help get more British We look forward to Columbians involved in saving special developing a long-lasting places. partnership,” says Ben Tarr, Account Director at Since Members are the driving force TAXI. behind all of The Land Conservancy’s conservation successes, the offer was Check out the Save A seen as a fantastic opportunity to build Place website at www. our membership base, particularly in the saveaplace.ca, and help Lower Mainland. us spread the word by encouraging your family As a result, this past August, TAXI and friends to visit and and The Land Conservancy proudly sign up as a member launched the Save A Place campaign – all online. new radio ads, banners, ferry posters, newspaper ads, a TV commercial, Editor’s note: The Land and even a new mini-website (www. Conservancy would like to saveaplace.ca) aimed at attracting new thank TAXI Canada Inc. Members interested in protecting B.C.’s for their incredible support in precious wilderness areas, cultural undertaking this campaign, landmarks, and agricultural lands. and to Engine Digital Media for their expertise in creating The tone of these new ads varies from the Save A Place mini- humorous to serious, but a common website. Thank you! „ theme is: “Once a Place is Gone, it’s Gone;” underlying the importance of Above right: Thanks to taking action to save special places before TAXI Canada Inc. ads it’s too late. like this will be appearing throughout the Lower The Save A Place campaign also uses a Mainland this fall to attract new members to TLC. new look, logo, and colors for The Land Right: A possible new logo Conservancy. This is a test campaign for TLC that TAXI is testing running on the advice of TAXI utilizing as part of the campaign.

Saving BC’s special places since 1997 Page 3 A Mile-Long Drive

TLC works to add vital lakefront property to Valhalla Provincial Park by Kathryn Martell Kootenay Regional Manager

tretching from the undeveloped S west shore of Slocan Lake to the spectacular forests, glaciers, and peaks of the Valhalla Range, Valhalla Provincial Park is an extraordinary protected area north of Castlegar, in B.C.’s interior. The park protects an entire mountain ecosystem – from a shoreline of sandy beaches to high alpine forests, peaks, and glaciers. Thousands of visitors fl ock here every year to canoe, kayak, hike, mountaineer, and camp. Mile” will be added to the surrounding provincial park, thereby preserving Created 25 years ago in 1983, the park critical habitat and wildlife corridors. A private property featuring just over a was the result of years of advocacy work mile of valuable lakefront has come up by local communities. But at the time, it “Grizzly bears come down to the for sale within the boundaries of Valhalla was not possible to create a continuous rocky bluffs to feed on glacier lilies Provincial Park. Protecting this property belt of parkland because several privately in the spring; wolverine and cougar will save vital habitat for black bears held properties still existed within park hunt on the property; and other at-risk (inset) and other wildlife. boundaries. species such as Great Blue Heron and Photo Kathryn Martell; Inset Wayne McCrory Townsend’s Big-eared bat are likely The Land Conservancy and the Valhalla present,” says local biologist Wayne for its protection of low elevation interior Foundation for Ecology & Social Justice McCrory, an internationally respected Cedar Hemlock forests, as few examples have recently negotiated an option to bear conservation expert. “This property of this forest type remain undisturbed in purchase the largest of these in-holdings: makes an incredible addition to lowland the Columbia region. a 155-acre property featuring just more forest protection in B.C.” than a mile of beautiful, undeveloped If you’d like to help protect the Valhalla Mile, lakefront shoreline. If $1.5 million can be Valhalla Provincial Park has also been visit www.conservancy.bc.ca, or call 1-877-485- raised by December 2008, this “Valhalla internationally recognized 2422, to make your donation today. „

Page 4 Saving BC’s special places since 1997 East Kootenay Conservation Question

habitat, watersheds, and The Land Conservancy open spaces including family working to create local ranches and forested land. conservation fund Although other East Kootenay jurisdictions by Kathryn Martell have yet to accept the Local Kootenay Regional Manager Conservation Fund proposal, elected representatives in the n November 15th, 2008, voters Upper Columbia Valley are Oin the Upper Columbia valley will giving voters a chance to say be asked a very important referendum “yes” to conservation. question: ‘Are you willing to pay $20/parcel “Our public polls fi nd of property tax to establish a dedicated Local that 83% of Kootenay Conservation Fund?’ residents feel it’s important To Victoria-area residents, this will sound to look after private land familiar: since April 2000, homeowners for wildlife,” says Nancy in the Capital Regional District (CRD) Newhouse, EKCP Program have contributed to a Parks Land Manager. “This is a small Acquisition Fund through an addition to investment with a big their annual property taxes (usually about payoff: many places in the $10 / household). This fund has made it world have already lost the possible for CRD Parks to create 15 new ecological treasures and parks in the last eight years, including quality of life that we still 8 created in partnership with The enjoy. We’ve got a great landscape and Land Conservancy like Sooke Potholes great people to work with – we have the Regional Park and Matthews Point Park opportunity to be leaders in community Reserve. conservation.”

The Land Conservancy is now working For more information about the Local with a number of partners – through a Conservation fund proposal, visit partnership program known as the East www.ekcp.ca. Kootenay Conservation Program (EKCP) – to create a similar Local Conservation Editor’s Note – This is a great example of Fund in the East Kootenays. The some of the work The Land Conservancy does proposed fund would help protect behind the scenes to save special places in B.C. important areas based on three broad – work that is only possible because of the conservation themes: fi sh and wildlife support of Members like you. Thank you! „

Won’t you give me a home for the holidays? Victoria area residents enjoy Sooke Potholes Regional Park - a park Adopt me and protect created with funding from a Regional Parks Land Aquisition Fund. BC’s special places. TLC is working with other groups to create a proposal for a similar www.TLC4BC.ca fund in the East Kootenay. Photo iii-imaging.com © Thomas Kitchin www.conservancy.bc.ca Page 5 Update Madrona Farm TLC’s goal is to raise TLC making progress the fi rst $250,000 by towards protecting vital December 31st, 2008, and we’re proud to announce source of local food that $120,000 of this target production has already been raised. Please help TLC save Madrona Farm by making by Tim Maloney your donation today at Director Advancement www.conservancy.bc.ca/ DonateToMadrona. rom apples to zucchini, from Fcaulifl ower to corn, Madrona Farm Editor’s note – Victoria area in the Blenkinsop Valley produces an residents: why not experience incredible array of crops for the Victoria local agriculture for yourself? market all year round. In 2007 alone, the Madrona Farm’s produce farm produced over 125,000 lbs of food is available at the farm gate for local consumption! until November. Visit www.conservancy.bc.ca/ Protecting land to maintain this kind of conservationpartners, and look local agricultural production is critical to up Madrona Farm in the Nathalie and David Chambers operators of Madrona Farm the future of B.C. That’s why The Land “Our Partners” section provide an important source of local food to southern Conservancy recently joined with The for details. „ Vancouver Island without TLC’s help. Such farms could Friends of Madrona Farm Society to raise disappear due to sky-rocketing land prices and other $2.5 million for the purchase of the 27- pressures. Photo courtesy David Chambers acre farm. If successful, the agricultural and ecological values of this special farm Get your holiday shopping started early at will be protected forever, and the land would continue to produce fruits and www.conservancy.bc.ca/store vegetables for local consumption.

Fun and games can Save Facebook®. Dr. Russell Ovans, applications. TLC was lucky enough to president of Backstage Technologies be one of these chosen organizations. Special Places? says, “Our games of chance typically involve collecting, competition, and To help raise funds for TLC, a purchase entertainment–resulting in an experience only TLC themed scratch ticket was by Cassie Holcomb created with virtual prizes of different Member Care Coordinator that is as fun as it is addictive”. special places across B.C.. In just one One of their most popular game month, Facebook® users purchased ho knew playing games and applications is a virtual scratch-off over 127,000 tickets resulting in a Wconnecting with friends on lottery ticket. These tickets are usually donation being made to TLC for over Facebook® could help protect B.C.’s free and allow players to collect a variety $10,000! Thank you to Backstage most special places! That is exactly what of virtual prizes that can be displayed on Technologies and their employees for happened this spring when Victoria the winner’s Facebook® page. their incredible support! based Backstage Technologies offered to help TLC fundraise in a very unique way. But Backstage Technologies is not all If you’re helping to raise funds or awareness for about fun and games – they also believe TLC in your home or business, let us know so Backstage Technologies is a in giving back. They provide charities we can share your story with TLC Members company that creates fun games for and non-profi t organizations fundraising everywhere! „ different online social networks like opportunities through their gaming Page 6 The Land Conservancy of British Columbia Taking Stock How you can support “It is looking like TLC without giving up the BCE buyout is going ahead as a nickel planned before year-end, which by Carla Funk means long-time Donor Relations & Planned Giving Manager shareholders with especially low cost id you know that some types of prices could be Ddonations give you a greater tax forced to trigger a benefi t than others? For example, did large capital gain. you know that when you give TLC a Donating these gift of appreciated securities (stocks or shares instead similar fi nancial instruments that have accomplishes three increased in value since you bought goals at once: the them), you receive a greater tax benefi t donor avoids a big than if you gave an equivalent cash gift? tax bill; receives a substantial tax credit; and is secure in Transferring securities like stocks directly Jim Bullmore of RBC Dominion knowing that they are supporting a very to TLC can yield tremendous tax benefi ts, Securities and Frank Arnold of Raymond particularly in situations where you are worthwhile cause,” says Frank. James’ “Pinchgroup” know, and they’ve forced to sell the stock: Bell Canada Enterprises (BCE) for example. chosen to act as TLC’s pro-bono brokers In other words, by sending your fi nancial to encourage as many people as possible advisor a message to donate all or a to give in this strategic manner. portion of the affected securities, you Translation: By donating securities, you can effectively eliminate a potential tax The reason for this added benefi t to can support TLC without giving up a problem for yourself, and help save gifts of securities is that, by donating nickel! special places at the same time. the securities directly to TLC, the For details on how to strategically capital gains tax that would normally be As Frank explains, “The benefi ts vary manage your portfolio and support triggered when you sell stock are totally depending on the value of the security causes that you care about call: waived. You will receive a charitable relative to what was originally paid. Jim Bullmore: RBC Dominion Securities donation receipt based on the value of Because of the tax advantage of donating Phone toll free: 1-888-773-4477 the stock on the date that TLC’s brokers securities versus donating cash, to (or local Victoria 250-356-4805) – Jim or Frank – received it. eliminate all the capital gains tax on a stock that has risen in value, one has Frank Arnold: Raymond James This can be a tremendous advantage, to donate about one third of the value, “Pinchgroup” Socially Responsible particularly in situations where you – as while being able to keep the remaining Investing. Phone toll free: 1-866-515- an investor – are forced to sell stock, as two thirds tax free.” 2420 (or local Victoria 250-405-2420) „ in the case of BCE.

Would you like more information on giving gifts of securities or other planned gifts to TLC?

Contact Carla for free information sheets that you and your broker can use to help fi nd the best options for you.

1-877-485-2422 [email protected] Photo by Dennis Power Saving BC’s special places since 1997 Page 7 Your personal TLC contacts:

With the holiday season around the corner, many people are starting to look for gifts that are not only unique but also give something back. This year, you can give the gift of saving special places with TLC’s adopt an animal program.

Last year, we had much success with our Adopt-a-Grizzly Bear kits. This year, we are pleased to offer another animal in addition to the Grizzly Bear – the Cougar! Photo ValerieTabone Cougars are truly one of B.C.’s most majestic and mysterious animals. They can primarily be found in the lower third of the province where many TLC sites are located. By adopting a Cougar for someone you love, you will be protecting disappearing Cougar habitat, like the Sooke Hills, as well as other special places across B.C. TLC is honoured to be the recipient of donations in Both adoption kits come with a cuddly plush toy, a personalized adoption certifi cate, an memory of: information booklet, and a sticker. For more information, or to adopt your Cougar (or Grizzly Bear), please visit www.conservancy.bc.ca/store or call us at 1-877-485-2422. Catherine Traunweiser We are always happy to help! Dorothy Margaret Snyder + Stan Allen Pat and Elizabeth Izard Ben Mitchell GGiveive BBCC ssomeome eextraxtra TTLCLC Mary Ann West Kent Pushman Halvor Lunden Laurel Doersam Dr Lynn Trainor Bob Martyn Betty Kavanagh Bruce Naylor Dorothy Johnson Brent Marucci Margaret (Peggy) Manser

To remember your loved one with a special gift, call 1-877-485-2422, or visit www.conservancy.bc.ca

Derek E. Ashurst BA, LLB

1620 Cedar Hill X Rd. Victoria, BC V8P 2P6 tel: (250) 477-4143 fax: (250) 477-4451 [email protected] A proud supporter of TLC!