News Release
For immediate release

Saanich, BC –   A major ecological restoration project is transforming Cuthbert Holmes Park, bringing thousands of new trees, renewed wildlife habitat and healthier salmon-bearing waters for generations to come.

This transformative project began in Fall 2025. It is made possible through a $760,000 grant funded by the Government of Canada through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ (FCM) Growing Canada’s Community Canopies (GCCC) initiative, and an $823,848 contribution from the District for a combined investment of $1,583,848. Announced in May 2024, GCCC will support the planting of at least 1.2 million new trees across Canada by the end of March 2031 while offering funding, resources and coaching to communities.

Decades of logging and agricultural use changed the ecological character of Cuthbert Holmes Park, leaving invasive species to dominate much of the landscape and limiting habitat for native plants and wildlife. Through this restoration project, the area is being transformed into a thriving riparian forest along the Colquitz River, with native trees, shrubs and habitat features that will support a healthier, more biodiverse ecosystem. The river provides critical habitat for coho salmon and coastal cutthroat trout, making restoration of this corridor especially important.

To date, Parks staff have:

• Conducted an archaeological assessment to ensure culturally significant Indigenous sites are identified and protected;
• Removed extensive stands of invasive species, including English hawthorn, Himalayan blackberry, privet, golden willow and thistle;
• Planted hundreds of native trees and shrubs; and
• Created a new creek alcove to improve fish and aquatic habitat.

Staff are currently building an interactive trail and viewing platform that will give residents new ways to experience and learn about the park’s transformation firsthand, while preparing the site for extensive riparian restoration. The next phase of work will see the installation of an irrigation system, thousands of native trees and plants added to the landscape, new interpretive signage throughout the park, community planting events, and the ongoing removal of invasive species to help the restored ecosystem thrive.

“Restoring Cuthbert Holmes Park will give residents more opportunities to enjoy nature and will improve habitat for the plants and animals that rely on this area. This partnership and investment will help restore native forests, improve the health of Colquitz Creek and protect the park for future generations,” said Saanich Mayor Rishi Sharma.

“FCM is proud to support the Cuthbert Holmes Park’s transformative tree-planting project,” said Tim Tierney, FCM President. “Through the Growing Canada’s Community Canopies initiative and with the support of the Government of Canada, we’re helping municipalities of every size get the right trees in the ground in the right places, creating cooler streets, cleaner air, and healthier neighbourhoods for decades to come.”

“Whether they are providing shade on a hot summer day, improving local green spaces, or bringing people together outdoors, trees make our communities better places to live,” said Secretary of State (Nature), the Honourable Nathalie Provost. “Together, we are helping communities expand their green spaces, providing lasting environmental and community benefits. The trees being planted will provide greater shade and comfort, and contribute to a healthier, more resilient and sustainable community.”

This ambitious restoration project will transform a degraded landscape into a thriving native ecosystem that supports wildlife, strengthens salmon habitat, and enhances Saanich’s urban forest. The restored area will provide opportunities for residents, schools and community groups to learn about and experience nature firsthand, while increasing climate resilience and helping protect the long-term health of the Colquitz River watershed.

Enhancements to Cuthbert Holmes Park and the Colquitz River serve to advance the District’s Climate Plan, Biodiversity Conservation Strategy, and Urban Forest Strategy.

About FCM’s Green Municipal Fund
FCM’s Green Municipal Fund (GMF) is a globally unique organization that leverages investments from the Government of Canada to provide funding and education to municipalities, helping them both reach net-zero and build resilient communities, while also delivering economic and social benefits such as jobs, housing and infrastructure. Since inception in 2000, it has helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 3.02 million tonnes, funded nearly 60,000 person-years of employment and contributed $5.6 billion to the national GDP via the more than 2,850 approved projects. GMF manages approximately $2.4 billion in programs funded by the Government of Canada.

The Green Municipal Fund’s Growing Canada’s Community Canopies is a $291 million initiative, ending in 2031, funded by the Government of Canada and delivered by the FCM. Capacity building is enabled through a partnership with Tree Canada.

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Media contact:
Saanich Communications
media@saanich.ca