Cranberry Lake Nature Reserve Community Engagement

The City of Powell River and The Nature Trust of British Columbia are working collaboratively on a plan to safeguard the future of the Cranberry Lake Nature Reserve property, an important ecological habitat for wildlife and plants. The City is beginning a community-wide engagement process to inform any future park-like amenities, improvements or operations within the reserve's boundaries.

RECENT EVENTS

Work was undertaken by the City in 2023-2024, primarily trail clearing and the placement of mulch on trails, which caused significant concern amongst neighbours that the flora and fauna had been impacted.

A community discussion, consisting primarily of neighbouring property owners, was held in October 2025, where participants expressed deep care and concern for the ecological health and conservation of the area, and emphasized its long history as a sanctuary for wildlife.

At the community discussion, City staff acknowledged that the work during the 2023-2024 period was rushed and mistakes were made and confirmed that the City would start over to develop a community-informed vision for the property.

NEXT STEPS

The City is looking to reset the conversation and work towards a community-wide consensus on the future of the Cranberry Lake Nature Reserve. While maintaining a conservation focus, the City is exploring all options and opportunities.

SURVEY

As part of the engagement process, residents are asked to complete the survey below to register their thoughts and opinions.

OPEN HOUSE

In addition, a public information session will be held on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, from 6:00-7:30pm at the Recreation Complex's Elm Room. There won’t be a formal presentation, instead information boards will be displayed, and staff will be in attendance to gather feedback and respond to questions and comments.

Residents can be assured that community concerns and aspirations will be directly reflected in the development of any future recommendations and/or actions taken. Further, any property improvements deemed necessary will be undertaken with stringent planning and the utmost care.

OPTIONS UNDER CONSIDERATION

Several options are available for residents’ consideration, many falling within the spectrum of the possibilities outlined below:

• Do Nothing/Status Quo – The Nature Reserve remains formally closed to the public, property remains inaccessible, maintaining the focus on preservation and conservation.
• Full Scale Park Development – The property opens to unimpeded access and could include the construction of trails, a playground, picnic areas, garbage cans and dogs on leash.
• Conservation Park/”Living Classroom” – This option envisions a public park with regulated access, aligning conservation with limited public access, and would include updating trails to minimum standards, interpretative signage and a few benches throughout. Access to the park would be through the Parks & Recreation booking system.

More options are possible and we look forward to hearing your thoughts and feedback through our survey and at the information session.

A summary of responses from the survey and public information session will be shared on this site in July 2026.

HISTORY OF A NATURE RESERVE WITHIN CITY BOUNDARIES

Located within City limits, the Cranberry Lake Nature Reserve property (also known as the Powell River Bird Sanctuary), comprised of 4.08 hectares, is an important ecological habitat for wildlife and plants. The Nature Trust of BC acquired the property from the Culos family for conservation and wildlife protection.

Prior to the donation, in May 1964, the Corporation of the District of Powell River (now the City) obtained a right-of-way for a portion of the property to undertake works.

The City of Powell River and The Nature Trust of BC entered into a formal lease agreement for Lot “B”, District 5542, Plan 16049 (The Nature Reserve) in 1974, and then updated the agreement in 1976 providing the City with a 99-year lease for the land, which will expire in 2075. In accordance with the lease agreement, the City is to maintain and preserve in good order and condition the grounds of the property, and carefully protect and preserve the trees, bushes, shrubs, plants and flowers. The lease further states that the City is to preserve and/or develop the property as a site of ecological interest for the use, enjoyment and benefit of the people of British Columbia.

The property has never been formally opened to the public. Informally, residents and naturalists have accessed the lands for recreation and viewing/study purposes.