The small park on San Malo Crescent was established as part of subdivision approval when the San Pareil area was built. The property is owned by the RDN and managed under the Area G Community Park taxation Bylaw. It was locally known since 1995 as “Simon’s Bike Park” in honor of a young (12 year old) neighborhood advocate of bicycling there (Simon Spearing) who died in a tragic accident in 1995. This property has been closed and fenced off since November 2019 due to an unauthorized alteration in an archeologically significant area. This resulted from the November 2019 excavation activity at the site, which led to the involvement of the RCMP, RDN Bylaw, and the Archeological Branch of the Province. A subsequent archaeological evaluation of the site was performed as required by the provincial Heritage Conservation Act. SSPORA proposed a plan which would preserve both the memorial character of this property in honor of Simon Spearing and would also recognize the historic importance of our neighborhood land to the Nanoose First Nation. This plan was presented to the Nanoose First Nation and the RDN via email letter in May 2021, and then further by a delegation to the Nanoose FN Council by Area G Director Lehann Wallace regarding the Nanoose FN receipt of the letter, at their meeting in November 2021. Nanoose First Nation, the RDN and the Archeology Branch will continue discussion over protecting the site in the future and what these plans and additional costs may be. SSPORA is keeping track of developments and will notify the community when we receive updated information.
