Victoria, BC–- The Capital Regional District (CRD) Board has adopted a loan authorization bylaw to secure capital funds totalling $32.3 million to purchase 1,973 hectares of land from the Kapoor Lumber Company. The Kapoor Lands are located adjacent to the Sooke Lake Reservoir catchment area and the Sooke Lake Watershed, which is the primary water supply for the Greater Victoria area. The bylaw was adopted after receiving elector approval through an Alternative Approval Process (AAP).
“Delivering drinking water to over 430,000 people requires vision, long-term strategic planning and thoughtful stewardship,” said CRD Board Chair Cliff McNeil-Smith. “The acquisition of the Kapoor Lands is an example of these principles. This generational investment will help ensure water security, service reliability, and environmental protection, allowing us to continue to meet the needs of our community.”
“The acquisition of the Kapoor Lands will help us address both current and future water supply management challenges, such as population growth and aging infrastructure,” said the CRD’s Regional Water Supply Commission Chair Gord Baird. “Acquiring the Kapoor Lands will also allow us to focus on long-term water security, service reliability, and environmental protection.”
The Kapoor Lands will officially transfer ownership to the CRD on September 15, 2025, at which point the CRD will become the caretaker of the land. The lands will be included in overall stewardship and watershed maintenance strategies to ensure the continued provision of high-quality, safe drinking water for residents of Greater Victoria.
The CRD delivers regional, sub-regional and local services to 13 municipalities and three electoral areas on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Governed by a 24-member Board of Directors, the CRD works collaboratively with First Nations and government partners to enable sustainable growth, foster community well-being, and develop cost-effective infrastructure while continuing to provide core services to residents throughout the region. Visit us online at www.crd.ca.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Andy Orr, Senior Manager
CRD Corporate Communications
Tel: 250.360.3229
Cell: 250.216.5492
