Community News: Fundraising Success – Replacement of Elk Lake Fishing Dock
The BCLSS would like to highlight the success of our member group, Victoria Golden Rods and Reels (GR&R) on their recent fundraising campaign to replace the old fishing dock at Elk Lake.
Photo by Sandy McElroy
Elk Lake is the most heavily fished lake on Vancouver Island, supporting 15,000-18,000 angler days annually. The old dock officially opened in 1996 and was installed by Capital Regional District (CRD) Parks in cooperation with Victoria Golden Rods and Reels. The 26 year old dock was declining in safety, prompting the club to begin their campaign to replace it with a safer, more accessible dock.
The CRD Parks budgeted $125,000, 50% of the estimated $250,000 replacement cost. GR&R agreed to coordinate raising the additional $125,000, partnering with World Fisheries Trust and Rotary Club of Saanich on three funding applications.
An application was submitted to Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan) by World Fisheries Trust on behalf of the partner organizations with support from Power to Be, Spinal Cord Injury BC, and the Rotary Club of Saanich. This application was approved, and the project received $109,000 in funding from PacifiCan’s Canada Community Revitalization Fund. Community support and the dock design package were important components to the application.
Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC (FFSBC) contributed $25,000 and they continue to stock about 18,000 rainbow trout in Elk and Beaver Lake annually. The Rotary Club of Saanich also provided a $1000 donation bringing the total funds raised to $135,000.
Photo by Sandy McElroy
The new dock was manufactured and installed in 2022 by Jenkins Marine Ltd. Its metal construction supports longevity and easier maintenance. The new fishing dock is one of a series of investments by the CRD and senior governments to improve the recreational environment in the park. This successful fundraising collaboration between CRD Parks and non-governmental organizations is a good example of successes that can be achieved by government at all levels working collectively with non-profit organizations. Thanks to Mick Collins, Conservation Director for the Victoria Golden Rods and Reels Fishing and Social Club, for providing the detailed information about their fundraising efforts. You can learn more about GR&R by visiting their website.
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