Teck gives $2 million to Lot 48 conservation

By Kelsey Verboom
Pioneer Staff

Thanks to resource company, Teck, the future of a 315-acre property located on the eastern shores of Columbia Lake is a hair’s breadth away from being secured.

Those hoping to protect the swath of land, known as Lot 48, have been relentlessly fundraising for several years to try and purchase the $7.2 million lot from the Wilder family, who currently own the property.

The fundraising campaign received a final big push on May 28th, when Teck Resources Ltd. made a well-received announcement.

“Teck is proud to support the Nature Conservancy of Canada, the Ktunaxa Nation and local communities in working to protect this area of great cultural and ecological significance,” said Don Lindsay, president and CEO of Teck.“This investment will help conserve an important ecosystem in the headwaters of the Columbia River for the benefit of future generations.”

Kathryn Teneese, Ktunaxa Nation Chair, thanked Teck and other funders for helping preserve a piece of land that is an integral part of Ktunaxa history.

Nancy Newhouse of the Nature Conservancy said Teck’s donation, along with a $1 million boost from the Columbia Basin Trust, means they are “confident they can close,” but still need to finalize a few things.