The Preservation of Medicine Beach Nature Sanctuary

Historical photo of Gowlland Point (Davy Rippner)

In 1994 members of the Pender Islands Conservancy Association became aware that the Atkins family—owners of an ecologically valuable piece of land adjoining the popular Medicine Beach, and the tidal marsh behind it—were putting the property up for sale. The Conservancy was instrumental in raising $533,997, which included a $127,000 donation from the Atkins family, enabling the property to be purchased. In 1995 the Conservancy donated the Medicine Beach Nature Sanctuary to the Islands Trust t Conservancy.

The Medicine Beach Nature Sanctuary is a beautiful and special place. It provides crucial habitat for many species, some of which are endangered. It is a historical site of summer villages of the W̱SÁNEĆ First Nations people. It features one of the largest undeveloped beaches of North Pender and includes a rare tidal marsh, bluffs with spectacular views, and forest pathways of Douglas fir, Arbutus and Western Redcedar trees.

The 20 acre Sanctuary is home to many birds and mammals and the beach is an important spawning area for Surf Smelt.