​The first phase of public engagement for a proposed new regional park at Cape Roger Curtis on Bowen Island will take place from February 10 to March 20, providing a number of opportunities for the region's residents to give their feedback and help shape the long-term park vision and concept."The proposed regional park at Cape Roger Curtis would protect an important dry coastal bluff ecosystem, and provide ways for people to connect with the outdoors," said George Harvie, chair of Metro Vancouver's Board of Directors. "Metro Vancouver is looking forward to hearing from the Bowen Island community — and the region as a whole — about their vision, including potential opportunities for overnight use."Metro Vancouver has an agreement to purchase 97 hectares of forested and waterfront land on the southwest tip of Bowen Island for the proposed new park, for approximately $40 million. In January 2023, Metro Vancouver applied to Bowen Island Municipality to amend the Official Community Plan and rezone the parcels from rural residential to a passive park designation, with a variance to allow for supervised overnight tent camping.Over the coming year, Metro Vancouver will conduct three phases of public engagement to inform the concept plan and design. Preliminary ideas include ecosystem protection as well as opportunities for recreation — such as hiking trails, multi-use trails, viewpoints, picnic areas, overnight use, nature interpretation, and water access."Metro Vancouver is renowned for its ability to preserve natural areas while creating opportunities for people to connect with nature. Maintaining this balance of stewardship and access will remain a key focus throughout park planning, design, development, and operations," said John McEwen, chair of Metro Vancouver's Regional Parks Committee and vice-chair of the Board. "As part of the engagement process, we will work with Bowen Islanders to ensure the new park reflects local values and honours the special place Cape Roger Curtis occupies in the community."Here are three ways to participate in the public engagement process:Complete a Feedback Form: An online feedback form can be accessed on the Metro Vancouver website starting February 10.Attend an Event: Provide feedback to the project team in person at an open house or an online webinar. Visit the project webpage to find event information.Send an Email: Email the project team at BowenIslandParkPlanning@metrovancouver.org.Members of the public can also sign up to our mailing list to receive updates about the project, including information about how community input influences decisions and design and notice of future phases of engagement.Metro Vancouver has a proven track record of over five decades of responsible regional park planning, natural resource management, and operations.Metro Vancouver's regional parks system covers more than 13,800 hectares of protected lands, with 23 regional parks, five greenways, two ecological conservancy areas, and two regional park reserves serving more than 16 million visitors each year.