The Past, Present, and Future of Summit Park
Meghan Rusk
Summary
Summit Park is home to one of the remaining Garry Oak ecosystems in the Greater Victoria Area. This site, historically managed by the Songhees Peoples for cultivating camas, is currently owned by the City of Victoria, and is habitat for many native plant and bird species, as well as the protected species, yellow montane violet (Viola praemorsa),. Summit Park currently holds the unused Smith Hill Reservoir, which is occupied by migratory and native bird species that use the water for habitat. Summit Park has survived through multiple zoning and development proposal issues that put the ecosystem’s integrity and biodiversity at risk. Residents who were dedicated to protecting Summit Park have succeeded in these conflicts and brought to light the need to save this ecosystem. Although the Garry oak ecosystem is presently safe from development, invasive species are still present in the area, and climate change brings the risk of introducing deadly pathogens to Garry oak trees. With increased protection, a strong management plan, and continual monitoring, Summit Park’s Garry oak ecosystem may be able to thrive for future generations to enjoy. |
Genealogy
Summit Park is a Garry Oak (Quercus garryana) ecosystem located within the Hillside/Quadra neighborhood, in the City of Victoria. Summit Park is pocketed between residential areas with the point of access being from road end points in the surrounding neighborhoods. This area is home to the currently unused Smith Hill Reservoir, and a portion of purchased land occupied by a Telus cellular tower. The park is now used mainly for mild recreational activities such as walking around to enjoy the scenic nature, education on Garry oak ecosystems, a playground for children, and in some portions, views of past glacial formations from the Fraser glaciations, which shaped the surface materials in the area (City of Victoria, 2011). This 4.8-hectare park (City of Victoria, 2012) is the second largest of 11 parks in the Hillside/Quadra area and one of the larger parks within the City of Victoria parks system. The Friends of Summit Park gathered information that suggests this area is home to 40 native species (City of Victoria, 2012), over 100 species at risk, 23 which are threatened or endangered globally, and 21 species that are listed as endangered nationally (City of Victoria, 2011).
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Historically, the Songhees peoples maintained the Garry Oak meadow using fire management methods to harvest and cultivate camas (Camissia) in the area. (City of Victoria, 2011).
Past pollen records indicate that Garry oak savannahs in the Pacific Northwest have been maintained and present in the regional area for ~3000 years, with a rapid decline in population due to European settlers using fire suppression methods and clearing the land for agriculture (McCune et al., 2015). However, McCune et al. (2015) mentioned that the pollen records show the Garry oak ecosystems were already experiencing a decline in populations during this time period, but at a lower scale compared to after European settlement. |
In the early 1900’s the site was proposed to home the Smith Hill Reservoir. The construction of this project began in 1908 with the intentions of meeting the water needs of Greater Victoria area which was soon after met by the Sooke Lake Waterworks project in 1915; This resulted in the Smith Hill Reservoir becoming unused (City of Victoria, 2011). Currently, the reservoir is still not in use by the municipality, however migratory and resident bird populations occupy it and use it as habitat. In 1972 the area was dedicated for recreational use by the public with the exception of a small portion of land sold to BC Tel for the placement of a Telus cellular tower; the park name was later changed to Summit Park in 1974 (City of Victoria, 2011).
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Socio-ecological characterization
Summit Park is home to one of the remaining Garry Oak (Quercus garryana) ecosystems in the City of Victoria. The Friends of Summit Park completed an informal survey of the area where they were able to identify 80 species of vascular plants, 40 of which were native to the ecosystem however, it should be known that the location, numbers, and cover of these species were not recorded (City of Victoria, 2011). The City of Victoria’s Summit Park Management Plan (2011) states there is a presence of the protected species yellow montane violet (Viola praemorsa), and elegant rein orchid (Pipera elegans) (a flora recently de-listed as a protected species in the park). They also listed invasive species present in the habitat such as periwinkle (Vinca minor), Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus), English ivy (Hedera helix), and garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata). The plan did not note any insects or fauna in the park, but did state the need for a complete bio-inventory of the area to be done.
Currently, Summit Park is used for public enjoyment and light recreational activates such as walking, or playing in the children’s area. In the not so distant past, there were a few plans for development in the 90’s that caused controversy between the proponents, and those who saw the park as a sensitive area that should not be disturbed. In May of 1994, there was talk of the unused reservoir to be drained and converted into a tennis-club (Times Colonist. May 20, 1994). The club proposed to sell up to 500 memberships to the facility that was to be built in the drained tank, which caused residents, who were already upset over the lack of consultation in the area, to become worried over the increased amount of visitors to the park if the club were to go through (Times Colonist. May 7, 1994). Eventually, the proposal was turned down over the concern about the risks involved to the habitat in the area (Times Colonist. February 22, 1996).
A second development to the area was a proposal for three city-owned lots on the eastern slope of the park to be a site for a townhome complex (Times Colonist. February 22, 1996). This proposal, once again created conflict with residents in the area. Linda Grimm, who lived in the area, had a shared concern with other residents over the loss of habitat for local birds in the area such as wrens, bush tits, towhees, and warblers, and she suggested the site be used for a path to an outlook area with a bench for the public to enjoy (Times Colonist. February 22, 1996).
One of the most current property issues is what to do with the Smith Hill Reservoir, which is owned by the CRD, as locals would like to see it remediated and converted into a Garry oak ecosystem, with a water feature for the birds that currently inhabit the site (City of Victoria, 2011). The Summit Park Management Plan (2011), stated that the reservoir should be rezoned to consider restrictions of usage similar to wildlife sanctuaries and wildlife parks. The plan also stated that the city should consider purchasing back land that was sold to Telus to restore as much of the area as they could around the tower that is still in use.
This small pocket of Garry oak ecosystem has survived the development of neighborhoods around it, the building of the reservoir, and the placement of Telus cellular tower. There is a presence of camas (Camassia), yellow montane violet (Viola praemorsa),, and other native species that devotees of the park feel should be protected and managed to preserve the biodiversity and beauty of the landscape.
Currently, Summit Park is used for public enjoyment and light recreational activates such as walking, or playing in the children’s area. In the not so distant past, there were a few plans for development in the 90’s that caused controversy between the proponents, and those who saw the park as a sensitive area that should not be disturbed. In May of 1994, there was talk of the unused reservoir to be drained and converted into a tennis-club (Times Colonist. May 20, 1994). The club proposed to sell up to 500 memberships to the facility that was to be built in the drained tank, which caused residents, who were already upset over the lack of consultation in the area, to become worried over the increased amount of visitors to the park if the club were to go through (Times Colonist. May 7, 1994). Eventually, the proposal was turned down over the concern about the risks involved to the habitat in the area (Times Colonist. February 22, 1996).
A second development to the area was a proposal for three city-owned lots on the eastern slope of the park to be a site for a townhome complex (Times Colonist. February 22, 1996). This proposal, once again created conflict with residents in the area. Linda Grimm, who lived in the area, had a shared concern with other residents over the loss of habitat for local birds in the area such as wrens, bush tits, towhees, and warblers, and she suggested the site be used for a path to an outlook area with a bench for the public to enjoy (Times Colonist. February 22, 1996).
One of the most current property issues is what to do with the Smith Hill Reservoir, which is owned by the CRD, as locals would like to see it remediated and converted into a Garry oak ecosystem, with a water feature for the birds that currently inhabit the site (City of Victoria, 2011). The Summit Park Management Plan (2011), stated that the reservoir should be rezoned to consider restrictions of usage similar to wildlife sanctuaries and wildlife parks. The plan also stated that the city should consider purchasing back land that was sold to Telus to restore as much of the area as they could around the tower that is still in use.
This small pocket of Garry oak ecosystem has survived the development of neighborhoods around it, the building of the reservoir, and the placement of Telus cellular tower. There is a presence of camas (Camassia), yellow montane violet (Viola praemorsa),, and other native species that devotees of the park feel should be protected and managed to preserve the biodiversity and beauty of the landscape.
Future trajectory
As discussed in the previous section, The City of Victoria proposed future changes to improve the park in the Summit Park Restoration Plan (2011), which would see the Smith Hill Reservoir remediated and transformed to expand the existing Garry oak ecosystem while also including a water feature for the birds that currently use the reservoir as a habitat. This plan also stated there were intentions to purchase land back from Telus where the Telus cellular tower is located to restore the as much of the ecosystem around it as possible. The Summit Park Management Plan (2011) suggested that the reservoir should be rezoned to a new zone, which should consider restrictions of usage similar to wildlife sanctuaries and wildlife parks.
Considering that historically, the Songhees peoples maintained and used the area to cultivate camas (Camassa) (City of Victoria, 2011), working with the local Indigenous peoples to re-introduce fire management tactics to the landscape more frequently could be a possibility in the future. Although the Summit Park Management Plan (2011) states the City of Victoria uses controlled burns in the area every few years, they also state that the use of fire to promote wildflower productivity and restoring habitat should be done, but mentioned they would need a detailed plan in order to implement this strategy.
Considering that historically, the Songhees peoples maintained and used the area to cultivate camas (Camassa) (City of Victoria, 2011), working with the local Indigenous peoples to re-introduce fire management tactics to the landscape more frequently could be a possibility in the future. Although the Summit Park Management Plan (2011) states the City of Victoria uses controlled burns in the area every few years, they also state that the use of fire to promote wildflower productivity and restoring habitat should be done, but mentioned they would need a detailed plan in order to implement this strategy.
Besides the threat of encroaching properties, development, and invasive species, this Garry oak ecosystem is also at risk for an attack by pathogens. Phytophthora ramorum, (Sudden Oak Death), is a pathogen that has been spreading over the coastal regions of North America (City of Nanaimo, N/D) that causes infection on branches of oak trees (GOERT, 2016). In 2000, the University of California found this fungal-like pathogen, to have relatives to the fungus that caused the Irish potato famine, and the Port-Orford cedar root disease (GOERT, 2016). So far, Garry oaks have not been affected by SOD, but many species of oak tanoaks (Lithocarpus densiflorus), coast live oaks (Quercus agrifolia) and black oaks (Quercus kelloggii) found in coastal communities have seen severe drops in population from this disease since 1995 (GOERT, 2016). With climate changing, and the risk of Summit Park becoming more degraded, SOD could become more established and affect the remaining parcels of Garry Oak ecosystems in the region (City of Nanaimo, N/D).
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Although Summit Park is at risk from attack by invasive species and pathogens, which are aided by increased climate change, there is hope that this site can be used for education on Garry oak ecosystems and hope that residents of the City of Victoria urge stakeholders for increased protection. They should also hold the city accountable for restoration, which returns the area to its original condition, and the possible remediation, which removes human-made structures to reduce further harm, for sections of the park. This place can be a great tool for children and residents of the city to become educated on traditional ecological knowledge from Indigenous peoples whose ancestors managed the site using fire to cultivate camas (Camassia) (MacDougall et al., 2004) . Increased protection, a detailed management plan, and consistent monitoring of Summit Park could allow survival for future generations to learn about Garry oak ecosystems, and allow more opportunities to enjoy and engage with nature.
References
City of Nanaimo. "Garry Oak Ecosystem Decline." Garry Oak Ecosystem Decline (n.d.): City of Nanaimo Parks, Recreation, & Culture. Web. <https://www.nanaimo.ca/assets/Departments/Parks~Rec~Culture/Parks/Parks_GarryOakDecline.pdf>.
Curtis, Malcom. Times Colonist. Plan to Develop City Property Ruffles a Few Feathers. Newspaper Clipping. February 22, 1996. Folder Hillside/Quadra Neighbourhood News Clippings. City of Victoria Archives, Victoria, BC.
"GOERT: Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team." GOERT : About Garry Oak Ecosystems : Invasive Species. GOERT, Web. Nov. 2016. <http://www.goert.ca/about/invasive_species.php>.
MacDougall AS, Beckwith BR, Maslovat CY. Defining Conservation Strategies with Historical Perspectives: a Case Study from a Degraded Oak Grassland Ecosystem. Conservation Biology. Blackwell Science Inc; 2004 Apr 1;18(2):455–65.
McCune, J.L., Vellend, M. & Pellatt, M.G. Biodivers Conserv (2015) 24: 609. doi:10.1007/s10531-014-0840-1 <http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10531-014-0840-1>
"Summit Park." City of Victoria, 2012. Web. <http://www.victoria.ca/EN/main/departments/parks-rec-culture/parks/improvements/summit-park.html>.
"Summit Park Management Plan." Summit Park Management Plan 2011. City of Victoria, Oct. 2011. Web. <http://www.victoria.ca/assets/Departments/Parks~Rec~Culture/Parks/Documents/SummitPark_Plan_web.pdf#search="summit+park">.
Times Colonist. Summit-Area Residents Balk at Tennis-in-Reservoir Notion. May 7, 1994. Newspaper Clipping. February 22, 1996. Folder Hillside/Quadra Neighbourhood News Clippings. City of Victoria Archives, Victoria, BC.
Times Colonist. Tennis Club Supporters Ignored Neighbours, Says Councilor. May 20, 1994. Newspaper Clipping. February 22, 1996. Folder Hillside/Quadra Neighbourhood News Clippings. City of Victoria Archives, Victoria, BC.
Times Colonist. Tennis Enthusiasts to Tip Game into the Tank. May 5, 1994. Newspaper Clipping. February 22, 1996. Folder Hillside/Quadra Neighbourhood News Clippings. City of Victoria Archives, Victoria, BC.
Curtis, Malcom. Times Colonist. Plan to Develop City Property Ruffles a Few Feathers. Newspaper Clipping. February 22, 1996. Folder Hillside/Quadra Neighbourhood News Clippings. City of Victoria Archives, Victoria, BC.
"GOERT: Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team." GOERT : About Garry Oak Ecosystems : Invasive Species. GOERT, Web. Nov. 2016. <http://www.goert.ca/about/invasive_species.php>.
MacDougall AS, Beckwith BR, Maslovat CY. Defining Conservation Strategies with Historical Perspectives: a Case Study from a Degraded Oak Grassland Ecosystem. Conservation Biology. Blackwell Science Inc; 2004 Apr 1;18(2):455–65.
McCune, J.L., Vellend, M. & Pellatt, M.G. Biodivers Conserv (2015) 24: 609. doi:10.1007/s10531-014-0840-1 <http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10531-014-0840-1>
"Summit Park." City of Victoria, 2012. Web. <http://www.victoria.ca/EN/main/departments/parks-rec-culture/parks/improvements/summit-park.html>.
"Summit Park Management Plan." Summit Park Management Plan 2011. City of Victoria, Oct. 2011. Web. <http://www.victoria.ca/assets/Departments/Parks~Rec~Culture/Parks/Documents/SummitPark_Plan_web.pdf#search="summit+park">.
Times Colonist. Summit-Area Residents Balk at Tennis-in-Reservoir Notion. May 7, 1994. Newspaper Clipping. February 22, 1996. Folder Hillside/Quadra Neighbourhood News Clippings. City of Victoria Archives, Victoria, BC.
Times Colonist. Tennis Club Supporters Ignored Neighbours, Says Councilor. May 20, 1994. Newspaper Clipping. February 22, 1996. Folder Hillside/Quadra Neighbourhood News Clippings. City of Victoria Archives, Victoria, BC.
Times Colonist. Tennis Enthusiasts to Tip Game into the Tank. May 5, 1994. Newspaper Clipping. February 22, 1996. Folder Hillside/Quadra Neighbourhood News Clippings. City of Victoria Archives, Victoria, BC.