Friends of Beacon Hill Park

The goal of Friends of Beacon Hill Park is "To Promote & Protect the Natural & Cultural History of Beacon Hill Park."

Beacon Hill Park was set aside as parkland by Governor Sir James Douglas before 1858.

The park is a historical treasure and one of the last refuges in Greater Victoria for some of the area's most delicate and endangered native plants and ecosystems.

The Garry Oak tree and the Garry Oak meadow are two prime examples of the plants and ecosystems that the Friends of Beacon Hill Park Society have been actively trying to preserve since our formation in July 1989.

Beacon Hill Park Trust Document: The Park Trust - 1882 More here: About Us

The results of the Province's appeal was published February 21st, 2023. The Appeal panel consisting of three judges have unanimously dismissed the Provincial Appeal.

In summary: the Friends of Beacon Hill Park have won a legal victory regarding "no sheltering in Beacon Hill Park.”

You can find the full Appeal ruling on our website:

2023 BCCA 83 British Columbia v. Friends of Beacon Hill Park.mhtml.pdf

Executive Summary

Held: Appeal dismissed.

The question posed by the trustee must be reframed to ensure that it relates solely to the management and administration of the trust property, and does not purport to limit or qualify the constitutional rights of others, including the rights, if any, of persons experiencing homelessness to shelter in the Park when they have no other options.

If rights to use the Park for other purposes are asserted, they will have to be adjudicated based on the facts and law at the time. The terms of the trust, however, are that the Park is to be used for the recreation and enjoyment of the public, which use does not include temporary overnight sheltering.

What This Means:

This means that our position is upheld by the court and that the terms of the 1882 Trust are valid and legally binding. This ruling further enhances our ability to defend the Park based on the original 1882 Trust.

This ruling is both profound and deeply satisfying to us at Friends of Beacon Hill Park Society. We want to deeply thank all our members and donors who have supported us through this long and expensive legal journey. In addition we would like to thank our legal council for their hard work and dedication.

BHP Main Map

Explore Beacon Hill Park:

Interactive Park Map
Photo Gallery
Video Gallery
Art Gallery

Beacon Hill Park History

This 24 chapter history book records park developments, habitat changes, events, and controversies during the 127 years of City control from 1842 through 2009.

Introduction Contents Index

Chapter 1: year 1842 ~ James Douglas, Chief Factor of the Hudson’s Bay Company, carefully examined the shoreline of southern Vancouver Island for the best location for a British settlement. The vast open meadows and grasslands of the Beacon Hill area were an impressive sight. Lush green native grasses grew tall over a six square mile area, colourfully mixed with Blue Camas and other native flowers Read More...