Islands Trust Conservancy Fact Sheet - Subdividing for Nature

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Subdividing for Nature  
 
Islands Trust Conservancy Fact Sheet 
February, 2011 
 
 
Martin lives on Gabriola Island, in a modest home tucked into the corner of his 15 hectare forested 
property.  Martin has long been inspired by the countless number of people around British Columbia 
donating land for conservation.  He has considered donating part of his property, believing the old 
growth Douglas-firs standing on his land deserve a safe home forever. 
 
However, to donate the natural portion of his land, Martin needs 
to subdivide his property which can be expensive.    Also, Martin 
has found that the zoning and servicing requirements for the 
subdivision make it difficult to obtain the approvals necessary.  
Martin would like to leave a natural legacy for the islands, but 
he’s finding the famous adage is proving to be true – it’s not easy 
being green. 
 
The Islands Trust Conservancy offers conservation-minded 
landowners like Martin a tool for protecting ecologically-sensitive 
land.  Using Section 99 of the Land Title Act of British Columbia, it 
is possible for a landowner to bypass the subdivision approval 
process by donating the natural portion of the property to the 
Islands Trust Conservancy for conservation purposes.  By 
submitting a reference plan, a subdivision can be approved 
directly by the registrar of the land titles office.   
 
Donors can save time, money and effort and will have the peace 
of mind that comes from knowing that their special sanctuary will 
be protected and cared for in perpetuity by one of British 
Columbia’s leading land trusts.  Donors who give ecologically sensitive land to the Islands Trust 
Conservancy using a Section 99 subdivision may also reduce their income tax if they qualify for the 
federal Ecological Gifts program.  In addition, donors may lower their annual property taxes with the 
reassessment of the remaining lot. 
 
The islands are a fragile paradise with countless special areas in need of protection.  Islanders like you 
have helped create a conservation legacy for future generations; thanks to the generosity and vision of 
our donors the Islands Trust Conservancy protects more than 1,290 hectares of natural and cultural 
values.  Please consider donating today. 
 
For more information, contact:  
  
Islands Trust Conservancy 
200—1627 Fort St, Victoria BC V8R 1H8 
Phone: 250-405-5186 
Toll Free via Enquiry BC: 1-800-663-7867 (in Vancouver 604-660-2421) 
E-Mail: itcmail@islandstrust.bc.ca  
Two Examples  
of Section 99 Land Donations 
 
Trincomali Nature Sanctuary on Galiano 
Island (15 hectares) and Morrison Marsh 
Nature Reserve on Denman Island (51 
hectares) were donated to the Islands 
Trust Conservancy using Section 99.  
 
In both cases, the donors kept some of 
their land and subdivided off the rest for 
donation without the usual subdivision 
approval steps.  
 
The donors saved time, reduced survey 
costs, reduced their property taxes, and 
left a legacy benefiting the environm

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