Friends of Gospel Rock Society
Who are we?
Friends of Gospel Rock are a group of concerned and environmentally conscious citizens who have come together with a mission to protect and preserve a large piece of property in the Gibsons area known as Gospel Rock.
What is Gospel Rock?
Gospel Rock is a 46.7 acre property named for the enormous rock on the ocean point. It has been beautifully captured on canvas by the famous Canadian artist EJ Hughes in 1935 and again in1955.
This spectacular property is a popular and accessible area of semi-wild habitat on the western edge of the town of Gibsons. An easy 15 minute forest walk ascends a gentle slope to a mossy plateau which commands a stunning 360 degree view of the surrounding islands to the south and west, extending to Vancouver Island. To the East across Howe Sound is a magnificent view of the Coastal Mountain Range. To the north are the slopes of Mt. Elphinstone. People are in awe of the coastal view and the sense of magic they enjoy being surrounded by nature and the arbutus grove which graces the crown.
The land is classified as a rare dry hemlock and arbutus habitat and provides habitat for nesting eagles, deer, bear, raccoons, lizards, and diverse avifauna.
All photos are by Alan Sirulnikoff. No use without written permission. www.sirulnikoff.ca
Why do we need to Protect it?
The lower part of the Sunshine Coast comprises the communities of Gibsons, Sechelt and Pender Harbour and the upper Sunshine Coast extends to Powell River and Lund. It is a 40 minute ferry ride from West Vancouver. This area has been “discovered” by land developers and we are in the midst of intensive development of residential subdivisions and condominiums. This development is leading to the loss of green space at an alarming rate and once the land has been built on, it cannot be reclaimed.
The land is presently in private hands and the owner is planning to develop the property for residential purposes.
What can we do?
We need to raise the capital required to purchase this land for a protected Park before development begins. Therefore we are launching a campaign to raise funds or to find a philanthropist who appreciates the value of preserving our great heritage for everyone and all future generations.
The Society has raised some funds towards the purchase but a great deal more will be needed if we are to purchase the property. The current owner has stated that the asking price would be $10 million.
