History of the Oyster River Enhancement Society (“ORES”)

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  The history begins in 1962 when philanthropist Barrett Montfort donated 1,746 acres (of which 160 would become the park) to The University of British Columbia for agriculture and research. In 2005, UBC sold these holdings to a local farming company. One of the conditions of the sale was that the company would let ORES continue to operate its hatchery. In 2012, the farming company sold what is now the Bear Creek Nature Park to Ducks Unlimited and the Comox Valley Regional District. Five parties provided the funds to buy the land. In alphabetical order, they were: the Comox Valley Regional District, Ducks Unlimited, The Government of Canada, the Pacific Salmon Foundation, and a local philanthropist. The Comox Valley Regional District lets ORES operate its hatchery in the wetlands of the park, which occupy about 60 acres of the park’s total area. ORES owes its presence in the park to the generosity of individuals, the help of different levels of government and charities, and the tireless efforts of its volunteers.