It's a Fact One of William’s proudest accomplishments is the recent protection of The Sooke Potholes, an ecologically and recreationally important area near Victoria that is now been protected under Regional Park status for the benefit of all British Columbians.

TLC was established with the mandate to protect areas of ecological importance, as well as areas of historic, cultural, scientific, scenic or compatible recreational value. With William at its helm, The Land Conservancy has become one of the most dynamic and well-respected Land Trusts in Canada. Having grown to include 5000 members and more than 500 active volunteers, TLC has raised over $30 million to purchase and otherwise protect more than 100,000 acres of ecologically and culturally significant land in British Columbia.

One of the many achievements that William is most proud of is the recent protection of The Sooke Potholes, an ecologically and recreationally important area near Victoria that is now protected under Regional Park status for the benefit of all British Columbians. Under William’s guidance, TLC raised $3.1 million for this acquisition from a variety of government and corporate project partners and individual donors.

TLC organizes a broad range of activities and awareness programs that allow people to participate directly in the conservation work that they do, including an eco-activity booklet for school children, workshops, and lectures that educate the public about the importance of protecting land for perpetuity.

His distinction as a Hometown Hero finalist adds to a long list of awards and recognitions with which William has previously been honoured. In 2005, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada, awarded the Ecostar Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2004, the Victoria Citizen of the Year Award in 2002 and the BC Minister of the Environment Award, (Individual Category) in 1998. This list is by no means exhaustive.

Everyday, William puts his beliefs to protect and preserve our natural and cultural heritage into action. William and TLC have partnered with the province of British Columbia on many successful projects and he is an inspiration to others who protect our lands and environment to provide a lasting legacy for generations to follow.