“Saanich councillors have agreed to pay $5.5 million for 5.5 acres bordering Royal Jubilee Hospital, with the aim of turning the property into a park.

Councillors agreed on Tuesday to enter a conditional purchase agreement with B.C. Hydro, the owner of the green space in the 1800 block of Kings Road. The municipality is expected to take possession of the property in the fall.

The land, which locals have long called “Kings Park,” became the focus of community controversy about a year ago when residents learned B.C. Hydro had decided to sell it.

Residents organized and made the sale an issue in the last municipal election, gathering political commitments to buy it as a park.

Saanich Mayor Fred Haynes said Wednesday that councillors are living up to their commitment to save the land as green space.”