The Real Estate Foundation of BC (REFBC) today announced that Vancouver-based social entrepreneur Carol Newell is this year’s recipient of its Land Champion award.

The REFBC’s Land Champion is honoured for outstanding work in sustainable land use in the province. Ms. Newell has strategically invested her wealth to conserve millions of hectares of land. On Cortes Island, she worked with the local community to make land available for housing, parks and trails, and conservation.

“Ms. Newell’s innovative approach to philanthropy and investment has provided BC residents with a lasting legacy through her work in conserving land of high ecological, cultural and recreational value. For that reason, we are proud to name her as the 2013 Land Champion,” said Jack Wong, Foundation CEO.

The Real Estate Foundation of BC – a philanthropic organization that funds projects that advance responsible and informed land use, conservation and real estate practices – also unveiled the finalists for its fourth annual Land Awards Gala. The awards honour companies, non-profits and governments leading innovative land-use projects that contribute to sustainable communities.

Finalists are selected on their ability to demonstrate innovation, leadership and collaboration in sustainable land use in BC and are chosen in three categories: private sector, public sector and non-profit sector.

Read the full list of finalists.