qapoje Park (formerly Dyke Road Park) reopened in July 2026 following a major ecological restoration and park improvement project. The upgrades improve public access, restore important estuarine habitat, and help protect the shoreline from the effects of climate change.
qapoje (kah-poh’-jeh) means “spring salmon in a creek flowing south.” It is the traditional ayajusem term for Coho Creek, which flows from Back Road, under Comox Road, through the park and into the estuary.
History
The northern portion of qapoje Park has historically been the park’s main gathering area, with parking, a gazebo, and a wildlife viewing platform originally built by the Strathcona Sunrise Rotary Club (formerly known as the Rotary Outlook). The platform became a popular spot for birdwatching and enjoying panoramic views of the estuary, glacier, and surrounding mountains.
In 2021, the Comox Valley Regional District and Stewardship Centre of BC selected this park as a demonstration site for the Green Shores® program, which promotes nature-based shoreline restoration that improves habitat and climate resilience.
Construction took place in two phases between 2024 and 2026. Improvements included removing invasive species, creating an estuarine habitat and fish channel, stabilizing the shoreline, and building a new boardwalk and viewing platform. The project also added an accessible shoreline pathway, reconstructed parking area, and interpretive signage. The upgraded park reopened in July 2026.
The project was made possible through a $1.14 million grant from the Province of British Columbia, administered by the Union of BC Municipalities through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund's Disaster Risk Reduction – Climate Adaptation stream. The funding supports projects that reduce flood risk and help communities adapt to climate change.
The southern portion of the park, approximately 200 metres south of qapoje Park, remains open as Dyke Road Park South. Donated by Lafarge Canada Inc. in 2016, it provides additional gravel parking and a quiet place to enjoy the estuary.
Project partners included the K’ómoks Guardians Watchmen, the Stewardship Centre for BC, Project Watershed, Guardians of Mid-Island Estuaries, and the Pacific Salmon Foundation
Information
qapoje Park is located on the K’ómoks Estuary beside protected lands owned by The Nature Trust of BC and Ducks Unlimited Canada. It offers opportunities for wildlife viewing and panoramic views of the estuary, ocean, mountains, and glacier.
Location
- 2703 Comox Road, between the foreshore and road
- Lazo North (Electoral Area B)