The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) and partners joined to celebrate the re-opening of a park on Comox Road, promoting the park redesign, shoreline improvements and project’s collaborative approach as well as celebrating the park’s new name: qapoje Park.
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.
Photo Caption: Hereditary Chief Andy Everson, K'ómoks First Nation Hereditary Chief Trevor Hardy, K'ómoks First Nation Hereditary Cory Frank complete blessing of qapoje Park.
"Places like qapoje remind us that the land carries memory. Long before this became a park, it was part of a thriving cultural landscape where K'ómoks people lived, harvested, fished, and cared for the estuary. Renaming the park to qapoje and revitalizing this shoreline honours that history while creating new opportunities for people to learn about the deep connection between K'ómoks First Nation and these lands and waters. We are grateful to the Comox Valley Regional District and partners for working together to restore this important place for future generations," said Chief Nicole Rempel, K'ómoks First Nation.
Photo Caption: L - R: K'ómoks First Nation Councillor and Electoral Area B Director Richard Hardy, Electoral Area Services Committee Chair Edwin Grieve, CVRD Director Jonathan Kerr, K'ómoks First Nation Chief Nicole Rempel, CVRD Director Doug Hillian, CVRD Board Chair Will Cole-Hamilton, CVRD Director Wendy Morin, K'ómoks First Nation Hereditary Chief Bruce Billie, K'ómoks First Nation Councillor Susan Savoie, Hereditary Chief Andy Everson, K'ómoks First Nation Hereditary Chief Trevor Hardy, K'ómoks First Nation Hereditary Cory Frank
The shoreline restoration and park redesign began in August 2024, and included the removal of invasive species, creation of new estuarine habitat and fish channel, shoreline stabilization, installation of new boardwalk and viewing platform. It also includes a new pathway along the park's shoreline, reconstructed parking and installation of interpretive signage.
“We are thrilled to have this revamped electoral area park ready for the community to come and enjoy. Not only can you embrace the beauty of this rejuvenated space, but visitors can also learn about the history of the K’ómoks First Nation and the importance of this area,” explains CVRD Board Chair Will Cole-Hamilton.
The new qapoje Park was made possible by a $1.14 million grant funded by the Province of B.C. and administered by the Union of BC Municipalities through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund's Disaster Risk Reduction - Climate Adaptation stream. This stream supports projects that reduce flood risk and helps communities adapt to climate change. The shoreline improvements at qapoje Park are designed to stabilize the foreshore and reduce flood risk along Comox Road.
"Protecting communities from flooding goes hand in hand with restoring nature,” said Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. “Investments in qapoje Park help to reduce flood risk along Comox Road while bringing this shoreline back to life. This project supports a more resilient community that honours the land's cultural heritage and is better prepared for the effects of a changing climate."
“Our parks are more than green spaces – they bring communities together while protecting the environment and honouring Indigenous heritage. The newly reopened qapoje Park is a great example of multi-purpose community infrastructure, and we’re proud to support its renovation,” explains Honourable Stephanie McLean, Secretary of State (Seniors), and Member of Parliament for Esquimalt—Saanich—Sooke.
Funding was also provided from the Community stream of the federal government’s Build Communities Strong Fund ($685,790), Pacific Salmon Foundation ($70,000), Project Watershed ($68,000), Nature Trust of BC ($50,000), and BC Hydro’s Regreening Grant ($8,000).
The project was a collaborative initiative that implemented a Green Shores® nature-based approach to restore the park’s shoreline ecosystem while addressing climate change impacts, including rising sea levels and shoreline erosion. 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.
The park is now open for the public to enjoy.
The Comox Valley Regional District is a partnership of three electoral areas and three municipalities operating on the unceded traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation, the traditional keepers of the land. The members of the regional district work collaboratively on providing sustainable services for the benefit of the diverse urban and rural areas of the Comox Valley.
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Media contact:
Doug DeMarzo
General Manager, Community Services
250-334-6053