Maris Nature Park Management Planning

• Background

  Maris Nature Park features approximately 940 metres of ocean frontage with 44.05 acres of intact mature second growth forest. Further development of the park will be guided in part by community feedback and avoiding restricted or geographically sensitive areas. It is located next to Sarah and Brian McLoughlin Nature Park and the Eagles Greenway in Merville.

  This park was established through two generous donations: a 39.54 acre donation from Christopher Investments in 2022, and an 4.5 acre donation from Resolute North Holding Ltd. in 2024. These donations were made possible through the Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) Ecological Gifts Program, which provides a way for owners of ecologically sensitive land to protect nature and leave a legacy for future generations. Any alteration to a property donated through the program requires prior written authorization from the Minister of the Environment or a delegated certification authority (Ecological Gifts Program Disposition and Change of Use Policy).

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  The park is located within the unceded traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation and lies within a designated area of archeological potential. The CVRD is committed to reconciliation and relationship building with Indigenous Peoples and fully respects K’ómoks’ interest in the land within and surrounding the park.

  The CVRD hosted a ceremony acknowledging the initial donation on May 15, 2023, followed by a second donation acknowledgement on March 20, 2025.

  • Oceanfront Land Donated to CVRD for Park Use (Jan 10, 2023)
  • Oceanfront Parkland Donation Accepted by the CVRD (May 16, 2023)
  • CVRD Acquires New Parkland (March 4, 2025)
  • Oceanfront Donation Recognized by CVRD (March 20, 2025)

Project Timeline

This planning process will occur over three phases: background study and information gathering, public engagement and draft planning, and finishing with plan review and adoption. The planning process is expected to be complete by winter 2025/2026. More information on each phase can be found below.

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Note: please do not enter the park until the management planning process is complete. This page will be updated throughout with upcoming open houses and a survey for community feedback.

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• Phase 1: Background Study and Information Collection (Complete)

  In order to better understand the park's unique ecological, cultural, and recreational values, the CVRD has commissioned the following professional reports to help develop the park plan.

  • Ecological Inventory
  • Archeological Overview Assessment
  • Cultural Values Assessment
  • Risk Assessment
  • Watercourse Assessment
• Phase 2: Engagement and Plan Drafting (IN PROGRESS)

  Opportunities for public input and community feedback will occur through open houses and a survey planned for spring and summer 2025.

  Parks staff were on site at the following locations to speak with residents and community interest groups:

  • MARS Animal Centre Open House
    • Saturday, April 26, 2025 (10am - 4pm)
  • Eagles Drive Park
    • Saturday, May 3, 2025, (9am - 12pm)
  • Sarah and Brian McLoughlin Nature Park
    • Sunday, May 25, 2025, (11am - 3pm)

  Learn more at: Maris Nature Park Management Planning | Engage Comox Valley

• Phase 3: Plan Review and Adoption

  Members of the public, community interest groups, and other partners will have an opportunity to comment and review the draft plan before it is presented to the CVRD Board. A final plan will be presented to the Board for approval (timeline TBD).