Pélxwikw / Goose Spit Climate Resiliency Project

Print
CVRD Contact

Disaster Risk Reduction Solutions for Goose Spit

The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD), in partnership with K’ómoks First Nation, are excited to be collaborating on a disaster risk reduction project for Pélxwikw / Goose Spit.

This project will complete coastal, archeological, and ecological assessments of Goose Spit to protect residential areas and critical infrastructure from flood, sea-level rise, storm surge and erosion, and to help identify mitigation options.

Funding for this project is from the Disaster Resilience and Innovation Funding (DRIF) program through the Province of BC. Once assessment work has begun, more information and updates will be provided in the coming months.

Staff Report - Disaster Resilience and Innovation Fund 

Project Background

  • Pélxwikw, meaning 'round on point' in the traditional K’ómoks language, refers to the smooth shape of Goose Spit and reflects the deep connection of K’ómoks First Nation peoples to this land. The K’ómoks and Pentlatch peoples gathered traditional medicines here, harvested salmon and shellfish, and used part of this land as a burial ground for respected leaders.
  • The CVRD completed regulatory coastal flood mapping in 2021 as the first phase of the Coastal Flood Adaptation Strategy, which identified the important climate resilience role Pélxwikw/ Goose Spit plays, sheltering adjacent residential areas and downtown Comox from flooding and waves.
  • Storm surge, coastal flooding and sea-level rise impacts of climate change present serious risk to Pélxwikw/ Goose Spit, the valuable climate resilience function it plays in the area, and the critical cultural, ecological and community values of this place. 
  • In late 2024, CVRD and K’ómoks First Nation applied as co-applicants to the Province of BC’s Disaster Resilience and Innovation Funding program (DRIF) which supports First Nations and local governments in implementing local projects to protect people and communities from natural and climate hazards.
  • In 2025, the Province of BC announced $275,580 in DRIF funding for the Pélxwikw / Goose Spit Climate Resiliency project to complete coastal, archeological, and ecological assessments of Goose Spit to protect residential areas and critical infrastructure from flood, sea-level rise, storm surge and erosion, and to help identify mitigation options.

In Partnership With:

View all projects