Construction Of New McPhee Meadows Park Set To Begin

The City of Courtenay is getting ready to transform an 11.8-acre parcel of riverside property near downtown into a nature park.

Public access is expected to begin later this year at the corner of 3rd Street and Harmston Avenue.

The property was donated to the City of Courtenay and The Nature Trust of British Columbia in 2011 through Canada’s Ecological Gifts Program by the late Robert McPhee, who wished to see the site maintained as a public wetland park.

“This project honours Mr. McPhee’s generous gift and his vision for the land, preserving its natural and historical features while creating a safe, welcoming space,” said Courtenay Mayor Bob Wells.

“We’re looking forward to adding McPhee Meadows to our city’s diverse park system.”

Phase 1 of the project is expected to begin by the end of the month and be completed by the end of October.

This will include resurfacing the existing access path, installing a split-rail fence along the slope, building a gravel loop trail, replacing fencing around a historic orchard, removing invasive plants and planting native species.

A temporary road closure at the park entrance (top of 3rd Street) is expected, pending approvals.

Drivers and pedestrians should expect increased traffic in the 3rd Street and Harmston Avenue area during the project.

To learn more, visit City of Courtenay.