Courtenay-Comox MLA Ronna-Rae Leonard has introduced a private members bill to adopt the elasmosaur as BC’s provincial fossil.

The bill would add a section to the existing Provincial Symbols and Honours Act to recognize the fossil, known scientifically as the Elasmosauridae, as a symbol of the Province of BC if passed.

Leonard says the elasmosaur find was a significant and important paleontological discovery, and it has been a symbol of the riding for years. She says she’s thrilled to be taking steps to recognize its importance across British Columbia.

The first elasmosaur fossil was found in November 1988 by Mike Trask and his daughter Heather, who were looking for fossils along the Puntledge River. Its discovery marked the first fossil of its kind found west of the Canadian Rockies.

The elasmosaur is a large marine reptile dating back to the Cretaceous period; approximately 80 million years ago. Since this initial find, another was found in Comox Valley in 2020. Both are on display at the Courtenay and District Museum and Paleontology Centre.