Construction is about to get underway as the City of Courtenay plans to transform an 11.8-acre parcel of land into a nature park.
According to the city, work is expected to start at the end of July and will include resurfacing the existing access path, installing a split-rail fence, building a gravel loop trail, replacing fencing around a historic orchard, and removing invasive plants.
Mayor Bob Wells says the project is important as it preserves the natural and historical features of the area.
“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,” Wells says. “We’re looking forward to adding McPhee Meadows to our city’s diverse park system.”
Phase one of the project is expected to be completed by the end of October, and the city says a temporary road closure near the top of third-street can be expected.
The property was donated to the city in 2011 through Canada’s Ecological Gifts Program by the late Robert McPhee.
