The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) and partners have reopened a park on Comox Road with a new name.
qapoje Park reopened with a redesigned layout, shoreline improvements and a new collaborative approach.
K’ómoks First Nation Chief Nicole Rempel said places like qapoje remind the community the land carries memory.
“Renaming the park to qapoje and revitalizing this shoreline honours that history while creating new opportunities for people to learn about the deep connection between K’ómoks First Nation and these lands and waters.”
Qapoje means “spring salmon in a creek flowing south” and is a traditional ayajusem term for Coho Creek, which flows from Back Road, under Comox Road, through the park and into the estuary.
The shoreline restoration and park redesign began in August 2024. Work included removing invasive species, creating new estuarine habitat and a fish channel, stabilizing the shoreline, installing a new boardwalk and building a viewing platform.
The project also included a new pathway along the park’s shoreline, a reconstructed parking lot and interpretive signage.
CVRD board chair Will Cole-Hamilton said the district is thrilled to have the revamped electoral area park ready for the community.
“Not only can you embrace the beauty of this rejuvenated space, but visitors can also learn about the history of the K’ómoks First Nation and the importance of this area.”
The redesigned park was made possible by a $1.14-million grant from the Province of B.C., administered by the Union of B.C. Municipalities through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund’s Disaster Risk Reduction – Climate Adaptation stream.
The stream supports projects that reduce flood risk and help communities adapt to climate change.
Additional funding came from the federal government’s Build Communities Strong Fund ($685,000-plus), the Pacific Salmon Foundation ($70,000), Project Watershed ($68,000), Nature Trust of B.C. ($50,000) and B.C. Hydro’s Regreening Grant ($8,000).
The shoreline improvements at qapoje Park were designed to stabilize the foreshore and reduce flood risk along Comox Road.
