Courtenay Annual Report 2025 draft

McPhee Meadows completion In 2025, the City completed Phase 1 of the McPhee Meadows Park Plan, opening an 11.8-acre riverside natural area for public use. The project preserves the ecological heritage of the site, donated through Canada’s Ecological Gifts Program by the late Robert McPhee, and was delivered in partnership with The Nature Trust of B.C. Construction was completed in October 2025 and included resurfacing the access path, installing a split rail fence, building a new gravel loop trail, replacing fencing around the historic orchard and undertaking significant ecological restoration. More than 8,000 m² of invasive species were removed and over 4,300 m² of native vegetation planted. McPhee Meadows now provides a low-impact, nature based park experience within walking distance of downtown. Accessibility improvements were assessed; however, geotechnical constraints required the existing grade to remain in place to prevent slope and infrastructure instability. courtenay.ca/mcphee-meadows

Vanier Nature Park Garry Oak Restoration Project One of British Columbia’s rarest ecosystems is beginning to recover in Vanier Nature Park through restoration work led by the Comox Valley Nature Society (CVNS), supported by the City of Courtenay and community volunteers. In 2024, the City entered into a five-year agreement with CVNS to restore the park’s Garry oak ecosystem after significant tree loss over the past decade. The project focuses on invasive species removal, canopy restoration and community stewardship. 2025 highlights: • 44 volunteers supported restoration work. • 966 volunteer hours contributed. • 8 community education and outreach events delivered. “If the Garry oak trees in Vanier could speak, they would likely say, ‘Ah, the sunlight is returning to our grove. Let’s grow!’” — CVNS staff

Groundbreaking ceremony, McPhee Meadows

36 | City of Courtenay