As part of our Estuary Stewardship, Project Watershed has committed to the restoration of the Field Sawmill site in partnership with the K’ómoks First Nation and City of Courtenay. We have been given a name for the site by the K’ómoks First Nation and are now calling it Kus-kus-sum.

Our vision is to create a vibrant and productive habitat and connect it to Hollyhock Flats, which is adjacent to the site and one of the most productive areas in the K’ómoks Estuary. We have to raise $8 million, remove 8.3 acres of concrete, and recontour and replant the site with native species. It’s a big job and it’s going to a take a lot of work, please scroll down to find out how you can help unpave paradise and put reconciliation into action.

The site was purchased from Interfor in November 2020 and is being held by Project Watershed in trust for the K’ómoks First Nation and the City of Courtenay. The City of Courtenay and the K’ómoks First Nation will be on title as joint owners in the near future. Restoration of the site began in March of 2021. All funds raised from this point forward will go towards the restoration and protection of this important habitat in the heart of our community.

The below timelapse video was made possible by Luke from LSP Media. The photos used to create this video were generously provided by members of our community, who utilized the photo station installed at the north end of the site where the bridge meets the sidewalk. This photo station is open to the public, and we encourage everyone to contribute photos to help us document the evolution of the restoration. With every photo contributed, we can create a comprehensive visual record of the changes taking place at Kus-kus-sum.

Kus-kus-sum is located along a major fish bearing stream at the mouth of a class one estuary in the heart of the Comox Valley.  It will cost approximately $6.5M to purchase and restore the site to a natural state. Once restored the site will create 8.3 acres of fish and wildlife habitat, provide recreational and educational opportunities, help mitigate climate change, attenuate localized flooding and put indigenous reconciliation into action.

To help fund the purchase and restoration of Kus-kus-sum you can donate individually or join with your neighbours, co-workers, church or sports team and pool your funds as a group. If you or your group wish to be recognized for your support please let us know – your name/affiliation will be listed on our website, our Facebook page and at some point on the restored site itself.

For donations over $25 you will receive a tax receipt and may choose an art poster. For donations over $100 you may also choose a limited edition paper art print and donations over $1,000 a print on canvas (please note that approx 15% is taken off your tax receipt if you do choose an art work). Check out the Keeping It Living artwork to see if there is a piece that interests you. Various sizes of painted wooden salmon can be sponsored to go up on the fence that lines the property and Comox Road for $25, $500, $1,500 and $4,500. This is a high traffic area with approximately 20,000 cars passing the fence daily.

While donations from businesses, groups, families and individuals make a large portion of our fundraising we are writing grants to all levels of governments, as well as local, national and international organizations to raise the balance of the funds.

We have surpassed our goal of raising $500,000 from our community! Now on to the restoration!  Since we have raised enough to complete the purchase, people and businesses are still donating and those funds are going towards the restoration. Thank you!