Working with the K’ómoks Nation towards Q’waq’wala7owkw on their unceded territory.

Working with the K’ómoks Nation towards Q’waq’wala7owkw on their unceded territory.

Join Us In Creating A

Legacy at Kus-kus-sum

Kaylee Duckmanton Photography

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.

Funders

Fundraising Details

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RAISED FOR RESTORATION

Time-lapse

The below time-lapse was made possible by Luke from LSP Media. The photos used to create this 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 News and Events

Kus-kus-sum Progression

The Kus-kus-sum project has been flourishing with significant strides in recent times, evoking a sense of hope and admiration among all those involved. The vision of revitalizing the once degraded site into a thriving habitat is now becoming a tangible reality.

Earthworks Continue at Kus-kus-sum

While the Kus-kus-sum site is already beginning to come into its own, there is still much work to be done. Just over one third of the area was recontoured and planted last year in 2022. Project Watershed aims to recontour and replant the remainder of the site this summer and fall, if funding allows. The key works you will see on site this year include recontouring and regrading, habitat complexing, and native species planting.

Kus-kus-sum Restoration Overview

The restoration will occur in 3 phases. Click below to read more about each phase and scroll down to see a visual representation of the...

Kus-kus-sum Restoration Forum June 17, 2021

Kus-kus-sum Restoration Forum June 17, 2021

Project Watershed held a community forum via Zoom to explain the restoration process that we are embarking on at Kus-kus-sum beginning June 21st, 2021. This is recording of that Zoom meeting.

Kus-kus-sum Helps Tackle Climate Change – Unpave Paradise

Kus-kus-sum Helps Tackle Climate Change – Unpave Paradise

A variety of native plants, shrubs and trees will be established at Kus-kus-sum as part of the restoration process. This will not only provide food, shelter and habitat for fish and wildlife but also help mitigate climate change. Check out this video to find out more.

Fundraising Details

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RAISED OF THE TOTAL COST OF THE PROJECT

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RAISED FOR RESTORATION

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 $8.5M 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!

Layne and Brenda of 40 KNOTS with Caitlin Pierzchalski ~ L.Stewart