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 calling it Kus-kus-sum.
Once restored Kus-kus-sum 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.
Funders
Fundraising Details
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Sponsor A Salmon
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RAISED FOR RESTORATION
Kus-kus-sum News and Events
Ken Kirkby Legacy Challenge
In 2018, Ken Kirby became involved with Project Watershed and the Kus-kus-sum Project and contributed right up to his death on June 20, 2023. While donating 50 of his most prized paintings prior to his passing, Ken expressed his deep appreciation for our partnerships...
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 Videos
Thank you Gord Johns!
Thank you Gord Johns for bringing #kuskussum before the House of Commons.
Historical Footage of Field Sawmill from Shaw TV
Thanks to Mark Hanley and Franco Noviello of Shaw TV for putting this informative piece on Kus-kus-sum together.
Kus-kus-sum in Chek News
Here is the segment Chek News ran on Kus-kus-sum. Tina McLean, K’ómoks First Nation Administrator, Jennifer Sutherst, Project Watershed Staff Biologist, and Tim Ennis, Project Watershed Kus-kus-sum Project Manager are featured.
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.