Working on the unceded territory of the K’ómoks First Nation .

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

Courtenay River

The Courtenay River is the shortest navigable river the world. It starts where the Puntledge and Tsolum rivers converge and occupies a prominent central location in the heart of the City of Courtenay.

The Courtenay River is significant for its historic, scientific, and social value, particularly for its historic importance to Courtenay’s early inhabitants and businesses, its biological importance, its unique physical characteristics, and its role in Courtenay’s recreational development.

The heritage value of the Courtenay River lies in its cultural and historical importance to both the Pentlach and K’omoks First Nation’s people who occupied and controlled the territory in and around Courtenay for thousands of years. The remnants of numerous fish traps located throughout the mouth of the Courtenay River and Estuary, one of the largest concentration of inter-tidal fishing structures in North America, attest to the abundance of marine life made available by the Courtenay River and Estuary. The remnants of these aboriginal fish traps are valued as a unique educational opportunity to study sustainable First Nations fishing technologies and culture for all citizens.

The Courtenay River is valued for its important role in Courtenay’s early pioneering development. Thousands of years of natural flooding of the River resulted in cleared and rich alluvial soil which made conditions perfect for agricultural settlement and prompted Courtenay’s first settlers to preempt in the area in 1862. The width and depth of the river facilitated early transportation and business ventures, which is reflected in the pilings and cribbing that still line the River and estuary.

The Courtenay River’s scientific value lies in its biological importance to a variety of species of wildlife, including salmon and migratory birds that winter in the area. It is significant that hundreds of protected Trumpeter Swans winter at the Courtenay River estuary, resulting in the largest concentration of the species anywhere in the world.

The River’s scientific value is also expressed in its physical uniqueness as the River is the shortest navigable river in the world.

The Courtenay River’s social value lies in its central role in the development of Courtenay’s recreational identity which is exemplified by the River’s prominent and accessible location through the heart of the City.

Human Resources

Related Posts

Eelgrass and Kelp Feature – Spring 2025 

Spring is nearing its end and just like on land, this time of year is peak growth season for marine plants. With support from the Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Fund, Project Watershed has been working on two projects to restore eelgrass habitat in Fanny Bay and kelp habitat near Cape Lazo.

Spring Invasives Removal at Kus-kus-sum

We are looking for volunteers to assist us with our first weeding event of the spring at Kus-kus-sum to keep the invasives at bay and help our native plants flourish!

Education Program Feature – Spring 2025

Over the last eight years, Project Watershed has been developing and running our Keeping It Living Education Program to educate youth about their environment and connect them with its stewardship.

Forage Fish Symposium and CFFN AGM

The Coastal Forage Fish Network is hosting their Annual Spring symposium via zoom on April 23, 2025, from 6:00-8:00 pm. It will be followed by an AGM. This gathering brings together researchers, experts and community science volunteers to share forage fish research highlights and from across Vancouver Island and beyond.