Kus-kus-sum Restoration Plans 2022

The restoration of the Kus-kus-sum site is being carried out in three phases. Phase I of the restoration, removal of the hard surfacing, has been completed and we are now in Phase II. This year, we will survey in the new shoreline and the new elevations for the site. We will then begin excavating down to these elevations. Excavation and earthworks will be carried out by Leighton Contracting Ltd., a K’omoks Economic Development Corporation joint venture partner.

Some of the excavated soils will be used on site, however, the bulk of them will be transported offsite. We are working closely with TerraWest to makes sure all soils are handled appropriately. Most of the soils have been found to be within compliance levels (deemed not contaminated) and can be reused. Any contaminated soils will be moved to a permitted handling facility and reviewed by a 3rd party CSAP (contaminated sites approved professional).

The Restoration Map illustrates our plans. There will be a salt marsh bench (teal) along the site as well as an island (green) with a deep pool (dark blue) behind it to the south. The upland terrestrial area will be filled with gravel, capped with topsoil and re-vegetated. ​The brown line on the map denotes a berm that we will be created along Comox Road to protect it from flood events.

The restoration design was developed in partnership with Northwest Hydraulic Consultants. Highlights include:

• • • • • A raised salt marsh island feature with trees
        • A deep pond in the south end of the site providing deep water refuge for fish
        • Various elevations throughout the site supporting various vegetation types
        • Complex intertidal channels to provide refuge for fish

After the site is re-graded, re-contoured and the soil is amended, the area will be re-vegetated with native plant species. The Hollyhock flats area adjacent to the south end of the site will be used as a planting template.

Elevation plays a large role in the selection of plants and the locations they will be planted to accommodate the rising and falling tides. Due to this tidal influence we will be planting salt marsh species, which are salt tolerant, below the shoreline. Above the shoreline in the green area on the map, we will be panting native trees and shrubs. As we will be recreating a natural streamside or riparian area the final result will look similar to the cross section shown on this page.

In the third and final phase, the metal sheet piling will be removed, re-connecting the site back to the Courtenay River.​ The removal of the wall will occur from the river. A barge carrying an excavator with a special attachment will be moved up river during an appropriately high tide. The excavator will vibrate the panels of the wall loose and they will be transported away to be recycled. The timing of this phase of the project will depend on factors such the completion of our soil stabilization measures, the fisheries window and tide windows.

We are interested in developing a Courtenay River-Hollyhock Channel in the future, however, that will be a stand alone project that may occur later when funds are available.

For more information about the Kus-kus-sum Project click the link below!