As part of the public safety funding announced in the 2016 provincial budget, the Province of B.C. is committing $1.1 million in funding toward a shoreline protection and restoration project in Comox.
This $1.7 million project includes a $600,000 contribution from the Town of Comox. These restorations will reduce flooding and the ongoing foreshore erosion adjacent to the Lazo Road shoreline that, if left unrepaired, will adversely impact the road and utility lines that feed approximately 1,500 customers. More than half of the foreshore in this area has moderate to heavy erosion, mainly due to the wave action of significant winter storm events.
The combined funding will protect critical utility delivery systems for residents and businesses, ensure access and linkages to other communities for local residents, facilitate the construction of a dedicated, safe, multi-use path for cyclists and pedestrians, and protect rare coastal sand dunes and an archeologically sensitive First Nations site.
“This partnership with the Province is proof of how we can improve the quality of life of the citizens of the town and all of the Comox Valley, and these grant funds will enable the Town of Comox to advance a much needed infrastructure project in a cost-effective manner and simultaneously protect the marine ecosystem,” said Comox Mayor Paul Ives.
This project will also provide dedicated beach access points along the shoreline, including wheelchair-accessible beach access. This aligns with the Province’s commitment to decrease barriers, increase accessibility and make B.C. the most progressive province in Canada for people with disabilities by 2024.
“I am very pleased that our government is able to work collaboratively with the Town of Comox to improve the safety and well-being of our citizens,” said Comox Valley MLA Don McRae. “We will continue to improve on delivering public safety and disaster preparedness, and seek more ways to enrich the day-to-day lives of British Columbians.”
–Government of British Columbia
