FAQs - McPhee Meadows
Questions
- Who owns the land?
- What is the size of the park?
- How will the public access the park?
- Will there be an off-leash area, dog park, disc golf course or playground?
- When will the park be completed and open?
- Will dogs be allowed at McPhee Meadows?
- What is planned for the park?
- Will there be public river access?
- Will the park meet accessibility standards?
Answers
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Who owns the land?
In 2011, the City of Courtenay and Nature Trust BC jointly received an 11.8-acre (4.78 hectare) land donation, now referred to as McPhee Meadows.
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What is the size of the park?
McPhee Meadows is 11.8-acre (4.78 hectare), representing more than 20 per cent of the potential 2.6-kilometre Puntledge River Greenway proposed in the Official Community Plan.
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How will the public access the park?
The site remains closed to the public until construction is complete. Once work is complete, access will be from the corner of 3rd Street and Harmston Avenue via a sloped gravel trail.
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Will there be an off-leash area, dog park, disc golf course or playground?
No. Under the terms of the Ecological Gift Program and the donor’s wishes, the site must preserve its natural and ecological values. These types of amenities are not permitted.
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When will the park be completed and open?
Construction is scheduled to begin in summer 2025. The park is expected to open in fall 2025.currently estimated to begin in 2025.
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Will dogs be allowed at McPhee Meadows?
Yes, dogs are permitted but must be leashed and under control at all times, in accordance with the City’s Animal Control Bylaw.
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What is planned for the park?
Phase 1 focuses on preserving and restoring the natural wetland area. Work includes resurfacing the existing access path, building a gravel loop trail, installing a new orchard fence and improving the sidewalk connection at 3rd Street and Harmston Avenue.
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Will there be public river access?
No. To protect sensitive ecosystems and native vegetation, there will be no river access from McPhee Meadows.
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Will the park meet accessibility standards?
The current 12-15 per cent grade does not meet accessibility standards. The City explored modifying the grade to eight per cent, as recommended in the B.C. Active Transportation Design Guide. However, geotechnical studies showed that altering the slope would create safety risks. As a result, the entrance will remain as is, and the City regrets that a fully accessible solution isn’t feasible at this time.