The City of Courtenay is celebrating the completion of McPhee Meadows, a new 11.8-acre (4.78-hectare) natural park. This milestone marks the official opening of a new riverside loop trail through the meadow.
“McPhee Meadows honours Robert McPhee’s generosity and vision by preserving natural space and history in our community,” said Mayor Bob Wells. “This park is a peaceful, restorative place for our community today, and will continue to be for generations to come.”
In 2011, the late Robert McPhee donated this land to the City of Courtenay and The Nature Trust of British Columbia through Canada’s Ecological Gifts Program. His gift guaranteed that the site would be protected as a public wetland park.
After years of planning and community input, construction began in spring 2025. Improvements include new access, removal of invasive species, replanting of native species, creation of a new loop trail and repairs to the orchard fence.
The park opening was celebrated on October 23, 2025, with members of the McPhee family in attendance.
McPhee Meadows offers a different kind of park experience. Rather than playgrounds or sports fields, it highlights natural features and quiet recreation. Visitors can walk the meadow trail, birdwatch and explore the heritage orchard. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leash at all times. To protect sensitive habitat, there is no public river access.
The park entrance is at 3rd Street and Harmston Avenue in the Old Orchard neighbourhood.
For more information, visit courtenay.ca/mcphee-meadows.
Fast facts
Phase 1 was completed with oversight from arborists and registered biologists, it includes:
- Removing 8,000 m2 of invasive plants and replacing them with native species
- Creating a gravel loop path through the meadow, with culverts to ensure year-round access
- Connecting the sidewalk at 3rd Street and Harmston Avenue
- Resurfacing the existing access path and adding a fence
- Replacing the orchard fence