The beach along Frank James Park is now easier to reach and better protected from winter wave erosion, thanks to shoreline restoration work completed this month.
The City of Campbell River Parks Department has continued waterfront restoration done last year in front of the Sybil Andrew Cottage, moving north along Frank James Park to the Highway 19A-Hilchey intersection. Adjustments and re-paving of the seawalk were included in the restoration work.
“The work done by parks staff and our contractors is a great investment to protect the shoreline at this location and improve public beach access,” says Ross Milnthorp, the city’s general manager of parks, recreation and culture. “People visiting this year’s Shoreline Arts Transformations on the Shore carving contest can look forward to some beach time as well.”
The work placed 580 cubic yards (approximately 450 cubic metres) of new gravel along the foreshore, including 250 yards (200 metres) from the Ken Forde boat ramp and 330 yards (250 metres) of gravel from the Big Rock boat ramp, with another 50 yards (40 metres) of special locally sourced fishery rock.
The project was monitored by a qualified environmental professional to ensure the work meets the standards outlined in the city’s agreement with Fisheries and Oceans Canada. The agreement allows the city to maintain both boat ramps by using gravel and driftwood cleared from the ramps to restore locations along the shoreline with a natural beach.
A natural slope improves access to the beach and helps prevent erosion caused by storms to better protect the seawalk, roads, sewer and water lines.
As much native vegetation was salvaged as possible and additional plantings are scheduled for the future. Before the work started, a forage fish specialist sampled the beach to ensure no surf smelt embryos were in the construction zone.
To learn more about foreshore restoration and city foreshore restoration projects, visit the city booth on Ocean’s Day, June 6, at the Maritime Heritage Centre. The city will also restore the shoreline at the base of Rockland Road, south of Ellis Park, and across from Best Western.