Introducing the new 3-D Model of the Comox Valley Watersheds!

As we in the Comox Valley grapple with the various concerns about protection of our water and habitat, a new project is now completed that will serve as an innovative educational tool. It will be presented to the public on Tuesday July 8, from 2-8 p.m., at an Open House at the Sustainability Centre.

Comox Valley Water Watch has commissioned a landform model that displays the topography, hydrology, environmental and watershed dynamics, as well as the major roads and primary land use features.

The actual land area of the Comox Valley model is approximately 75 kilometers by 50 kilometers, 3750 square kilometers, extending from Oyster River to Deep Bay and Cape Lazo to Strathcona Park. At a horizontal scale of 1 to 40,000, the model is approximately approx. 6.5 feet wide by 4 feet high with a vertical scale of a 2-1 ratio to show more elevation detail.

Trevor Wicks, creative thinker behind Trentec Innovations Ltd. of Qualicum Beach (www.innovationbc.com) has completed and delivered this model to our Valley. Wicks' unique mapping technology has already given shape to similar models for Quadra and Hornby Islands, the Arrowsmith Watershed, and Mt. Washington Ski Resort. Comox Valley Water Watch Coalition has coordinated his work with that of Project Watershed's Don Chamberlain and the Comox Valley Land Trust.

This 3-D land form map is now available for use by schools, organizations, governments and others, so that we may all be better informed of what our watershed looks like, and how it is impacted by changing weather patterns, current forestry practices, recreational uses, development, and naturally occurring and man-made habitat modifications.

Everyone interested in watershed protection is welcome to attend this premiere event on Tuesday July 8 between 2 and 8 p.m. The Sustainability Centre is located at #5 - 478 5th Street (near Fitzgerald) in Courtenay, upstairs above the Golden Carriage Restaurant. We hope to see you there!