Comox acquires land to establish ‘Newson Family Nature Park’ on Balmoral Avenue

The Town of Comox has announced a land acquisition of approximately 2.6-hectares that will be used for a new public park and green space.

This new park will be named the “Newson Family Nature Park,” and will be located at 1413 Balmoral Avenue. The Town will take possession of the property on March 1st. 

A stone masonry base with an anchor and plaque to honour the Newson/Fairbairn family history will be placed where the property’s house stood upon the demolition of the home. 

The Newson family has deep ties to the region that goes back for four generations. 

The Town also noted that a labyrinth monument will be installed on the property, some of the dahlia gardens will be preserved, memorial trees will be planted and dedicated benches will be implemented. 

“Parks and open spaces are an important part of our community,” said Comox Mayor Nicole Minions. 

“We know this property will be a space for people to gather and enjoy the outdoors in a place that preserves the family’s legacy.”

Mayor Minions noted that the park’s location will provide adjacent access to Brooklyn Creek, Macdonald Wood and Mack Laing. 

Richelle Newson also commented on the park being named after her kin, saying that the land on which the park will stand will preserve her family’s legacy appropriately.

“Both of our parents, George and Kella-Lee Newson, embodied a spirit of caring, generosity, and service to our family and wider community,” said Newson. 

“For generations before us, this land has been a welcoming and meaningful place of gathering and a safe harbour for all. We are grateful to the partnership and collaboration of the Town of Comox to ensure that this land will be enjoyed and preserved for all the people of the Comox Valley for years to come.” 

The new Newson park was bought using $3.84 million in previously collected Development Cost Charges (DCCs) meant to help the Town expand its parkland. The purchase will have no implication on residents or property taxes. 

The Town says that over the next six months, the property will be closed to the public while the home’s structure is demolished. 

The public can anticipate gaining access to the new park in the fall.