Shingle Spit Boat Launch

Background / Timeline

• Timeline

  • 2023
    • Funding was secured to design and construct a new launch at Shingle Spit. In 2024, the CVRD is focused on design, permitting and community engagement. Early discussions and meetings with an ad hoc Boat Launch Committee on Hornby have helped develop the design below. Construction for the boat launch is scheduled to take place in August 2025, with dates to be determined.
  • May 22, 2024
    • CVRD Parks staff and Cascara Engineering hosted an open house to provide updates on the Shingle Spit Boat Launch design and seeking feedback from the community.
  • August 7, 2025
    • Construction began for the much-anticipated new Shingle Spit Boat Launch. Demolition will begin this week (August 7 onwards) with installation of the new pilings beginning the following week and into late August. The project is expected to be completed by mid-September, barring any delays or weather impacts.

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  • September 25, 2025
    • Construction continues at Shingle Spit as crews are making good progress. Due to the tide schedule and timing for pouring and curing of four tranches of precast concrete deck tiles, the updated launch date is expected for mid-November. Some night work may be required due to tides, however the majority of the remaining work will be completed during daytime hours.
  • October 30, 2025
    • In order to remain on schedule and utilize the low tide window, night construction work at Shingle Spit Boat Launch will be taking place on Wednesday, November 5 (beginning at 11:30pm) and November 6. It’s possible further night work may occur on November 7 and 8 (possibly into Nov 9), but that will be dependent on the success of the work completed earlier in the week.
  • December 1, 2025
    • CVRD staff continue to work with the project engineer and construction crews to complete the new Shingle Spit Boat Launch. On December 4 and 5, crews will be on-site to complete the remaining work when the tides are low. At that point, the ramp will be in suitable condition for community members to retrieve their boats on Sunday, December 7 (as there is work being completed at Tribune Bay Campground on December 6 so the boat ramp will not be accessible).
    • Should community members need to retrieve their boats prior to December 7, they can use the Bill Mee Boat Ramp on Denman Island and the CVRD will reimburse them for their costs.
    • Staff have heard concerns from the community about the design of the new boat launch, specifically the abutment ramp which makes it difficult for trailers to back in from the south side. As a result, the project engineer and staff will be meeting with community members to discuss the best path forward in making sure boat launch access is as functional as possible. The date for the community meeting has yet to be determined, but the plan is to have it around mid-December. More updates will be coming (including the proposed community meeting) next week.
  • December 29, 2025
    • Construction crews have completed the outstanding work remaining on Shingle Spit Boat Launch to the design specifications. Residents and community members should now be able to use the ramp as intended.
    • There have been some concerns voiced about the difficulty to back into the ramp from the south side. While these concerns are valid, there were some design considerations that had to be made based on the location and limited space by the ramp.
    • Initially there was a plan to have an on-site meeting with the community in mid-December, however the contractor was required to address the deficiency list prior to any design discussions. Also, recent construction being completed at Tribune Bay Campground has made certain portions around the boat launch difficult to assess alternative options. Therefore, the CVRD and its contractors will look to have the on-site meeting in the new year to give the Tribune Bay Campground construction an opportunity to be completed and the surrounding barge area restored. Possible meeting dates will be provided in the coming weeks to ensure a time that best suits everyone.
  • February 6, 2026
    • We have heard your concerns about the Shingle Spit Boat Launch and appreciate your insight and patience. As a result, CVRD staff and our Project Engineer will be hosting an on-site meeting on March 4 at 12:00 pm when the tide is low and possible to view the majority of the ramp. If you are unable to make it, please send your inquiries to communityservices@comoxvalleyrd.ca and your feedback will be recorded for review. Thank you again for your patience and cooperation!
  • April 9, 2026
    • Thank you to everyone who took the time to attend the on-site meeting in early March to discuss challenges with the newly completed boat launch. Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) staff are working on modifications to the site, specifically the removal or severe reduction of the concrete boarding float ramp and modifying the top section of the boarding float. These two changes should greatly improve access to the ramp from the south side. Staff are engaging contractors to discuss project scope, receive quotes, and determine timelines for work. Construction is expected to be completed in May 2026.
    • The CVRD will provide a more detailed update on the final modifications and timeline for construction as soon as we have that information. Thank you again for your continued patience and collaboration on this project!
  • April 24, 2026
    • Thank you to everyone who took the time to attend the on-site meeting in early March to discuss challenges with the newly completed boat launch. Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) staff are working on modifications to the site, specifically the removal or severe reduction of the concrete boarding float ramp and modifying the top section of the boarding float. These two changes should greatly improve access to the ramp from the south side.
    • Staff are finalizing plans with a contractor to confirm project scope and determine a specific timeline for the work to be completed. Construction is expected to be completed in early June 2026.
    • The CVRD will provide a more detailed update on the final modifications and timeline for construction as soon as we have that information finalized. Thank you again for your continued patience and collaboration on this project!