A special bench carving will be placed in a location at the end of Berwick Road South in Qualicum Beach, between the end of the cul-de-sac and the E&N Railway tracks in the East Village development.
Qualicum Beach council originally agreed to have the bench, created during the carving event ‘Out of the Woods’, hosted by the Qualicum Beach Royal Canadian Legion Branch 76 in 2021, to be installed on the west side of the Visitor Information Centre at the waterfront.
But there were concerns raised about the waterfront locations. They included risk of future storm damage from wave action and woody debris caused by peak tides and storms, and premature weathering of the wood as a result of saltwater spray and and moisture.
READ MORE: Carved bench to be installed on grassy area near Qualicum Beach visitor centre
Staff found the Berwick Road location near the East Village, which was large enough to accommodate the bench, more ideal.
They recommended it to council and pointed out the location posed no risk from damage due to ocean storms; it is near the Legion, the original sponsor for the bench; it would provide added artwork and enhance the gathering area; and provide a rest stop along the trail network.
The bench would be fastened to a new concrete pad and placed in the gravel area between the BC Hydro kiosk and the base of the paved trail leading up to the railway tracks.