This heavy, floating concrete dock remains wedged in the shoreline near Shady Rest Pub & Restaurant. (submitted photo)

By Ian Holmes

clean-up

Locals plan to remove shoreline hazard in Qualicum Beach

Dec 13, 2025 | 5:51 AM

QUALICUM BEACH — A community-led effort is underway to dispose of an unusual and unwelcome addition to the pristine shoreline of Qualicum Beach.

Qualicum Beach Streamkeepers president David James said for over a year a large 1,200 pound styrofoam-filled concrete dock structure has been on the beach near Grandon Creek.

James said they fear the block, currently lodged into the beach, will be washed away.

“Those are microplastics that are ingested by birds, by fish and we would really like that to not happen,” James told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Volunteers with Qualicum Beach Streamkeepers size up how to remove a large concrete dock. (submitted photo)

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Discussions have been held with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, along with B.C. government officials on the best way to remove the structure.

James said significant local support from the private sector has emerged, with contractors offering to help remove the 25-foot long, by four-foot high dock.

“We’ve already had contact with a couple of groups saying ‘perhaps we can work with you in the future.’ So, perhaps when it happens again, there will be this natural informal network who can work together and resolve the issues.”

According to James, B.C.’s Ministry of Environment and Parks stipulated the dock must be removed from the beach by Feb. 15.

Aside from concerns to wildlife associated with the Styrofoam pellets, James said the structure could easily drift back out to sea, which would be an obvious navigational hazard.

“As a boater, that’s the last thing I would want to hit if it were to slide in a king tide, to take off again and start to move out into the ocean.”

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