Section IX Map: Royston #81-90
This region stretches from the mouth of the Trent River to Union Bay and includes the Gartley
Point community. This region is comprised of well-established residential communities that contain
standard-sized lots and single-family dwellings and larger residential lots off Highway 19A. The
foreshore consists of cobble and grassy, marsh-like beaches with slight to moderate sloped banks.
Much of the foreshore region is licensed for aquaculture.
Category 2 (Requires Signage): 84
Category 3 (Potential Improvements): 85, 87, 90
Category 4 (Self-Sufficient): 81
Category 5 (No Recommended Improvements): 82, 83, 86, 88, 89
206
Section IX - Royston #81-90: Analysis
ROW Category In Use Not In
Use
81
4
✗
82
5
✗
83
5
84
2
✗
85
3
✗
86
5
✗
87
3
✗
88
5
✗
89
5
✗
90
3
✗
✗
Management Issues
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Sensitive ecosystem
Garbage (old shopping carts in ROW)
Sensitive ecosystem
Aquaculture license
ROW not distinguished as pubilc
Driveway access
Encroachment (garden and design of
driveway gives impression ROW is
private)
ROW not distinguished as public
Driveway access
Aquaculture license
Not distinguished as public property
ROW not distinguished as public
Litter on foreshore and in ROW
Aquaculture license
Heavily used access in summer months
Driveway access/undeveloped (forest)
Aquaculture License
Encroachment (lawn and landscaping)
Not distinguished as public
Recommendation
None
None
None
Improve with ‘beach access’
signage and possibly
develop a parking area (long
term)
Outhouse, garbage bin, dog
bags
None
Build trail and possibly
stairs and post ‘beach
access’ signage
Driveway access/undeveloped (forest) None
Not distinguished as public
Driveway access/undeveloped (forest) None
Not distinguished as public
Driveway access/undeveloped (forest) Develop a designated trail
Not distinguished as public
and post ‘beach access’
signage
207
Carey Place #81
ROW is characterized by an estuary environment that provides a walking trail through tall grasses
leading to the cobble foreshore. There are interesting plants and wildlife to observe along this
peaceful trail.
Figure 81b: View of ROW from Carey
Figure 81a: Location of ROW
FIgure 81d: Forshore
Figure 81e: Trail through
estuary
Figure 81c: View of Estuary
Figure 81f: Trent River
208
Beach Accessibility
Facilities
Parking
Carey Place #81: Foreshore & ROW Characteristics
Easy
None
End of Carey Place (undesignated)
Signage
Public/Private Interface
Description of ROW
Driveway Access
Width of ROW
Users of ROW
Beach Type
Backshore
Use of Beach
Nearby Creek or River
Sensitive Ecosystem
Encroachment
Hazards
Connection to Parks
Nearby Accessible Beach
Access
Management Issues
Category
• ‘Don’t let dog chase shorebirds’ - Ministry of Environment
• ‘Danger: Shellfish Area Closed’ - DFO
Due to signage ROW is distinguished as public property
• Marsh/estuary environment
• Trail through tall grass leads to foreshore
None
Standard
• Neighbourhood residents
• Fishermen
Cobble marsh
• Wide backshore consisting of grasses, native shore plants, alders, wild
rose, conifers, and fruit trees
• Trent River flows into foreshore
Wildlife viewing, walking, fishing
Trent River - confirmed fish presence (mouth located at Carey Place)
• Riparian #S1199A (secondary ecosystem: marsh)
• Wetland #S66003 (primary ecosystem:marsh)
• Within 200 m eagle buffer (E106--38 & E106-161)
Old grocery carts abandoned within ROW
None observed
None
• 1 km east to ROW #82
• 2 km north to ROW #81
• Sensitive ecosystem
• Litter in ROW
4 (Self-Sustaining): ROW is signed and serves purpose of providing
public access to the foreshore.
209
Gartley Point Road #82
This ROW provides an unsigned, grassy (partially gravel) footpath that leads to the cobble foreshore.
On the neighbouring property there is a signed, private, gravel footpath which crosses a decorative
bridge and leads to the other side of the bay. According to neighbours, the owner of the private
path allows residents to use his/her trail for accessing the foreshore.
Figure 82b: View of ROW from end of
Gartley Point Road
Figure 82a: Location of ROW
Figure 82d: Trail to foreshore
FIgure 82c: Bridge on private property
Figure 82e: Grass/marsh
Figure 82f: Grass/marsh
210
Gartley Point Road #82: Foreshore & ROW Characteristics
Beach Accessibility
Moderate
Facilities
None
Parking
End of ROW Gartley Point Rd (undesignated)
Signage
Public/Private Interface
Description of ROW
Driveway Access
Width of ROW
Users of ROW
Beach Type
Backshore
Use of Beach
Nearby Creek or River
Sensitive Ecosystem
Encroachment
Hazards
Connection to Parks
Nearby Accessible Beach
Access
Management Issues
Category
• ‘Attention Anglers: Release Unharmed Trout’ – Trouts Unlimited
• ‘Private Property’ sign marking private, gravel trail that goes over
private bridge and leads to foreshore
ROW is not distinguishable as public property due to lack of signage.
• Paved road ending at marsh area.
• On left side of road there is a well-maintained, gravel footpath
(stating: “respect private property”) which leads to estuary/foreshore
and on right side of road there is an unsigned, grassy footpath
surrounded by marsh and forest (which is the public access point).
According to neighbours, owner of private trail/bridge allows the
public onto his/her trail for accessing the estuary
None
Standard
• Neighbourhood residents
• Fishermen
Cobble marsh
Seagrass, driftwood, wild rose, maples, alders, conifers
• Walking, fishing
• Marine Invertebrates Aquaculture #109850
Trent River - confirmed fish presence (mouth located at Carey Place)
• Wetland #S1198A (primary ecosystem: marsh)
• Sparsley vegetated ecosystem (secondary ecosystem - coastal sand
dune)
None observed
None observed
None
• 500 metres south to ROW #84
• 1 km west to ROW #81
• Sensitive ecosystem: marsh & dune
• Aquaculture licenses
5 (No Improvements Recommended): ROW serves purpose of
providing local residents with access to the foreshore.
211
Dawn Road #83
This ROW is not signed and is being used as a private driveway for adjacent properties. The section
of the ROW closest to the foreshore has been landscaped with grass, further making the ROW
appear private. The beach is a sensitive ecosystem (marsh and sand dune).
Figure 83b: View of ROW from Gartley
Point Rd
Figure 83a: Location of ROW
Figure 83c: ROW is used as driveway
access and appears private
Figure 83d: Encroachment
(landscaping)
212
Beach Accessibility
Facilities
Parking
Dawn Road #83: Foreshore & ROW Characteristics
Difficult/no access
None
Shoulder of Gartley Point Road (undesignated)
Signage
Public/Private Interface
Description of ROW
Driveway Access
Width of ROW
Users of ROW
Beach Type
Backshore
Use of Beach
Sensitive Ecosystem
Nearby Creek or River
Encroachment
Hazards
Connection to Parks
Nearby Accessible Beach
Access
Management Issues
Category
None
ROW is not distinguished as public property because it has been
landscaped and blends in with surrounding private residences.
• ROW acts as driveway access for neighbouring properties
• ROW has been landscaped with gardens and grass
Yes
Standard
Not in use
Cobble marsh
• Lawn extends to foreshore
• seagrass and native shore plants along backshore area
• Walking at low tide, fishing
• Marine Invertebrates Aquaculture #109850
• Wetland #S1198A (primary ecosystem: marsh)
• Sparsley vegetated ecosystem (secondary ecosystem - coastal sand
dune)
Trent River - confirmed fish presence (mouth located at Carey Place)
None observed
None observed
None
• 155 metres south to ROW #84
• 342 metres north to ROW #82
• Maintaining and/or developing public beach access on ROWs that
provide driveway access to adjacent properties
• Sensitive Ecosystem
• Acquaculture License
• ROW not distinguished as public property
5 (No Improvements Recommended): Driveways encroaching on ROW
make public access challenging. Due to fairly well-developed public
access in this area, improvements may not be needed in immediate future.
213
Bartel Road #84
This ROW is located on an unsigned road off of Gartley Point Road. The ROW appears private and
is used to access 3 driveways (one house is under construction). At the access point there is a small
pocket of sand and cobble while the rest of the beach is a grasses.
Figure 84b: View of ROW from Gartley
Point Rd
Figure 84a: Location of ROW
Figure 84c: View of foreshore (looking
south)
Figure 84d: Marsh
environment
Figure 84e: Foreshore
214
Bartel Road #84: Foreshore & ROW Characteristics
Beach Accessibility
Difficult
Facilities
None
Parking
• Shoulder of Gartley Point Road (undesignated).
• Potential for parking at end of ROW
Signage
None
Public/Private Interface ROW is not distinguished as public property due to lack of signage and
poorly defined private property lines
Description of ROW
• Gravel Road providing driveway access for 3 neighbouring residential
properties
• Path through tall grass leads to marsh foreshore
Driveway Access
Yes
Width of ROW
Standard
Users of ROW
• Neighbourhood residents
• Fishermen
Beach Type
Cobble, gravel marsh
Backshore
Seagrass, native shore plants, wild rose
Use of Beach
• Marine invertebrates aquaculture #109850
• Walking, possibly a canoe/kayak launch, fishing
Nearby Creek or River
Trent River - confirmed fish presence (mouth located at Carey Place)
Sensitive Ecosystem
None
Encroachment
An oceanfront house is being built. This could lead to encroachment
(cars parked within ROW, storage within ROW, etc.)
Hazards
None observed
Connection to Parks
None
Nearby Accessible Beach • 190 metres south to ROW #85
Access
• 345 metres north to ROW #83
Management Issues
• Foreshore is used for aquaculture
• Maintaining and/or developing public beach access on ROWs that
provide driveway access to adjacent properties
• ROW not distinguished as public property
Category
2 (Requires Signage): A ‘public access’ sign would clarify that this ROW
is public property.
215
Gartley Road #85
This ROW is located at the end of Gartley Road and provides a gravel road and parking area. The
cobble beach has a sandy strip along the shoreline that provides a nice path for walking. This is a
popular beach for swimming in the summer and launching canoes/kayaks when the tide is high.
FIgure 85b: View of parking area
Figure 85a: Location of ROW
Figure 85d: Backshore
Figure 85e: Backshore
Figure 85c: View of ROW from
foreshore
Figure 85f: Foreshore
216
Gartley Road #85: Foreshore & ROW Characteristics
Beach Accessibility
Easy
Facilities
None
Parking
Designated (angled) parking within ROW
Signage
Public/Private Interface
Description of ROW
Driveway Access
Width of ROW
Users of ROW
Beach Type
Backshore
Use of Beach
Sensitive Ecosystem
Encroachment
Hazards
Connection to Parks
Nearby Accessible Beach
Access
Management Issues
Category
• ‘No Camping or Overnight Parking' -MOTI
ROW is distinguished as public property due to signage, clearly marked
property lines, and developed, gravel road.
• Gravel Road ending at foreshore
• ROW is surrounded by residential properties on either side
• Popular beach access
None
Standard
• Residents from throughout Comox Valley
• Fishermen
Cobble & sand
Sea grass, native shore plants, driftwood
• Swimming, canoe/kayak launch at high tide, fishing
• Marine Invertebrates Aquaculture #109850
Within 200 m eagle buffer (E106-039, E106-036)
Litter within ROW and along foreshore
None observed
None
• 1600 metres south to ROW #90
• 190 metres north to ROW #84
• Garbage/litter on ROW and foreshore
• Aquaculture License
3 (Potential Improvements): This site would benefit from a garbage bin,
dog bags, and an outhouse to facilitate heavy use in summer months.
The ‘Adopt a Beach Access’ concept may be useful for this site.
217
Slanley Road #86
This ROW consists of an unsigned road off of Highway 19A that acts as a driveway access for two
neighbouring residential properties. ROW does not provide access to the beach.
Figure 86b: View of ROW (near
foreshore)
Figure 86a: Location of ROW
Figure 86d: View of ROW
from Hwy 19A
Figure 86e: Foreshore
Figure 86c: View of ROW from
foreshore
Figure 86f: Backshore
218
Slanley Road #86: Foreshore & ROW Characteristics
Beach Accessibility
No access/undeveloped
Facilities
None
Parking
Shoulder of Highway 19A (undesignated)
Signage
Public/Private Interface
Description of ROW
Driveway Access
Width of ROW
Users of ROW
Beach Type
Backshore
Use of Beach
Sensitive Ecosystem
Nearby Creek or River
Encroachment
Hazards
Connection to Parks
Nearby Accessible Beach
Access
Management Issues
Category
None
ROW is not distinguished as public property due to undeveloped nature
of ROW, lack of signage and because it appears that ROW is being used
as a private driveway.
ROW appears to be in use as a driveway, which consists of a paved road
that branches off to adjacent properties. ROW does not provide access
to foreshore.
Yes
Standard
Not in use as beach access
Cobble and gravel
• Seagrass, native shore plants, and driftwood along shore
• Conifers, wild rose, maples, and alders growing along shoreline
• Marine invertebrates aquaculture #109850
• Fishing
Within 200 m eagle buffer zone (E106-039, E106-036)
Copeman Creek (CVRD #18611) - confirmed fish presence (mouth
located between ROW #87 & #88)
None observed
None observed
None
• 1.2 km south to ROW #90
• 290 metres north to ROW #85
• Maintaining and/or developing public beach access on ROWs that
provide driveway access to adjacent properties
• Aquaculture license
5 (No Improvements Recommended): This ROW would be challenging
to improve for public access because it also provides driveway access.
Could be signed in future if demand for beach access in area increases.
219
Loor Road #87
This ROW consists of an unsigned road off of Highway 19A that becomes a private roadway that
provides driveway access for neighbouring residential properties. ROW does not provide access to
the beach and is landscaped, making it blend in with surrounding private properties.
Figure 87b: View of ROW from Hwy
19A
Figure 87a: Location of ROW
Figure 87d: Landscaped ROW
Figure 87e: View of
foreshore
Figure 87c: Landscaped bank
FIgure 87f: View of ROW
220
Beach Accessibility
Facilities
Parking
Loor Road #87: Foreshore & ROW Characteristics
No access
None
Shoulder of Highway 19A (undesignated)
Signage
Public/Private Interface
Description of ROW
Driveway Access
Width of ROW
Users of ROW
Beach Type
Backshore
Use of Beach
Nearby Creek or River
Sensitive Ecosystem
Encroachment
Hazards
Connection to Parks
Nearby Accessible Beach
Access
Management Issues
Category
None
ROW is not distinguished as public property due to landscaping (grass,
tress, and shrubs) that creates the impression that ROW is private
property
• ROW is located off of Highway 19A between residential properties.
• ROW slopes down towards water
• ROW has been landscaped by neighbouring property owners and
does not provide access to the foreshore
ROW becomes private roadway that provides access to neighbouring
properties
Standard
Not in use as beach access
Gravel and shell cove
• Neighbours grass stretches right to foreshore
• Little vegetation along shore
Walking, swimming, fishing
Copeman Creek (CVRD #18611) - confirmed fish presence (mouth
located between ROW #87 & #88)
None
Landscaping within ROW
None observed
None
• 1 km south to ROW #90
• 575 metres northto ROW #85
• Maintaining and/or developing public beach access on ROWs that
provide driveway access to adjacent properties
• Encroachment
3 (Potential Improvements): This ROW could be improved with a trail
and possibly stairs leading to the foreshore. Signage would be essential
in order to distinguish the ROW as public property.
221
St. Lima Road #88
This undeveloped ROW is located off of Highway 19A and does not provide public access to the
foreshore. To determine the exact location of the ROW, a survey would need to be conducted. It
appears that the ROW is acting as a driveway for neighbouring properties.
Figure 88b: View of ROW from Hwy
19A
Figure 88a: Location of ROW
Figure 88d: Driveway possibly
part of ROW
Figure 88e: Backshore
Figure 88c: Backshore
Figure 88f: View of shoreline
222
St. Lima Road #88: Foreshore & ROW Characteristics
Beach Accessibility
No access
Facilities
None
Parking
Shoulder of Highway 19A (undesignated)
Signage
Public/Private Interface
Description of ROW
Driveway Access
Width of ROW
Users of ROW
Beach Type
Backshore
Use of Beach
Nearby Creek or River
Sensitive Ecosystem
Encroachment
Hazards
Connection to Parks
Nearby Accessible Beach
Access
Management Issues
Category
None
ROW is not distinguished as public property due to undeveloped nature
of ROW and because it appears that ROW is being used to access
neighbouring properties.
ROW is possibly being used as driveway for neighbouring properties.
Exact location of ROW would require a survey or discussion with
neighbours
Possibly
Narrow
Not in use as beach access
Cobble and gravel
seagrass, native shore plants, and driftwood
Walking, fishing
Copeman Creek (CVRD #18611) - confirmed fish presence (mouth
located between ROW #87 & #88)
Within 200 m eagle buffer (E106-035)
None observed
None observed
None
• 700 metres south to ROW #90
• 306 metres north to ROW #87
• Location of ROW needs to be confirmed
• Maintaining and/or developing public beach access on ROWs that
provide driveway access to adjacent properties
5 (No Improvements Recommended): This ROW would be challenging
to improve for public access because it appears to be encroached
on by two driveways. Consider in future as demand for access increases.
223
Deller Road #89
This undeveloped ROW is located off of Highway 19A and does not provide public access to the
foreshore. To determine the exact location of the ROW, a survey would need to be conducted. It
appears that the ROW is acting as a driveway for neighbouring properties.
Figure 89b: Ivy within ROW
Figure 89a: Location of ROW
224
Beach Accessibility
Facilities
Parking
Deller Road #89: Foreshore & ROW Characteristics
No access
None
Shoulder of Highway 19A (undesignated)
Signage
Public/Private Interface
Description of ROW
Driveway Access
Width of ROW
Users of ROW
Beach Type
Backshore
Use of Beach
Nearby Creek or River
Sensitive Ecosystem
Encroachment
Hazards
Connection to Parks
Nearby Accessible Beach
Access
Management Issues
Category
None
ROW is not distinguished as public property due to undeveloped nature
of ROW and because it appears that ROW is being used to access
adjacent properties.
ROW is possibly being used as driveway for neighbouring properties.
Exact location of ROW would require a survey or discussion with
neighbours
Possibly
Narrow
Not in use as beach access
Cobble and gravel
seagrass, native shore plants, and driftwood
Fishing, walking
Copeman Creek (CVRD #18611) - confirmed fish presence (mouth
located between ROW #87 & #88)
None
None observed
None observed
None
• 700 metres south to ROW #90
• 306 metres north to ROW #87
• Location of ROW needs to be confirmed
• Maintaining and/or developing public beach access on ROWs that
provide driveway access to adjacent properties
5 (No Improvements Recommended): This ROW would be challenging
to improve for public access because it appears to be encroached on by
two driveways. Consider in future as demand for beach access increases.
225
Ebbtide Road #90
This undeveloped ROW is located off of Highway 19A and does not provide public access to the
foreshore. To determine the exact location of the ROW, a survey would need to be conducted. It
appears that part of ROW is acting as a driveway for neighbouring properties.
Figure 90b: View of ROW from Hwy
19A
Figure 90a: Location of ROW
Figure 90d: Grass/cobble
beach
Figure 90c: View of backshore
Figure 90e: ROW possibly being
used as driveway access
Figure 90f: Foreshore access
point
226
Ebbtide Road #90: Foreshore & ROW Characteristics
Beach Accessibility
Difficult/no access - visitors must walk down driveway in order to
reach foreshore
Facilities
None
Parking
Shoulder of Highway 19A (undesignated)
Signage
Public/Private Interface
Description of ROW
Driveway Access
Width of ROW
Users of ROW
Beach Type
Backshore
Use of Beach
Nearby Creek or River
Sensitive Ecosystem
Encroachment
Hazards
Connection to Parks
Nearby Accessible Beach
Access
Management Issues
Category
None
ROW is not distinguished as public property because it is not developed
as a beach access. Exact location of ROW would require a survey or
discussion with neighbours
Undeveloped forest or driveway access for neighbouring properties
Possibly
Stanard
Not in use as beach access
Cobble and boulders with grassy shoreline
seagrass, native shore plants
This grass and cobble beach is not ideal for recreation
Beacon Creek (CVRD #16282)- unconfirmed fish presence (mouth
located at ROW #92)
• Wetland #S1260 (primary ecosystem: marsh)
• Within 200 m eagle buffer (E106-034)
Would require survey to confirm
None observed
None
• 345 metres south to ROW #92
• 1.6 km north to ROW #85
• Sensitive ecosystem
• Trespassing required in order to access beach
• Maintaining and/or developing public beach access on ROWs that
provide driveway access to adjacent properties
• Location of ROW needs to be confirmed
3 (Potential Improvements): Develop a designated trail for accessing the
foreshore and post signage.
227