The derelict concrete dock known locally as the “Block of Doom” which had rested on the Qualicum Beach waterfront for over a year, was successfully removed this week. The structure was cut into three sections, carefully lifted by heavy equipment and transported by truck to the Regional District of Nanaimo Regional Landfill on Cedar Road, where it will be responsibly repurposed.
The dock is believed to have drifted ashore after breaking free from an unknown location along the coast. Weighing an estimated ten tons, and filled with Styrofoam for flotation, it posed a significant risk of tipping and releasing plastic debris onto the shoreline – threatening sensitive coastal habitats and wildlife.
Qualicum Beach Streamkeepers were particularly concerned about the proximity of the dock to the outlet of Grandon Creek, a healthy salmon-bearing stream. Recognizing the potential impacts on water quality and fish habitat, the group mobilized community support, raising over $10,000 from dozens of contributors. Major donors included the Fanny Bay Salmonid Enhancement Society, the Coastal Community Credit Union and the Parksville Lions Club. They also secured federal and provincial permits to have the dock removed with minimal environmental impact.
The project was carried out by Parksville Heavy Equipment under the environmental oversight of D.R. Clough and Associates, with support from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Town of Qualicum Beach and the Regional District of Nanaimo.