Ronna-Rae Leonard, MLA for Courtenay-Comox has unveiled a new artistic design for the provincial fossil emblem, the elasmosaur. 

鈥淭he designation of the elasmosaur fossil as a provincial emblem was so exciting for our community,鈥� said Leonard. 鈥淭his new artwork from local K鈥櫭砿oks artist Andy Everson is another step in recognizing the importance of this fossil in our local history, and I'm looking forward to seeing it recognized across B.C. and beyond.鈥�

Earlier this year the fossil of the Comox Valley, the elasmosaur, was designated the official fossil emblem of the province. This brought the region鈥檚 prehistoric life and the Cretaceous history into the forefront after a private members bill from MLA Leonard was brought forward asking the province for the designation. 

The new artwork comes from K鈥櫭砿oks First Nation artist Andy Everson, the grandson of the late Chief Andy Frank. Everson鈥檚 artwork expresses the artistic traditions of the K鈥櫭砿oks First Nation, on whose lands the fossil was discovered.

The elasmosaur fossils and information are on display at the Courtenay and District Museum and Paleontology Centre.