Nanaimo ... The City of Cob??

Cob Chair Graces China Steps

Sheltered from the rain behind a tarp and still in the process of 'curing' this unique piece of furniture has passersby talking.

Thirsty Camel owner Mr. Goldenblatt thinks this might become something Nanaimo could be known for if the idea catches on. It is a new, yet at the same time ancient method of building which traditionally uses a mixture of clay, sand, straw, water and earth and is similar to adobe.

This particular chair was built over the weekend with the help of about 30 people who were taking part in a cob building workshop. Apparently this chair also incorporates a small amount of horse manure. The aroma from which will disappear as the chair dries out and cures.

In the meantime the chair must be protected from the weather until a weather resistant coating can be applied at a later date.

Apparently the officials at City Hall have given the chair their nod so it looks like it will become a 'talking point' for downtown Nanaimo.

Parksville is known for sandcastles, Chemainus for murals, why not have Nanaimo add Cob to bathtubs to spread our fame?

Take a look next time you are downtown, but don't sit on it, it is not finished yet.

Editor's Note: You have to wonder if the City isn't opening one of those worm cans though. If it is OK to put non-removable seating outside your place of business, it could be interesting to see what appears on downtown sidewalks in the future.