Thanks to funding from the Islands Coastal Economic Trust and Tourism Vancouver Island, a new multifunctional and adaptable parklet has been completed in Downtown Courtenay.

The parklet is installed next to the Courtenay & District Museum on vacant property at 243-4th Street. The Courtenay & District Historical Society holds a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Courtenay for the property for proposed museum expansion in the future. In the meantime, the temporary parklet turns this vacant land into a community gathering spot.

This new flexible outdoor area allows locals and visitors to gather in a central location that can host a range of activities and events including farmer and artisan markets, surrounded by attractive post-and-beam modular seating spaces. The 4th Street Parklet structure includes modular shelters and seating, as well as photos and interpretive signage that express the history and culture of the area. 

The minimalist project design incorporates innovative and sustainable elements with four free-standing cedar and metal bracket cubes attached to recycled wood decking within an aluminum frame. The cubes can be quickly and easily arranged or reassembled in a multitude of different layouts, which can accommodate various users and events.

The 4th Street Parklet project has its roots in the Downtown Courtenay Playbook, which was built through strong community collaboration and engagement. The site is located adjacent to the Courtenay Museum, Native Sons Hall, Sid Williams Theatre, as well as several community-owned businesses, including a café, restaurants and craft brewery. It is also within a short walking distance to many downtown shops, the Puntledge River, and Lewis Park. 

Funding support is provided through the THRIVE Small Capital Program launched in May 2021 by Islands Coastal Economic Trust in collaboration with Tourism Vancouver Island and the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains tourism region to help stimulate and promote vitality in downtowns, main streets, and business districts across the region. The program offers one-stop funding support of up to 100% of eligible project costs, to a maximum of $50,000. 

Project Location: 243 4th Street (in green)