Traffic safety

The City of Courtenay is committed to improving road safety for everyone — whether you're walking, cycling, driving or using mobility aids.

We're working on several Initiatives to reduce traffic risks and support active transportation, including:

How you can help

Roads safety is a shared responsibility. Here’s how you can help keep Courtenay’s roads safe:

  • Stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
  • Follow posted speed limits and road signs.
  • Use crosswalks and signals properly.
  • Drive, cycle and walk defensively.

ICBC offers road safety tips, including advice on:

  • Sharing the road with cyclists and pedestrians.
  • Driving in winter conditions.
  • Preventing speeding and distracted driving.

Visit ICBC’s website for details.

Before you travel, check DriveBC for road and weather conditions, including current incidents and planned roadwork.

City road safety improvements

The City of Courtenay is working to improve road safety through projects, including:

  • Upgrading sidewalks, pavement and curbs.
  • Installing traffic calming measures like curb extensions and speed humps.
  • Adding pedestrian safety features such as flashing crosswalk lights.

40 km/h Speed Reduction program

Lower speed limits improve road safety, reduce crash severity and make neighbourhoods more liveable.

The BC Motor Vehicle Act (MVA) sets the default municipal speed limit at 50 km/h unless otherwise posted. To create a fair and effective program, Courtenay City Council approved a 40 km/h speed limit on all residential roads. This applies 24/7, year-round.

Roads excluded from the 40 km/h speed limit

  • arterial roads
  • commercial and industrial roads
  • designated truck routes

On streets with lower posted speeds, such as 30 km/h school and playground zones, those limits apply during designated hours.

View the interactive City map or 40km/h roadways map [PDF - 3 MB] for current and future phased speed limit reductions.

Roads maintained by the Province

Several key roads in Courtenay are managed by the BC Ministry of Transportation and Transit, not the City. These include:

  • Ryan Road
  • Parts of Highway 19A
  • Comox Valley Parkway

Use our interactive map to find out which roads are maintained by the City and which are maintained by the Province.