Update:

This previously announced closure of the Courtenay Riverway walkway between 19th and 20th Streets has been postponed and the work will not be starting on Tuesday Aug. 25 as previously scheduled. We will update this information once the new schedule has been finalized.

Previously:

Wednesday, August 19: Construction on this Courtenay Riverway walkway project may be DELAYED; we will update this page when the construction schedule is finalized.

Tuesday, August 18: A section of the Courtenay Riverway walkway between 19^th and 20^th Streets will be closed starting Tuesday, August 25 for trail improvements and environmental restoration. The closure is expected to last several weeks. Walkway users will need to temporarily detour using the sidewalk on Cliffe Avenue.

The section of the Riverway sits on private property; however the City of Courtenay has secured a License of Occupation to formalize public use of the trail.  The land will be transferred to the City through an upcoming subdivision. The trail improvements and environmental restoration are being completed by the current landowner as a requirement for any future development of the adjacent land.

Improvements will include 60 metres of new asphalt, along with a number of significant habitat upgrades.

Crews will be restoring an existing man-made boat basin and slough along the Courtenay River. The bank will be stabilized with a variety of measures, including large rocks, bank stabilization bags, and native landscaping. A number of red alder trees along the riverbank will be replaced by longer-lasting native tree species.

To improve fish habitat, the existing slough along the west side of the trail will be re-contoured and expanded, with new native aquatic landscaping. A culvert between the boat basin and the slough will improve access for fish.

New fencing will be installed along environmentally sensitive areas to provide greater protection.

All work will be closely monitored by local biologist, arborist, and engineering consulting firms. The habitat will be monitored for five years to ensure the improvements are functioning as intended. All improvements have been reviewed by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, and the City of Courtenay.

For more information, please contact Nancy Hofer, City of Courtenay environmental planner, at 250-334-4441 or email nhofer@courtenay.ca