BC Hydro has advised of a potentially heavy storm beginning Wednesday March 9, with potential for up to 100 mm of rain along with high tides, storm surge, and strong winds. These factors, combined with high river levels in the Puntledge, Tsolum and Browns Rivers, could potentially result in localized flooding in low-lying areas. To help mitigate the flood risk in the Puntledge Business District, the City of Courtenay will be deploying the Aqua Dam flood control device in the following two locations: (see map below)

• Along the Old Island Highway between Ryan Road and Headquarters Road
• Comox Road between the Old Island Highway and Highway 19a bypass (near the Courtenay Slough)

As the city installs and deploys the Aqua Dams there will be traffic closures beginning Wednesday March 9.

The Old Island Highway between Ryan Road and Headquarters Road will be closed starting at 4:00 am while the Aqua Dam is installed. Installation is expected to last several hours. Once the Aqua Dam is in place, the road will reopen to northbound traffic only.

Comox Road between the Old Island Highway and Highway 19a bypass near the Courtenay Slough will be closed starting at approximately 6:00 am for the Aqua Dam installation. Once the Aqua Dam is deployed, the road will reopen. 

More details will be provided as they become available.