Users of the Courtenay Riverway greenway rejoiced last week, at news the trail section between 19^th and 20^th Streets had reopened after an extended closure. The trail section had been closed since last fall for reconstruction of the trail and extensive environmental restoration.

This segment of the trail, formerly on private property, was redeveloped by the property owner as a condition for development on adjacent lands. With trail reconstruction now complete, ownership of the property is being transferred to the City of Courtenay.

The trail closure lasted longer than originally intended. Due to unforeseen complications with the project, paving wasn’t able to be completed before the raining season, and the project was put on hold until paving could resume in April. Planting and fence installation followed suit. The trail remained closed in the interim to minimize potential risks on an active construction site.

“We owe a tremendous thank you to all residents and visitors for their patience during the construction of the trail and improvements,” says Nancy Gothard, City of Courtenay environmental planner. “We know how popular this greenway is, and having to use the detour was a big inconvenience for many. This was a very complex project, and while it took longer than anticipated, the City and the developer are very pleased with the result.”

Environmental restoration includes bank stabilization, erosion control and native revegetation of the existing man-made boat basin as well as the creation of a fish habitat slough along the Courtenay River connected by a new fish friendly culvert and permanent fencing as a habitat compensation measure. The slough, on private property, is scheduled to be completed in the fall following the building excavation for the new residential development. The banks in both the boat basin and slough area are and 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 A number of red alder trees along the riverbank have been replaced by longer-lasting native tree species.

Gothard asks the public to help protect the newly restored areas. “Because the plants are still quite young and small, we’re asking people to please refrain from entering any of the restored area or allowing dogs to enter the area.”

All work was 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 Gothard, City of Courtenay environmental planner, at 250-334-4441 or email ngothard@courtenay.ca

Previously:

April 22, 2016

Good news! The Courtenay Riverway Walkway between 19th and 20th Streets has reopened today (April 22) after an extended closure. The walkway section has been closed since last fall for reconstruction and extensive restoration. For more information please call 250-334-4441.