City Installing Aqua Dam Flood Barrier in Lewis Park as a Precaution

Seasonal storms are affecting the East Coast of Vancouver Island, and high tides are predicted to begin this weekend and last for several days. As a precaution, Courtenay Public Works Services will be deploying the Aqua Dam portable water-filled flood barrier in Lewis Park.

No traffic impacts are expected, although some parking will be affected at the Lewis Centre main parking lot to make room for crews and equipment.

The Aqua Dam will remain in place over the holidays. 

The City of Courtenay is also offering free sandbags to residents and businesses (while supplies last), at the following locations:

• Puntledge Road shoulder by the Red Cross building at 464 Puntledge Road
• Puntledge Road shoulder by ABC Printing, 301 Puntledge Road
• Courtenay Fire Hall, 650 Cumberland Road

A decision on whether or not to deploy a second Aqua Dam on Comox Road between the Old Island Highway and the Highway 19A Bypass will be made in conjunction with other agencies once additional storm and flood forecasts are available.

Other flood risk measures in place include a Tall Wall, installed permanently in 2016 on Old Island Highway between Ryan Road and Headquarters Road, as well as new one-way check valves in storm drains in the Puntledge Business District to prevent backflow during flood events.

These flood control measures have been developed over the past several years, and are geared at maintaining important transportation links as long as possible and mitigating flooding in low-lying areas.

To help reduce the potential for flooding, please periodically check and clear the grates over catch basins near your property to remove any leaves or debris.

To report problems, please contact Public Works at 250-338-1525 (after-hours emergency 250-334-2947) or email publicworks@courtenay.ca