A new look is coming to 4^th Street in Downtown Courtenay.

City of Courtenay Public Works Services will begin upgrading the Cliffe Avenue and 4^th Street intersection on Monday, July 9 to improve pedestrian safety and beautify the streetscape. Work is expected to continue through the month of July. 

The improvements to 4^th Street will include:

• New “pedestrian refuge” islands on the west side of Cliffe Avenue at the 4th Street intersection
• Conversion of the existing two-way stop to a four-way stop
• Resurfacing and repainting of the intersection, including crosswalks
• New downtown-specific street signs, sign posts, and litter baskets
• Upgrades to the sidewalk along Cliffe Avenue from 4th to the Alley towards 5th Street
• Upgrades to the sidewalk along 4th Street from Cliffe Avenue to the parking lot letdown

Kyle Shaw, the City of Courtenay’s Manager of Transportation and Utilities Maintenance, said the improvements were developed in consultation with the Downtown Courtenay Business Improvement Association (DCBIA). “We’ve held a number of meetings over the last 18 months with the DCBIA, including a ‘walkabout’  this past spring to develop specific concepts for improvements,” noted Shaw. “This upcoming project is the beginning of an annual program to enhance the downtown core, with upgrades that will reflect Downtown Courtenay’s unique and vibrant identity.”

The improvements also align with recommendations from the Downtown Courtenay Playbook finalized by the City of Courtenay in 2016.

ICBC has contributed $13,500 towards the construction of the four-way stop at 4^th and Cliffe as part of their Community Road Safety Improvement Program.  

Work will take place between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM from Monday – Friday for the duration of the project. Vehicle traffic and on-street parking will be restricted within the work area.

The City of Courtenay thanks the public for their patience during construction.