The Dingwall Steps Project is now fully complete, enhancing east-west connections and promoting a more vibrant and connected urban landscape in the City of Courtenay. The project was made possible thanks to a generous $275,738 grant to the City of Courtenay from the Province of British Columbia under the BC Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant Program.

“We had a soft opening in January once the steps were ready to use so residents could benefit from them as soon as possible, and they were popular right away,” said Courtenay Mayor Bob Wells. “This project fits nicely with our broader community goal of encouraging more people to consider leaving their cars at home, and it’s also a great place to get active. We’re really pleased, the steps provide a link to major destinations including North Island College, shopping opportunities and residential areas; they’re a big improvement for people traveling east-west in Courtenay.”

On March 12 members of the community came together to officially mark the opening.

“Active transportation infrastructure means people have more choices in their method of getting to and from their home, school, job or favourite activities.” Said Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “People in Courtenay are seeing the commitment made by the Province and local governments to offer greener options for residents to connect with their communities.”

Key features of the Dingwall Steps project include:

• Structural steel and concrete steps
• Rest areas, benches, railings and lighting
• Asphalt pavement connecting to steps and a bike channel
• Trees and landscaping

The Dingwall Steps connect the top end of Dingwall Road to Carmanah Drive and beyond helping residents connect to vital community hubs such as North Island College, Queneesh Elementary School, North Island Hospital - Comox Valley, transit connections, and the commercial center at Ryan and Lerwick roads. At the top of the steps, a scenic viewpoint offers breathtaking vistas overlooking Courtenay and the majestic Comox Glacier.

For more information visit www.courtenay.ca/dingwallsteps.

Left to right: Councillor Doug Hillian, Courtenay Councillor & Comox Strathcona Regional Hospital District Board Chair; Dr. Diane Naugler, North Island College; Courtenay Mayor Bob Wells; Matt Bayrak, Edgett Edgett Excavating Ltd.; Will Cole-Hamilton, Courtenay Councillor & Comox Valley Regional District Board Chair. Not pictured: Councillor Evan Jolicoeur.

Blessing of the Dingwall Steps led by Cory Cliffe, K’ómoks First Nation.