Progress Continues on 5th Street Complete Street Pilot Project

60 year old Sewer and Stormwater Mains Replaced, Upgrades to Water System Up Next

Progress on the 5th Street Complete Street project continues with the majority of stormwater and sewer mains on 5th Street between Harmston and Menzies Avenues now replaced with new larger capacity mains and manholes. The new infrastructure replaces pipes installed 60 years ago. The new mains provide greater durability and capacity for the system. Properties will be connected to the new systems over the coming weeks.

Later this week, focus will shift to upgrading the water system with the installation of the new watermain between Harmston and Menzies Avenues. After the Canada Day long weekend, the construction area will move east to the block between Fitzgerald and Harmston Avenues with work continuing through the summer. In the middle of July, brief scheduled water service interruptions will be required in order to connect the new watermain to the existing water system and existing water services.

The City of Courtenay and the contractor are working together on ways to complete the transition to the new system as efficiently as possible to minimize disruptions. Property owners will be notified by written notice at least three days’ in advance of scheduled water service interruptions. 

The City of Courtenay and consultant Urban Systems continue to work with the contractor, Copcan Civil Ltd., on reducing construction impacts to neighbouring properties as much as possible. This includes ongoing proactive efforts to minimize construction related dust and traffic.

Later this summer, once the underground infrastructure has been replaced between Fitzgerald and Menzies Avenues, construction will shift to “above-ground” infrastructure, including:

• Two freshly paved vehicle lanes
• Bike lanes physically separated from vehicle traffic
• Improved accessibility for strollers, scooters, and wheelchairs
• Parking between Fitzgerald and Harmston, and alternating parking and rain gardens throughout the remainder of the corridor
• And, innovative stormwater management to improve drainage

We appreciate the public’s understanding and patience regarding interim inconveniences associated with this construction project.  To keep residents and businesses up-to-date on the project milestones and construction impacts, a subscriber-based e-newsletter has been introduced.  To subscribe, visit:  www.courtenay.ca/completestreet