Anderton Riverbank Restoration

Project status
Ongoing

The City of Courtenay is developing plans to remove the failing retaining wall along Anderton Avenue, restore the riverbank and create space for the community to enjoy.

The project area extends approximately 320 metres along the west bank of the Courtenay River, from 90 5th Street to the northern limit of Riverside Park.

This project is funded by the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness through the Disaster Resilience Innovation Funding program. This work will improve long-term resilience by establishing a riverbank that is better able to resist erosion. 

Thank you for your feedback

Thank you to everyone who completed our survey. Your feedback will help us develop conceptual design options. We'll share these options later in 2026 and invite you to provide feedback in a second phase of engagement.

To learn more about the project and stay up to date, visit the Engage Comox Valley project page:

Learn more about the Anderton Riverbank Restoration project

Image
Aerial map showing the Anderton Riverside Restoration project area along the Courtenay River beside Riverside Park, between 5th Street and 1st Street.

Location of the Anderton Riverbank Restoration project along the Courtenay River at Riverside Park, between 5th Street and 1st Street.

Timeline

  • March–April 2026: Public engagement launched to gather feedback and inform the development of conceptual design options.
  • December 2025: The City begins working with a multi-disciplinary team led by KWL to develop conceptual design options for riverbank restoration.
  • October 2025: Demolition of the former Bridge Lounge, Cona Hostel and Anderton Arms buildings is completed by the Milner Group.
  • October 2024: The City acquires the former Cona Hostel building and property.
  • August–December 2024: Residents of the Anderton Arms building relocate. Support from the M’akola Housing Society is made available for the relocation process, and tenants are compensated based on length of tenancy.
  • July 2024: The City acquires the Anderton Arms building to address the safety risk created by the failing wall.
  • December 2023: The City notifies residents and the community about the risk of failure for the sheet-pile section of the Anderton Wall.

Site history

Photos showing how the project area has changed over time, including demolition of nearby buildings completed in 2025 to prepare the site for riverbank restoration.

An aerial image of the Courtenay River looking south toward the 5th Street Bridge, overlooking the Anderton Avenue retaining wall. Part of Downtown Courtenay is in the background..
Map detailing area of risk near the Anderton Wall.
Demolition of the former Bridge Lounge
The former Bridge Lounge by the 5th Street Bridge during demolition

Frequently asked questions

Image
Supported by the Province of British Columbia

Active
Last updated: