The City of Courtenay is upgrading Cousins Avenue between Willemar Avenue and 20th Street. This work will improve the corridor with upgrades to sidewalks, curbing, landscaping and trail connections.
The project will also include road repairs, repaving and replacement of underground services that have reached the end of their life or need upsizing to serve our growing community.
Project status
Detailed design is underway. The project team held a public information session on June 16, 2026, to share the design and answer questions from the community before construction begins in 2027.
Project area
The project runs along Cousins Avenue between Willemar Avenue and 20th Street.
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Selected design
Public feedback helped the project team refine three design options. The project team evaluated the options using criteria developed through public consultation and presented the results to Council on November 27, 2024.
Council selected Option 1, as identified in the staff report, to move forward to detailed design.
Why this design was selected
Aligns with City plans and policies.
Improves pedestrian safety and accessibility.
Maintains a balance between transportation needs and parking.
The following images show examples of what the proposed street design could look like. These concepts are draft examples and may change as the project progresses.
Illustration of the proposed industrial section
Illustration of the proposed residential section
Project timeline
This is an estimated timeline and will be updated as the project progresses:
2026: Detailed design begins
2027: Construction begins
Community engagement
Thank you to everyone who attended the information session on June 16, 2026. This was a chance to learn more about how the project will improve your neighbourhood, ask questions and speak with the project team, and share your thoughts on the planned upgrades.
To make sure the plan considers residents and businesses in the area, the City consulted with the community on design options for the corridor. Thank you to everyone who attended the open house on October 18, 2023, and completed the survey. All feedback has been incorporated into the public consultation report.
The road surface and underground utilities along this section of Cousins Avenue have reached the end of their service life and require replacement.
The project will also improve sidewalks, accessibility, landscaping and trail connections, creating a safer and more comfortable corridor for everyone.
Construction is expected to begin in 2027. More information about timing, traffic impacts and construction activities will be shared as the project progresses.
The City will notify nearby residents and businesses before construction begins.
Notifications will include information about anticipated impacts, project schedules and contact information for the project manager.
