Courtenay removes potential risk to Courtenay River

The City of Courtenay has completed a key sewer project that protects sensitive marine habitat in the Courtenay River.

“The Comox Road Sewer Project removes considerable risk to the Courtenay River and estuary,” said Courtenay Mayor Bob Wells. “This is an important, proactive effort by the City to provide long-term protection to sensitive eco-systems in Courtenay’s riverfront area, and we’re glad to see it completed.”

The project decommissioned an aging sewage pipe that crossed the Courtenay River and re-routed sewage collection from areas around Lewis and Simms Parks to a new pipe installed along Comox Road.

In June 2024, Edgett Excavating Ltd. started work on Comox Road between 5^th Street and the Highway 19A bypass, where a complex connection was made to the wider sewer system. Construction continued in Lewis and Simms Parks in spring 2025, with care taken to reduce impact to park users.

The Comox Road Sewer Project is part of the City’s broader efforts to protect and restore the Courtenay River and nearby estuary.

In 2025, the City will demolish the former Anderton Arms, Cona Hostel and Bridge Lounge buildings as part of the Anderton Dike Remediation Project. This work is the first step in removing a failing retaining wall and naturalizing the shoreline just north of the 5^th Street Bridge.

To learn more about the project, visit www.courtenay.ca/comoxroadsewer.

Quotes

“The Comox Road Sewer Project removes considerable risk to the Courtenay River and estuary,” said Courtenay Mayor Bob Wells. “This is an important, proactive effort on behalf of the City to provide long-term protection to sensitive eco-systems in Courtenay’s riverfront area and we’re glad to see it completed.”