2023 Courtenay Annual Report

Dingwall Steps Project and Trail Connection Improvements The Province of British Columbia announced funding for the Dingwall Steps project in early 2023 and work began in September. The Dingwall Steps create a formal trail connection from Dingwall Road to Carmanah Drive and beyond – filling a gap in the trail network for pedestrians and cyclists traveling and from North Island College, Queneesh Elementary School, North Island Hospital – Comox Valley, transit connections, and the commercial centre at Ryan and Lerwick roads. The project includes structural steel and concrete steps, rest areas, benches and railings, asphalt pavement connecting to the trail network, bike channels to walk bikes up and downhill, lighting, trees and landscaping. Construction was completed in early 2024. The Dingwall Steps were ranked as the highest priority trail improvement in Courtenay’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan adopted in 2019. The Province of British Columbia contributed $275,738 towards this cost-shared project through the BC Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant Program.

Cousins Avenue Upgrades: Public Input on Design The City started the planning process for upgrades on a stretch of Cousins Avenue between Willemar Avenue and 20th Street, and sought the public’s input on what should be included. The project will include road improvements, repaving and replacement of underground services that have either reached the end of their life, or require upsizing to serve our growing community. Traffic flow and parking challenges in the area are under review along with road and pedestrian improvements such as parking, sidewalks and trail connections. The project team developed three options for the Cousins Avenue Upgrades Project, and asked the community for feedback on designs for above-ground improvements that could impact businesses, residents and area users. The City hosted a drop-in open house in October to share information and gather feedback as well as an online survey to provide an opportunity for for input on project design options. Feedback from community engagement will be presented to Council for consideration in 2024, to be followed in future years by detailed design and construction. For project updates visit courtenay.ca/CousinsUpgrades

• 145 Steps • 2 Rest Areas • 1 Bike Channel

City of Courtenay | 2023 Annual Report

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