Courtenay Annual Report 2025 draft

Part of the City's zero-emission vehicle fleet

Fitzgerald Avenue pedestrian network improvements In 2025, the City completed a pedestrian safety review of the Fitzgerald Avenue corridor between 8th and 14th streets in response to public concerns about visibility and near-misses. The study assessed five locations using criteria such as pedestrian volumes, proximity to vulnerable road users, collision history and the Safe Routes to School program. Two priority crosswalks at 10th and 14th streets will be upgraded with Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) to improve visibility and driver compliance. Redundant crossings at 11th and 12th streets will be removed to reduce conflict points and encourage use of safer nearby crossings. Tactile paving will be added at curb ramps and incorporated into future servicing standards, supporting accessibility and advancing the City’s commitment to a safer, more walkable corridor.

Zero-emission vehicle fleet transition

Council adopted the City’s Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Fleet Transition Plan in 2025, establishing a phased approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from municipal operations. Fleet vehicles account for approximately 35 per cent of corporate emissions. The plan outlines the gradual replacement of approximately 100 City-owned vehicles and equipment units, supported by new charging infrastructure at key facilities. The strategy prioritizes replacing higher fuel-use vehicles first to achieve meaningful emissions reductions while maintaining reliable service delivery. It aligns with provincial greenhouse gas requirements and the City’s Official Community Plan target of a 45 per cent reduction by 2030 and near-zero emissions by 2050. With adoption, the plan will guide fleet renewal decisions, infrastructure upgrades and capital planning, supporting long-term financial sustainability and climate action objectives.

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