Courtenay Annual Report 2025 draft

Water conservation and responsible water use

The City continued water conservation efforts across operations and the community in 2025. Maintenance programs reduced water loss through leak repairs and meter replacements, while irrigation upgrades in parks improved efficiency. Many spray systems have been replaced with programmable, centrally controlled irrigation using flow sensing, drip systems and weather responsive adjustments. Summer demand remains the highest pressure on the system, with outdoor watering driving consumption to more than twice winter levels. Seasonal patrols, outreach and communications encouraged compliance with regional watering restrictions. These efforts support long-term water sustainability, protect system capacity during peak periods and help manage utility costs. courtenay.ca/water-conservation 1st Street Lift Station upgrade completed The City completed upgrades to the 1st Street Lift Station in early 2025, strengthening a key component of Courtenay’s wastewater system. The previous facility at the entrance to Puntledge Park had reached the end of its service life. The new lift station increases capacity, improves reliability for the growing Puntledge neighbourhood and reduces long term maintenance costs and operational risks. Construction occurred primarily in spring and summer 2024 to protect sensitive fish habitat along the Puntledge River and Morrison Creek. The $4 million project was funded through reserves and long-term borrowing. Upgrades include a new seven-metre wet well with automated controls, 450 metres of gravity sanitary sewer on 1st Street and 250 metres of force main to Pidcock Avenue. courtenay.ca/1st-street-lift-station

1st Street lift station construction, Puntledge Park

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