Official Community Plan

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COURTENAY TODAY

Transportation accounts for 59% of Courtenay’s emissions, and the city’s existing transportation network is primarily oriented toward private vehicles. The majority of residents rely on their car, with 85% of all trips being made by private vehicle and only 15% by sustainable modes – 7% of trips by walking, 4% by cycling, and 4% by public transit. Courtenay’s sustainable mode share has historically been low due to several barriers that often make walking, cycling, and transit an afterthought for residents who have convenient access to a car. Development patterns are ‘car centric’ for many parts of the city, built with the assumption that most people will have access to a private vehicle. The sidewalk network has several gaps and the lack of safe crossings on some major roads can be challenging and inconvenient for pedestrians.

Similarly, the cycling network has significant gaps in connectivity and poses safety concerns for cyclists. There are also barriers to transit use. The land use, population size and growth realities of a small urban community within a rural regional district pose challenges to transit viability. While Courtenay now has access to a frequent transit route, the limited services and indirect connections in other parts of the transit network mean transit is not as convenient as driving in many parts of the city.

City of Courtenay Official Community Plan