Constructing a new pedestrian and cyclist bridge in Courtenay (feasibility study)

The City of Courtenay will conduct a study on the technical, financial and regulatory feasibility of constructing a new pedestrian and cyclist bridge over the Courtenay River, connecting downtown and East Courtenay. The study will involve identifying four crossing options and analyzing each one, with costing and high-level environmental and regulatory reviews. Courtenay is located on the east coast of Vancouver Island on the traditional land of the K’ómoks First Nation. The city has a population of 25,000 and is the urban and cultural hub of the larger Comox Valley community, which has a population of 65,000. In an effort to reduce the city’s corporate and community greenhouse gas emissions, Courtenay has committed to increasing sustainable modes of transportation (public transit, walking and cycling) from its current rate of 15% to 30% of all trips. There are currently only two bridge crossings that connect downtown and East Courtenay, and neither provides a safe, efficient or well-connected crossing for pedestrians and cyclists. A new 6th Street bridge is expected to encourage more cyclists and pedestrians and therefore less vehicle traffic on the 5th Street Bridge, reducing associated greenhouse gas emissions. Innovative aspect(s): The study is applying an innovative framework by evaluating whether building a dedicated active transportation multi-use bridge is a more sustainable option than rehabilitating an older structure. Sustainable construction materials will be prioritized in the design of the bridge. Replicability: There is potential for other municipalities to learn from the planning process leading to the decision to construct a dedicated pedestrian and cycling bridge. The city has built a strong case for the bridge through consultation with council and the public. (Project description from original funding application)