Public works yard expansion
Courtenay’s public works yard is growing.
The City of Courtenay’s central work and storage area for the equipment, vehicles, and supplies needed to maintain the city’s vast network of roads, utilities, and green spaces will be expanding onto a vacant two-acre parcel between Eighth Street and the existing public works yard property.
Trevor Kushner, the city’s director of public works services, says the expansion will create a new secure storage area.
“The City has owned this property for some time, in anticipation that it would be needed for public works yard purposes at some point,” noted Kushner. “The additional space will provide much needed room for materials and supplies. This will also reduce congestion and improve safety.”
While an entrance will be installed on Eighth Street, this will be for emergency use only. The main entrance for the public works yard will remain on Piercy Avenue.
Work on the project is estimated to begin in early July.
The project is part of a larger overall strategy to improve the functionality and safety of the public works yard.
In 2015, the visitor entrance was separated from the main operations entrance. Visitors now have a designated parking area adjacent to the reception area.
“We’re really pleased with the changes we’ve made to the yard this past year,” advised Kushner. “This is an active job site, with a lot of heavy machinery and other equipment. Keeping visitors separated from this activity made a lot of sense.
“The upcoming expansion is going to be another big step forward for our facility.”
For more information, please contact City of Courtenay Public Works Services at 250-338-1525.
Blaney hosting town hall meeting
As part of the Government of Canada’s public consultations on the development of a new defence policy for Canada, North Island-Powell River MP Rachel Blaney is hosting a public town hall meeting at the Comox Legion on Tuesday, July 12 at 6:30 p.m.
“As one of only two federal ridings in B.C. that is home to a Canadian Armed Forces base, it’s important that our residents have an opportunity to share their views on the type of military we want and need for Canada.”
A consultation paper is available online to help guide this discussion.
Those who are not able to attend the sessions can still contribute by writing to MP Blaney at Rachel.blaney@parl.gc.ca by July 18.
All Canadians can contribute to the discussion online at www.canada.ca/defence-consultations until July 31.