BC Transit and local government partners in the Comox Valley Transit System are building five new transit exchanges that will improve transit services in the Comox Valley. The joint investment of $8.8 million between the Government of Canada, Province of British Columbia, Comox Valley Regional District, and BC Transit will fund enhanced bus stop amenities to improve the overall rider experience. These exchanges support the continued development of the Frequent Transit Network corridor and Local Transit Network through the growing communities in the Comox Valley.
The new transit exchanges will be developed in:
South Courtenay – Cliffe Avenue at Anfield Centre
Downtown Courtenay – England Avenue at 8th Street
Oyster River – Glenmore Road at Lambeth Road
Downtown Comox – Port Augusta Street at Comox Avenue – now under construction, see details below
North Island College – College Campus Road at Lerwick Road – now under construction, see details below
What is a transit exchange?
A transit exchange is a group of bus stops in one place making it easier for people to transfer between bus routes.
Each exchange may feature:
New Bus bays and curbs
New shelters and benches
Drainage improvements
Bike racks
New wider sidewalks
New landscaping
Road reconstruction
An operators’ washroom (South Courtenay Exchange)
The design will align with Security Achieved through Functional Environmental (SAFE) Design standards and Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) as required by BC Transit.
Rendering of the future transit exchange on England Avenue in downtown Courtenay
Above is another example of how a transit exchange looks and functions
Impacts:
During construction, local access will be maintained with possible delays. We thank the public for their patience during the construction period as we work to deliver these essential transit infrastructure upgrades.
Construction Updates and Project Timeline
Downtown ComoxConstruction Starts September 16
Construction for the new transit exchange in downtown Comox starts on September 16. The new exchange will be located on Port Augusta Street at Comox Avenue and construction is expected to be completed by 2026. The contract has been awarded to Wacor Holdings Ltd from Campbell River.
As construction gets underway, the public can expect some impacts to traffic, parking, and pedestrian access, as well as temporary changes to bus stop locations. The anticipated impacts include:
A full closure to all pedestrian and public traffic along Port Augusta Street throughout the construction period
During this closure, pedestrian access to the area will be maintained along Comox Avenue
Access to and from the mall loading dock will be maintained for delivery trucks throughout construction
Street-level businesses along Comox Avenue and Port Augusts Street will have full access maintained, with signage and pedestrian detours posted for information
Access will also remain open to Comox Mall tenants and customers
Timeline
Construction begins – the week of September 15
Temporary relocation of existing bus stops – the week of September 15
Site clearing and setup of safety barriers – late September
Completion of major construction and the new exchange in-service – winter 2026
While some delays can be expected, local access to businesses in the area will be maintained and accessible pedestrian detours will be in place. Temporary bus stops will be in place during construction so customers should look for signage and should check for customer alerts that will advise them of any changes or delays to routes.
Construction Starts at North Island College and Downtown Comox Exchanges in late August
Two of the five new transit exchanges announced in February 2024 start construction in August and September. The first two transit exchanges to start construction are at the downtown Comox and at North Island College locations.
The construction contract for the two locations has been awarded to a contractor from Campbell River, Wacor Holdings Ltd. Construction at North Island College on College Campus Road at Lerwick Road gets underway this week and in downtown Comox on Port Augusta Street at Comox Avenue is expected to start in late August or early September. Construction on each exchange is expected to last several months.
During construction, the public can anticipate some traffic impacts and delays can be expected, but local access to businesses in the area will be maintained and accessible pedestrian detours will be in place. Temporary bus stops will be in place during construction so customers should look for signage and should check for customer alerts that will advise them of any changes or delays to routes.
Downtown Courtenay ExchangeTimeline
Transit Exchanges
South Courtenay Exchange
The preferred site is on Cliffe Avenue next to the Anfield Centre.
Features:
Bus bays
Bus shelters
Transit operators respite facility
New sidewalk
Downtown Courtenay Exchange
The preferred site is around the 8th Street and England Avenue intersection.
Features:
Bus bays
Bus shelters
New sidewalks
Oyster River Exchange
The preferred site is located on Glenmore Road.
Features:
Bus bays
Bus shelters
Downtown Comox Exchange
The preferred site is on the east side of Port Augusta Street in the Town of Comox.
Features:
Bus bays
Bus shelters
Improvements to the Comox Avenue/Port August Street westbound right-turn
North Island College Campus Exchange
The preferred site is on College Campus Road.
Features:
Bus bays
Bus shelters
Improved pedestrian connectivity
Documents
These projects are supported by Municipal plans including:
A transit exchange is a group of bus stops in one place making it easier for people to change routes. Transit exchanges make it convenient for anyone needing to transfer to another route and are typically placed in areas where many people want to go such as shopping areas and universities. Transit exchanges are designed to be safe spaces that are well-lit to reduce the risk of crime.
These exchanges will help expand transit services in the region and align with the 2014 Comox Valley Transit Future Plan, further developed through the 2021 Comox Valley Transit Infrastructure Study. This investment will support the region’s future transit network, accommodate increased service levels, and improve the overall customer experience.
The transit exchanges will be designed to meet Security Achieved through Functional Environmental (SAFE) Design standards, as required by BC Transit.
They are also designed to meet Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles and best practices for designing safe and comfortable public spaces:
Increased usage from transit passengers will activate the space and that can make it safer.
Enhanced security items will be implemented to deter off-hours gathering.
Upgraded and attractive lighting can also be integrated at transit exchanges and within all open spaces to enhance safety, visibility, and public experience.
Businesses in the area will still have a way for deliveries and services to reach them. How these deliveries and services get to the businesses might change depending on construction plans; specific routes will be determined as the project progresses.
The project team will continue to consult directly with local businesses with respect to their operational needs.
The sites were selected by considering:
Feasibility – the availability of a site large enough for a transit exchange
Rider Experience – this includes pedestrian connections to the sites, amenities available around the sites, and connectivity to bus routes and stop locations.
Local Government Plans – Alignment with local government plans.
Community – the impacts to adjacent buildings and tenants was considered as well as changes to parking in the area selected.
Cost – the financial implications of the construction costs as well as operating costs of the bus routes.
Maintaining existing trees will be a priority.
Existing trees will be assessed during the detailed design phase.
Construction is planned to begin in Summer 2025 and be completed for all sites in Fall 2026.
During construction, the public can expect some traffic impacts and possible delays. Local access will be maintained. We thank the public for their patience during the construction period as we work to deliver these essential transit infrastructure upgrades.
The overall project cost is $8.8 million between the Government of Canada (40%), Province of British Columbia (40%), Comox Valley Regional District (20%), and BC Transit will fund enhanced bus stop amenities to improve the overall rider experience.
This project has been funded by federal, provincial and municipal funding partners; The Comox Valley Regional District is responsible for providing 20% of the investment required
BC Transit will establish maintenance agreements with the municipalities and local governments responsible for the road maintenance.
Land Acknowledgement
BC Transit respectfully acknowledges that the land we gather on is on the unceded traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation, the traditional keepers of this land.
