The City of Courtenay is asking for input as it moves ahead with plans to address erosion and replace a failing retaining wall along Anderton Avenue.

The project will see the removal of the existing structure and restoration of the riverbank, with the goal of creating a more resilient shoreline while also improving the area for community use.

Funding for this phase is coming from the provincial Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness through the Disaster Resilience Innovation Funding program.

Residents are being invited to share their ideas through an online survey, open through April 15th.

Feedback gathered during this phase will help shape early design concepts, with a second round of public engagement planned later this year once those options are developed.

Mayor Bob Wells says the work is needed to deal with long-standing structural concerns but also presents an opportunity to rethink how the space can be used in the future.

The project area stretches about 320 metres along the west bank of the Courtenay River, running from the former Bridge Lounge property on 5th Street to the northern edge of Riverside Park.

City staff say erosion has weakened the foundation of the retaining wall, which also serves as a registered flood protection dike.

However, officials note the surrounding land sits higher than the wall, meaning the riverbank can be restored without increasing flood risks to nearby properties.

To learn more and take the survey by April 15, 2026, visit City of Courtenay.