The City of Courtenay is getting ready to celebrate National Public Works Week with a series of events highlighting the work done behind the scenes to keep the community running.

Activities will take place from May 17th to 23rd, including school tours, a student art initiative, a children’s colouring contest, and a public open house.

In partnership with School District 71, Grade 6 and 7 students will visit the City’s operations yard from May 19th to 22nd for hands-on learning focused on civic services, careers, and environmental awareness.

One of the highlights this year is a snow plow painting project, where local elementary students will decorate plow blades with designs reflecting community pride and environmental themes.

Those painted plows will be on display during the open house before being put into service next winter.

The City is also running a colouring contest for children, with entries to be displayed and winners announced at the event.

The week wraps up with a public open house on Saturday, May 23rd, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the City’s Operational Services centre.

Visitors will be able to check out heavy equipment displays, take guided tours, explore interactive exhibits, and pick up free trees and plants. There will also be free hot dogs, along with displays of the painted snow plow blades and colouring contest entries.

Mayor Bob Wells says Public Works Week is a chance to recognize the people who deliver essential services every day, from maintaining roads and parks to ensuring safe drinking water.

The City of Courtenay was also recently recognized by both the Canadian Public Works Association and the Public Works Association of BC for its Public Works Week initiatives in 2025.

To learn more, visit City of Courtenay.