Duncan city council has approved a joint project to improve Canada Avenue from Evans Street to Sherman Road.
The project is a collaboration between the City of Duncan and the Municipality of North Cowichan. The city said the work will support safer travel regardless of transportation mode.
In a staff report, director of public works and engineering Taras Dahl said a collaborative approach will allow both municipalities to reduce costs, manage risk and complete the project on a shorter timeline.
“By collaborating on this project we’ve been able to use North Cowichan’s cheaper paving rates, as well as achieve cost savings by combining projects under one,” he said. “Using pre-qualified contactors significantly reduces project risk, delays and cost while improving quality, compliance and its success.”
Tendering for the contract is expected to continue until Feb. 27. Dahl said the deadline is required to meet funding conditions.
“To meet the deadline, construction work must be completed by Nov. 30, 2026,” he said.
Funding for the project includes $1,875,726 from the federal government’s Active Transportation Fund. Of that amount, North Cowichan is set to receive just over $1.1 million, while Duncan will receive $737,463.
The total project cost is estimated at just over $3.5 million. The city said its share of the funding has been included in the 2026 draft budget.
Discussions about improving this section of Canada Avenue have been ongoing since 2018. The city said the joint approach is expected to minimize disruption to the public.
