The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) in partnership with the City of Courtenay, K’ómoks First Nation, and Comox Valley Emergency Management Service are issuing a State of Local Emergency to support emergency response to the current flood conditions. These conditions include rising waters, flooding and the risk to property.

An Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has been opened at the Comox Valley Regional District. Flood response activities are occurring throughout the region.

Residents are encouraged to follow directions of emergency service personnel and obey all road and trail closures. Please stay away from water bodies, waterways and low-lying areas. Tune in to your local news stations and monitor weather alerts and forecasts for information and updates. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

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The Comox Valley Regional Emergency Operations Centre has issued an Evacuation Order due to immediate danger to life safety caused by flooding.

The Evacuation Order is in effect for the following areas:

• Maple Pool Campground
• Three properties along Stephen Road – 3054 Stephen Rd, 3074 Stephen Rd, 3104 Stephen Rd
• Nine properties along Headquarters Road – 4697, 4685, 4679, 4673, 4667, 4661, 4659, 4653, 4629

The order will be in place until further notice.

Maps of Areas (3) under Evacuation Order:

Map 1 of 3 - Maple Pool Campground

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Map 2 of 3 - 3054 Stephen Rd, 3074 Stephen Rd, 3104 Stephen Rd

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Map 3 of 3 - Headquarters Road

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YOU MUST LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:

• Follow the designated travel route.
• Close all windows and doors.
• Close gates (latch) but do not lock.
• Gather your family and, if you have room, take a neighbour or someone needing transportation. Do not use more vehicles then you have to.
• Take critical items (medication, identification, wallet, and keys) if they are immediately available. Take pets in pet kennels or on leash.
• Do not use the telephone unless you need emergency service.

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An Evacuation Alert has been issued by the Comox Valley Regional Emergency Operations Centre due to potential flooding in the area.

Because of the potential danger to life and health, this evacuation alert is in effect for the following areas:

• 110 Headquarters Road (vacant lot)
• 120 Headquarters Road
• 130 Headquarters Road
• 140 Headquarters Road
• 150 Headquarters Road
• 157 Headquarters Road
• 160 Headquarters Road

Map of Area under Evacuation Alert:

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An Evacuation Alert has been issued to prepare you to evacuate your premises or property should it be found necessary. Residents will be given as much advance notice as possible prior to evacuation; however you may receive limited notice due to changing conditions.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:

• Locate all family members and designate a meeting area outside the evacuation area, should an Evacuation Order be called while separated.
• Pack essential items such as government-issued ID, medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers (e.g. insurance, credit, and mortgage information), immediate care needs for dependents and, if time and space permits, keepsakes for quick departure. 
• Prepare to move disabled persons, children and/or neighbours where additional assistance or time may be needed.
• Prepare to take pets with you and move livestock to a safe area if possible.
• Arrange transportation for all your household members. Fill the gas tanks of personal vehicles.  
• Plan accommodation for all members of the residence, if possible. 
• Wait for an Evacuation Order to be issued before evacuating.  Monitor local radio stations or local government and First Nation websites for information on evacuation orders and location of Reception Centres.

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• Comox Valley Emergency Operations Centre Update 1 

The Comox Valley Regional Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) advises that Evacuation Alerts have been cancelled and all Evacuation Orders have been rescinded for areas affected by recent flooding in the City of Courtenay and Electoral Area B, effective 11:45 a.m. on January 31, 2026.

These actions were taken following improved conditions and completed safety assessments.

Read the news release

Effective noon, February 3, 2026 the State of Local Emergency is cancelled by the Comox Valley Regional Emergency Operations Centre. The State of Local Emergency had been in effect since Friday, January 30, 2026 to support emergency response to flood conditions in the Comox Valley.  

The Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) will remain open at the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) with the purpose of continuing to support registered evacuees and coordinate the transition from response to recovery activities.

Read the news release

The following City of Courtenay parks have re-opened:

• Simms Millennium Park
• Puntledge Park
• Muir McLaughlin
• Airpark Lagoon Loop
• McPhee Meadows
• Lewis Park

The following City of Courtenay parks remain closed until further notice:

• Lower Buckstone trail: specifically a section around the pond 
• Condensory Trail

For the most up-to-date information on the City of Courtenay recreation programming updates, visit www.courtenay.ca 

• News Release: Comox Emergency Management Releases Re-Entry Information for Evacuees
• News Release: Parks & Trails Closed January 31st Due to Flooding 

General Guides and Recourses for Flood Recovery

• Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation: After the Flood – a Homeowner’s Checklist
• BC Health Link Clean Up After a Flood
• Province of BC, What to do After the Flood

• BC Centre for Disease Control: Learn about some key hazards to be aware of when entering/re-entering a flood zone. 

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Propane/Natural Gas

• If you have concerns regarding your propane, natural gas, or oil equipment please contact your suppliers. 
  • DO NOT turn anything back on until the equipment has been inspected by a licensed gas or electrical contractor. Find one using Technical Safety BC’s find a licensed contractor tool.
  • Check for any damage to electrical or gas equipment that may have been caused by floodwater. 

BC Hydro

If you have questions, contact BC Hydro at 1-888-769-3766 or visit their website.

Well Water

If your property has wells water:  Water and Health, Well Safety During and After Emergencies
 

• Prepare BC, Flood Preparedness Guide:  Helpful checklists, resources, and general information regarding preparation and re-entry information and check lists.
• Prepared BC: A comprehensive resource to help individuals and families prepare for and recover from disasters. It guides you to understand local hazards and create a preparedness plan, assemble emergency supplies, access guides and resources, learn what happens during an evacuation, and navigate financial assistance options after a disaster. Each section offers practical steps, checklists, and links to relevant programs and guidance from federal, state, and local sources.  

• Emergency Info BC: For current and verified information during emergencies in BC. 
• River Forecast Centre: A general reference for current flood notifications.
• Environment and Climate Change Canada: A site to access weather information as layers on an interactive map. Including an alert table to view all active alerts.  
• Natural Resources Canada: For critical, near real-time information to Public Safety and emergency responders during flood events.

If there is an emergency, please call 911.

• First Nations Health Authority (FNHA): 
  
  • FNHA Emergency Preparedness: Emergency Preparedness information for before, during and after an event, including mental health supports and resources.  
• Canadian Mental Health Association: For information on how to cope with mental health crises and emergencies.

The Comox Valley Waste Management Centre is prepared and ready to assist with flood recovery.

Clean-up Kits

Clean-up kits have been generously donated by the Canadian Red Cross and are now available for pick-up at the lower Native Sons Hall for impacted residents who have already registered with Emergency Support Services.

For details on what’s included in the clean-up kits, visit the Red Cross website.

How to Dispose of Flood Debris

Whether you are doing self-haul or hiring contractor to haul flood related debris, the following applies:

Save Receipts. 

• Those who are bringing flood debris to the Comox Valley Waste Management Center will be charged the normal tipping fees. Receipts are important for insurance claims or if reimbursement or partial reimbursement funding becomes available (this is not guaranteed). 
• Please note, the Comox Strathcona Waste Management (CSWM) service does not provide a bin rental or waste hauling service, but there are several options for this type of business in the Comox Valley.

Separate Your Loads

Sorting of materials will help save valuable landfill space and help prevent safety risks for staff dealing with potentially hazardous materials. 

• Food Waste: Please separate food waste and empty food from containers if possible. Food waste can be composted, containers can be recycled. 
• Hazardous Materials: If you have items which have been contaminated or you suspect they have been contaminated by sewer/septic/black water or have other materials which may contain asbestos, please call in advance of visiting the Comox Valley Waste Management Centre, Tel: 250-334-6016 Toll Free: 1-800-331-6007.
• Recycling: Please separate out any items that can be recycled. Debris such as metal, wood, appliances and mattresses can readily be diverted away from landfills. What Goes Where is a great tool to assess which items go where. Group items into:
  • Appliances (fridges/freezers MUST be emptied of spoiled food)
  • Electronics and Small Appliances (keep separate for recycling)
  • General Debris (carpets, furniture)
  • Household Hazardous Waste (Paints, chemicals, cleaners)
  • Drywall - Drywall from homes built before 1990 or drywall with no visible date stamp MUST be handled as per CSWM Asbestos Policy.
    • Testing Required: Drywall and joint compound/mud must be tested for asbestos by a qualified professional. List of local asbestos analysis labs.
    • Testing Requirements: Qualified professionals must collect samples from the home for testing.
    • Test results with samples brought to labs by homeowners will not be accepted. Test results are required for each room being renovated.
    • Paint colours noted on test results must match drywall in load.
    • Staff may refuse loads with insufficient analytical reports.  
    • Please submit your Drywall Waste Disposal Application and Declaration Form and test results via email to: cswm@comoxvalleyrd.ca.
      • For drywall that does not contain asbestos, it can be deposited at the Comox Valley Waste Management Center.
      • For drywall containing asbestos, Campbell River Waste Management Centre has an Asbestos Disposal program for residents with up to nine bags of asbestos-containing materials. 

Trailer, Camper and Boat Disposal

To dispose of a trailer at the Comox Valley Waste Management Centre, all metals, liquids (sewage/grey water), propane tanks, batteries, appliances, and hazardous waste MUST be removed prior to arrival for separate recycling or disposal. Towable trailers manufactured before 1990 require professional asbestos testing prior to arrival. 

Please call the Comox Valley Waste Management Centre prior to coming with a trailer, camper or boat:
Tel: 250-334-6016 
Toll Free: 1-800-331-6007.

Motorhomes are not accepted at the Comox Valley Waste Management Centre and must be directed to Northwin Landfill.