Infrastructure Improvement Project Coming to Stanford Avenue

September 22, 2026

At the September 21, 2026 Council meeting, the contract for the Stanford Avenue East Improvements Project was awarded to David Stalker Excavating Ltd. to begin construction of a key community infrastructure project.

This project represents a significant investment in the future of Parksville's transportation network. As an active collector road identified in the Transportation Master Plan, Stanford Avenue East serves many users each day, including drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, transit users, businesses, and residents. This project will improve aging infrastructure while creating a safer, more connected corridor that better serves the community today and into the future.

Project Highlights

Approximately 1.2 kilometres of construction area from McCarter Street to Shelly Road.
Full roadway improvements, resulting in a smoother and more durable surface than what is currently there.
Replacement of watermain sections with new polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), which is a durable, corrosion-resistant plastic pipe used for transporting water.
A multi-use pathway running along the south side of Stanford Ave E and east side of Corfield Street, designed to improve connectivity and provide safer, more accessible options for people walking, cycling, and moving through the area.
Renewed sidewalks along the north side of Stanford Avenue East.
Implement more efficient traffic calming measures by changing Corfield Street South from four lanes to two.
Connecting existing bike networks with new active transportation to provide a continuous bike route to/from the Alberni Highway.
Rain gardens designed as part of stormwater management planning to treat water entering Shelly Creek and Mills outfall using native plants and vegetation.
Four-way stop at Stanford and McVickers will turn into a two-way stop to define the right-of-way more accurately.
Alleviate active transportation options (bikes, mobility scooters, etc.) off Highway 19A.
Inclusion of parking spaces where possible.

Construction is expected to begin in late October 2026, with an approximate completion of sidewalks, roads, and trails in late August 2027. Further work will be required to landscaping components beyond August 2027; however, traffic will be minimally affected by the work required.

By combining road renewal, watermain replacement, active transportation improvements, stormwater enhancements, and pedestrian safety upgrades into a single project, the City is taking a long-term approach that maximizes value and minimizes the need for future disruptions.

Key intersections that will be affected along Stanford Avenue East include Corfield Street South, Evergreen Street, Bagshaw Street, McVickers Street, Blower Road, Mills Street, Shelly Road, McCarter Street, and Corfield Street South at Despard Avenue.

Stanford Avenue E at Evergreen Street

Stanford Ave Eat Blower Road

For more information and project updates and adjusted timelines, visit www.letstalkparksville.ca/stanford-improvements. Sign up through Let’s Talk Parksville to receive notifications on new project updates and/or timelines.

Media Contact:
Matt Bell, Manager of Communications
communications@parksville.ca; 250-954-3073