Bringing the voice of business to the table
Advocacy is how we act as the bridge between your business and your elected officials. Whether addressing urgent local challenges or long-term economic goals, we ensure the voice of business is heard. From tackling emerging issues on the ground to shaping policy at the provincial and national level, the Comox Valley Chamber is your advocate—representing your interests, influencing decision-makers, and driving change that strengthens our local economy.
Need support? We regularly meet with our elected officials and can bring your voice to the table.
Speed and Safety on Highway 19A
Advocating for a safer Highway 19A between Courtenay and Campbell River
Safety on Highway 19A has been a longstanding concern for businesses and community organizations along the corridor. For the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce, the issue grew directly from our work with rural businesses in Electoral Area C.
Where the concern started
Through the Chamber’s Rural Business Initiative, funded through the Province of British Columbia’s Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP), we gathered information about the challenges facing Area C businesses.
Transportation, parking and road safety emerged as significant concerns. A September 2024 Business Walk included visits to 22 businesses in the Saratoga and Miracle Beach areas and along Highway 19A. Since then, continued conversations with rural businesses have reinforced concerns about traffic speed and safety.
(Read the Rural Business Initiative Report)
Bringing the issue forward
The Chamber worked with MLA Brennan Day’s office to bring these concerns to the provincial government. Businesses and community organizations along the corridor were invited to support a letter to the BC Ministry of Transportation and Transit.
The letter, submitted April 29, 2026, highlighted the unique role of Highway 19A. It is an important connection between the Comox Valley and Campbell River, but it also serves homes, businesses, farms, school bus routes, cyclists and other local users. This combination of local access and through traffic creates a very different environment from a purpose-built high-speed highway.
The letter called for action on:
- Traffic speed and safety
- High traffic volumes
- Business and residential access
- School bus and agricultural vehicle activity
- Cyclist and pedestrian safety
- The overall design and function of the corridor
The Ministry’s response
On June 9, 2026, the Ministry confirmed that it has heard similar concerns from people and organizations along Highway 19A, including requests for speed-limit reductions, improved active transportation and transit facilities, traffic calming and other safety measures.
Most significantly, the Ministry advised that it intends to undertake a corridor-wide transportation planning study beginning in 2027. The study is expected to examine Highway 19A from Qualicum Beach to Campbell River, including traffic volumes and types, speed limits, intersections, highway accesses, active transportation and the long-term role and function of the corridor.
The Ministry also indicated that stakeholder engagement is expected to be part of the process.
(Read the Ministry of Transportation and Transits Letter)
What happens next?
The Chamber sees the planned 2027 study as an important opportunity to ensure that the experience of businesses and communities along Highway 19A is part of the conversation.
In the meantime, the Ministry will continue monitoring the corridor and identifying potential safety improvements. An engineering review is currently underway at the Huband Road and Highway 19A intersection, and the Ministry has invited local businesses and organizations to share observations about specific locations of concern.
The Chamber will continue to monitor this work and advocate for the concerns raised by the rural business community.