Comox Valley businesses assess impact of sewer spill

The Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce is surveying local businesses to understand the economic effects of a major sewage spill in Comox Harbour on Vancouver Island. The spill led to beach closures and a temporary advisory telling people to stay out of the water. The chamber says the survey will help identify how businesses were affected and guide future emergency planning. Local operators have reported different kinds of losses, including reduced rentals, cancelled visits, and interruptions to restaurant service. Some seafood harvesters say the closure was costly, while the Comox Valley Regional District lifted the water quality advisory last week after testing showed conditions had returned to normal in most of the harbour. Business owners say the incident created uncertainty and hurt activity in the area during the week of the spill.