This update covers highlights from the January 11, 2023 Council meeting. If there’s something from the meeting that you’d like more detail on, the full agenda, video, and minutes (when available) of each meeting are posted on the City of Courtenay website at www.courtenay.ca/councilmeetings 

Council respectfully acknowledged that the lands on which this meeting was conducted are the Unceded traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation.

Delegations

• Project Watershed – Kus-kus-sum Project Updates
  Presentation from Caitlin Pierzchalski, Executive Director - Project Watershed on the progress of the Kus-kus-sum project including updates for the 2023/2024 work plan, and long-term planning items.
  
  Work continues this year including re-vegetation of native species (10,000 plants), continued regrading, flood maintenance and investigation of steel-piling wall removal. 84% of the total cost of the project have been raised. For more about the project visit: https://projectwatershed.ca/2020/01/27/kus-kus-sum/

Staff Reports

• Comox Valley Aquatic Service Needs Strategy Draft Report
  The 1st phase of the study is complete and the consultant has prepared the draft Comox Valley Aquatic Services Needs Strategy that defines the vision for aquatic facilities and services for the Comox Valley.
  
  Mike Roma and Meghan Carey of RC Strategies and Paul Fast of HCMA (architectural firm) presented the draft report which includes options for consideration and a recommendation.
  
  Council received the draft report for information and directed staff to post the draft report for public engagement and feedback.

External Reports

• Comox Valley Airport - Request for Letter of Support for BC Air Access Grant
  Council approved providing a letter of support to the Comox Valley Airport for the BC Air Access grant application. Possible projects include solar power array installation, electrification of ground support equipment and Electric Vehicle Level 3 Fast Charging Stations.
  
  
• Courtenay Airpark Association - Request for Letter of Support for 2023 BC Air Access Grant Council approved providing a letter of support to the Courtenay Airpark Association for the BC Air Access grant application. Possible projects include floatplane dock replacement and paving of a dedicated air ambulance helicopter pad.

Council Reports

• Members of Council are given the opportunity to talk about various meetings and events attended. Some written reports have been provided.

Council Resolutions

• Arden School Safety Improvements - Councillor McCollum
  Council approved a motion to address safe active travel opportunities (as outlined by the Arden Green Team) and Council directed staff to develop a Safe and Active Schools Program for all schools in Courtenay.

Unfinished Business

• Wachiay Affordable Housing Project - 1679 McPhee Avenue
  This project is in the pre-development stage and has been named Naut’sa mawt, a Coast Salish term meaning “together as one”.
  
  Council approved paying the City’s portion of the development cost charges, up to $100,000 for this project and that the funds be allocated from the Housing Reserve Fund.

• Council Appointments (Alternates)
  Council appointed alternates to various internal and external committees including:
  • Heritage Commission Alternate
  • Court of Revision (Parcel Tax Review Panel) Alternates
  • Community Drug Strategy Committee Alternate
  • Comox Valley Community Action Team Alternate
  • Comox Valley Social Planning Society Alternate
  • Physician Recruitment Committee Alternate
  • Kus-kus-sum Restoration Project Watershed Alternate
  • Comox Valley Early Years Collaborative Alternate
  • Junction Community Advisory Committee Alternate
  • Comox Valley Food Policy Council Alternate 

Notice of Motion

• Nomination to FCM Board of Directors - Councillor Cole-Hamilton
  A motion will be put forward at a future Council meeting to endorse Councillor Will Cole-Hamilton to stand for election on FCM’s Board of Directors and for Council to assume costs associated with attending meetings. 

Bylaws

For First, Second and Third Readings

• Delegation of Purchasing Authority Bylaw No. 3082, 2023
  Council gave first, second and third reading to the City’s Delegation of Purchasing Authority Bylaw and Purchasing Policy requires updating to reflect changes to trade agreements, best practices, Indigenous procurement and Council’s desire to include social procurement.

For Third Reading

• Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3072, 2022 (1540 Willemar Ave)
  Council gave third reading to this bylaw to rezone from Residential Two Zone (R-2) to Residential One E Zone (R-1E) to allow for the subdivision of the property and permit the existing accessory building.

For Adoption

• Property Tax Installment Payment Plan Bylaw No. 3085, 2022
  Council adopted a Bylaw to provide for the property tax installment payment plan.
  
  

In Camera Resolution

• Council closed the meeting to the public pursuant to the following subsections of the Community Charter:
  90  (1) (e) the acquisition, disposition or expropriation of land or improvements, if the council considers that disclosure could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the municipality;
  (g) litigation or potential litigation affecting the municipality; and
  (i) the receipt of advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose.

 

The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m., the next meeting is Wednesday, January 25, 2022 and will be available on the City of Courtenay’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CityofCourtenayBC/streams