Courtenay Council Meeting Highlights for August 28, 2024
September 3, 2024
This update covers highlights from the August 28, 2024 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.
Bylaws – for First, Second and Third Readings
An application for a purpose-built shelter with community services and offices and supportive housing in one area and future non-market housing in a second area of the property.
Marianne Wade, Director of Development Services, gave a short presentation, followed by a presentation by BC Housing staff:
- Sarah Smith, Director, Regional Development (presenter)
- Jennifer Fox, Regional Director
- Nicole Yang, Development Manager
- Stuart Andrie, Supportive Housing Advisor
Rick Browning and Ryan Cohen from Pacific Swell and Maris MacDonald, of MacDonald Hagarty Architects were also present for questions.
Council gave first, second and third readings to this bylaw amendment.
11th Street Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3059 – Part 68 - Comprehensive Development Forty-One (CD-41) (120 11th Street)
An application to facilitate a four-lot consolidation of the subject properties for the purpose of building a 5-story multi-family rental apartment building.
Applicants Rick Browning and Ryan Cohen from Pacific Swell and Maris MacDonald, of MacDonald Hagarty Architects were present for questions.
Council gave first, second and third readings to this bylaw amendment.
Staff Reports
2023-2026 Strategic Priorities Update
The 2023-2026 Strategic Priorities provide overarching policy guidance and direction for the City’s work program and financial plan. Organized around the four Cardinal Directions of climate action, reconciliation, equity, and community well-being, the plan serves as a framework to organize the City’s activities for 2023- 2026.
Council received an update on progress towards the 2023-2026 Council Strategic Priorities and directed staff to schedule a Strategic Priorities review session in Fall of 2024.
Resident Surveys – Your Courtenay, Your Voice
The City’s Resident Survey, titled "Your Courtenay, Your Voice," launched in July 2023 with the aim of gathering feedback from Courtenay residents. The survey utilized two methodologies: a statistically valid phone-based survey, and an online survey for self-selected participants.
In addition to standardized/benchmarking questions, unique questions were included to gather insight on various topics, including the City crest’s alignment with community identity, desired improvements to the City's image, awareness of City initiatives, opportunities to enhance quality of life, and perspectives on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within the community.
Council directed staff to establish a five-year City of Courtenay benchmarking data set by conducting the statistically valid Resident Survey annually until 2027.
External Reports
RCMP Quarterly Report - 1st Quarter (April to June) 2024
The RCMP’s quarterly report includes statistics on calls for service, violent crime, property crime, CDSA (drug) offences and traffic offences. Inspector Scott Mercer, RCMP, answered questions about the report. Council received the report.
Internal Reports
Bylaw Dispute Adjudication System (BDAS) - Update
The proposed BDAS program offers a modernized and efficient approach to bylaw enforcement, aligning with the newly adopted Bylaw Compliance Policy and Strategic Plan for Bylaw Compliance. Most notably, under the BDAS, the dispute requirements are commensurate with the infraction type as residents wishing to dispute tickets for less serious infractions can do so through a more accessible and less complex adjudication process instead of a full court proceeding as required under the Municipal Ticket system (currently in use). Council received the report.
Bylaws – for Adoption
For First, Second and Third Reading (see all items below through this link)
- Tax Exemption 2025 Bylaws 3142, 3143, 3144, 3145, 3146 2024
Council adopted tax exemption bylaws. - Temporary Borrowing Bylaws 3147, 3148. 3149 2024
Council adopted these bylaws for Anderton Dike Phase 1, a Strategic Land Acquisition, and the 6th Street Bridge. - Subdivision and Development Servicing Amendment Bylaw No. 3155 – Road Classification
Council adopted this bylaw.
Council Reports
Members of Council are given the opportunity to describe various meetings and events they have attended. See attachments in the agenda with submitted written reports.
In Camera Resolution
Council closed the meeting to the public for private discussions pursuant to the Community Charter subsections 90 1 (g)
Mayor Wells terminated the open portion of the meeting at 7:47 p.m. Following the conclusion of the in-camera portion of the meeting, Mayor Wells terminated the meeting at 7:55 p.m. The next meeting is Wednesday, September 11 and will be available on the City of Courtenay’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/CityofCourtenayBC/streams