Courtenay Council Meeting Highlights for December 18

This update covers highlights from the December 18, 2024, Council meeting. If there is something from the meeting that you would like more detail on, the full agenda, video and minutes (when available) of each meeting are posted on the City of Courtenay’s website at www.courtenay.ca/councilmeetings 

Staff Reports

Complete Communities Growth Assessment Final Report
Council endorsed a comprehensive report aimed at fostering sustainable neighbourhood development. The report supports Council's strategic priorities by providing updated population projections, land capacity analysis, infrastructure gap insights and technical findings to guide Courtenay's growth management and planning.

Development Cost Charge and Amenity Cost Charge Bylaw Update
Council received an update on revising Development Cost Charges (DCC) and introducing Amenity Cost Charges Bylaw (ACC). The update covers rate-setting steps and legislative changes and seeks guidance on sharing growth costs between the City and developers to meet the 20-year population projection.

Bylaws for Adoption

Council adopted several bylaws to enhance city services and financial management, including:

• Municipal and Regional District Tax Reserve Bylaw No. 3158: Establishes a reserve fund to manage and allocate Municipal and Regional District Tax revenues for approved initiatives.
• Snow and Ice Control Reserve Bylaw No. 3159: Creates a reserve fund to cover extra snow and ice control costs when they exceed the annual budget.
• Solid Waste Reserve Bylaw No. 3160: Establishes a reserve fund to manage surplus solid waste revenues and support related operations and projects.
• Police Contingency Reserve Fund - Amendment Bylaw No. 3161: Updates how surplus funds are allocated, sets a reserve balance and clarifies how and when police contingency funds can be used.
• Election Reserve Bylaw No. 3162: Establishes an Election Reserve fund to cover costs for holding elections, with funds limited to the cost of the previous election.
• Fire Protective Services - Amendment Bylaw No. 3163: Updates references to the Fire Safety Act and clarifies the Fire Chief's authority and procedures for fire safety inspections and alternative fire code solutions.
• Development Cost Charges - Amendment Bylaw No. 3164: Updates the fees and collection basis for various land uses, while also facilitating the transfer of surplus funds into the Snow and Ice Control and Police Contingency reserves to bring them closer to their optimum balance.

The next meeting is Wednesday, January 15, 2025. For Council agendas as well as minutes and video from past meetings, visit www.courtenay.ca/councilmeetings.