Courtenay Council Meeting Highlights for November 13

This update covers highlights from the November 13, 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 

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

Announcements

Councillor Morin provided a statement on behalf of Council to acknowledge the deaths of 14 Comox Valley community members between May to August, 2024, due to the unregulated toxic drug supply crisis. This brings the total count to 205 deaths of Comox Valley Community members since the public health emergency was first declared.

Mayor Wells acknowledged the death of former Premier John Horgan, extending condolences to his family. He also recognized the death of Senator Murray Sinclair, noting Sinclair's 94 Calls to Action and his efforts in reconciliation and decolonization.

Presentations

RCMP Quarterly Report - 2nd Quarter 2024
Parks Inspector Scott Mercer, Officer in Charge, provided a quarterly update on policing in the community for July 1 – September 30. Noted in the report was that there was a 3% decrease in Calls for Service, a 2% decrease in Violent Crime, a 3% increase in Property Crime, a 12% increase in Controlled Drug and Substances Act Offenses and a 16% decrease in Traffic Offenses.

An acknowledgement of Staff Sergeant Corey Kilborn’s promotion to Inspector of Investigational Services in Kelowna was given.

A list of upcoming police presence and community events was provided, including a speed awareness campaign beginning November 22, planned check stops throughout December and a charity hockey game on December 6 to raise funds for Wounded Warriors, a national mental health service provider for trauma exposes professionals.

Delegations

A representative of Adventure Daycare requested the installation of a crosswalk and sidewalk on Mansfield Drive so that children no longer need to traverse parking lots to reach nearby green spaces.

Staff Reports

Response to Letter from Residents of Lambert Drive Covenant Removal Request
Council directed staff to make an amendment that will allow the land-owners of eight properties on Lambert Drive to remove vegetation debris and undertake restoration of disturbed environmentally sensitive areas on their private lots.

The motion was in response to a letter from several residents of Lambert Drive requesting the City’s support following the unlawful tree cutting on their properties in 2021. The amendment complies with a Condition and Impact Assessment prepared by a Registered Professional Biologist. Council directed staff to waive the $1,000 application fees for each property to amend the covenants.

Development Permit Area Amendments for Small-scale Multi-unit Housing – Consultation Plan
Council received the report Development Permit Area Amendments for Small-scale Multi-unit Housing – Consultation Plan and endorsed the Consultation Plan for the proposed Development Permit Areas (DPA).

The amendment better reflects the housing proposals that are now zoned throughout the City. Several targeted changes are proposed in the report, including removing the requirement for a form and character development permit for properties with fewer than three dwellings, and reviewing guidelines to meet the goals of suitable landscaping, screening between properties, off-street parking and overall street character. 

Lake Trail Multi-Use Pathway – Project Update
Council received the Lake Trail Multi-Use Pathway – Project Update briefing. Staff will present the update to the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) electoral area services committee and will request financial contribution for the project. 

The Lake Trail Multi-Use Pathway project will construct dedicated bike lanes between Lake Trail School and Arden Elementary, filling an important gap in the City’s cycling network. The project will also construct a 2.0m wide gravel path that will be set back from the road and intended for all users.

Snow and Ice Control 2024-2025
Council received the Snow and Ice Control 2024-2025 briefing. The snow and ice control season runs every year, October 1 – March 31. During snow and ice conditions, the City’s Operational Services Department is prepared and ready to respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Strengthening Communities’ Services Grant – Final Report
Council received the Strengthening Communities’ Services Grant (SCG) report. This report details the key outcomes and impacts of the activities funded by Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) through the SCG.

This grant was secured in 2021 by the CVRD in partnership with the City of Courtenay, the Coalition to End Homelessness, the Comox Valley Transition Society and the Wachiay Friendship Centre. It was intended to provide immediate help to address basic human needs of those without shelter in a time of unprecedented and rising levels of homelessness.

Staff will share this report widely to further its momentum. Recipients will include other local municipalities; principal partner agencies; Downtown Courtenay Business Improvement Association (DCBIA); Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce and elected officials.

External Reports and Correspondence

Letter from Myles Thompson - 2009 Lambert Drive Title Restrictions
Council directed staff to release two covenants (restrictions) from 2009 Lambert Drive upon receipt of the required application and fee payment.

Letter from Indigenous Women’s Sharing Society – Request the City to waive the facility fees for a memorial service for Elder Doris Weislein
The facility fees for the December 13, 2024, memorial service for Doris Weislein will be paid from the Council Discretionary Funds, Gaming Budget. Weislin was the founder and president of the Indigenous Women's Sharing Society, and was one of the founders of the Upper Island Women of Native Ancestry and the Wachiay Friendship Centre.

Bylaws for Adoption

Parks and Open Spaces Regulation Bylaw, Bylaw No. 3121
Council adopted Parks and Open Spaces Regulation Bylaw, Bylaw No. 3121. This bylaw will regulate, prohibit and impose requirements relating to parks and open spaces. It will ensure that they are accessible, safe and enjoyable for everyone, while protecting the environment and areas of cultural significance.

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.

Mayor Wells terminated the meeting at 7:06 p.m. The next meeting is Wednesday, November 27, and will be available on the City of Courtenay’s website at www.courtenay.ca/council.