This update covers highlights from the November 27, 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 

Announcements

The Mayor addressed a recent incident involving vehicles vandalized with racist hate speech. He noted that RCMP reports suggest the victims were targeted at random and encouraged anyone with information or security footage to contact the RCMP.

The Mayor emphasized that these actions do not reflect our community’s values. Council stands in solidarity with the victims and remains committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable community where everyone feels safe, valued and respected.

Delegations

Morrison Creek Fish Passage Remediation
A representative of Morrison Creek Streamkeepers requested the City remove the barrier to fish passage on Morrison Creek at 1^st Street. These measures would include replacing the baffles in the culvert, repairing the plunge pool’s riffle crest to restore its original height and replacing a culvert to enhance aquatic passage.

You Are Not Alone (Y.A.N.A.) Fund Society Fee Exemption Request
The Executive Director of the Y.A.N.A. Fund Society requested an exemption to the Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw to change their rental fee from “Private Event, Fundraising, or NPO (Non-Profit Organization) Commercial use” to “Minor or Senior NPO” for their Big Love Benefit event. This is based on the charitable impact of this event.

Staff Reports

Update on Washrooms and Storage Facilities at Connect
Council received an update on the washrooms and storage facilities at the Connect Centre at 685 Cliffe Avenue, increasing the lease area for the Comox Valley Transition Society to expand services to their clients. These services include fencing, washrooms and improved storage on the expanded area.

Integrated Rainwater Management Plan
A representative from Kerr Wood Leidal Associates presented the Phase 3 Integrated Rainwater Management Plan (IRMP), which Council have adopted. The IRMP is a master plan designed to manage rainwater in a way that protects the aquatic environment and mitigates the impact of drought and flooding.

Cousins Avenue Road Upgrades
A representative from McElhanney Engineering Ltd. presented road upgrade options for Cousins Avenue following assessments that determined the aging underground utilities have reached their end of life and that the pavement structure needs replacing. Council will proceed with Option 1, which focuses on enhancing pedestrian safety and improving traffic flow while preserving existing parking spaces.

Dove Creek Road Closure Request – Access Restriction
City staff reviewed the recommendations proposed by Morrison Hershfield, now Stantec (MHnS), the engineering firm hired by the City to assess the feasibility of restricting public vehicle access to Dove Creek Place. This is following the request by a local property owner due to the ongoing misuse of the road (e.g. motor vehicle infractions, illegal dumping, harassment of livestock and other criminal-related activities). The City will proceed with the proposed access restriction.

Sid Williams Theatre Society Agreements and Discontinuation of the Theatre Ticket Surcharge Reserve
Council approved two agreements with the Sid Williams Theatre Society: the 5-year Licence to Occupy and the Management and Operating Grant Fee for Service. These agreements outline the terms and conditions by which the Society will continue to occupy, manage and operate the Sid Williams Theatre. It also outlines the service deliverables expected of the Society in return for grant funding and in-kind support provided by the City.

Council authorized the discontinuation of the Theatre Ticket Surcharge Reserve. The balance of this surcharge will be transferred to the Sid Williams Theatre Society, subject to staff receiving and approving the Society’s Theatre Ticket Surcharge Reserve policy.

Sid Williams Theatre Society Lighting Grid Upgrade Funding Request
The Sid Williams Theatre Society will be receiving a $100,000 grant for their Lighting Grid Upgrade. This upgrade will provide safer lighting equipment changeovers, reduce operations costs and meet theatre renters’ demands for more complex theatre lighting plots.

External Reports and Correspondence

Letter from Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) regarding extension of the pump station discharge permit
Council approved the CVRD’s request to extend the pump station discharge permit from December 15, 2024, to February 28, 2025. This is due to the slower-than-anticipated progression of the work at the new Courtenay Pump Station.

Letter from Tracey Clarke, Executive Director, Comox Valley Chambers
Council received an update from the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce regarding the progress of the Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Program. The BRE is an initiative that Council and Staff endorsed earlier this year to strengthen our local economy.

Internal Reports and Correspondence

Research Project - College and Community Social Innovation Fund Grant
Langara College was successful in its grant application to the College and Community Social Innovation Fund. It was recently awarded $355,000 to conduct a three-year research project to explore the participation of racialized and immigrant communities in public recreation services in British Columbia. The research project will be conducted in partnership with Courtenay Recreation and other community research partners.

Unfinished Business

Delegation – A. Soldevila, Adventure Forest School – Requesting Installation of a Crosswalk and Sidewalk on Mansfield Drive
Adventure Forest School will be informed about opportunities to collaborate on future traffic calming initiatives in their area.

The next meeting is Wednesday, December 11. For Council agendas as well as minutes and video from past meetings, visit www.courtenay.ca/councilmeetings.