Courtenay Council Meeting Highlights for October 23
October 30, 2024
This update covers highlights from the October 23, 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
On behalf of Council, Councillor Morin acknowledged Remembrance Day on November 11 as a time to reflect on the sacrifices of those who served and continue to serve in war, conflict and peacekeeping. Councillor Morin encouraged residents to attend local ceremonies, observe a moment of silence at 11 a.m., and wear a poppy to honour the courage and dedication of our veterans.
On behalf of Council, Councillor McCollum noted the upcoming Comox Valley Child Development Association (CVCDA) Telethon, which is being broadcast live from the Sid Williams Theatre on November 3, 12:00–8:00 p.m.
Staff Reports
Parks and Open Spaces Regulation Bylaw No. 3121 has been amended with the removal of Section 7.3(f), which reads, “Temporary shelters must not be left unattended.” Created in 1992, this bylaw was no longer in alignment with the community’s shifting needs, the demands of a growing population and the evolving use of parks. The amended bylaw adheres to current legal standards, clearly defines parks management authorities and incorporates environmental, health and cultural protections.
2025 Council Meeting Calendar
Council approved the following 2025 Council Meeting Calendar:
- January 15 and 29
- February 12 and 26
- March 12
- April 2 and 23
- May 7 and 21
- June 11 and 25
- July 16 and 30
- August 27
- September 10 and 17
- October 1 and 15
- November 5, 19, 26, and 27
- December 10
The 2025 Council Meeting Calendar is based on previous years with one change; additional meetings in November have been scheduled to allow sufficient time to consider and discuss budgetary issues.
Council meetings will continue be held at 4:00 p.m. in the Civic Room at the Comox Valley Regional District administration building located at 770 Harmston Avenue, Courtenay, BC, unless otherwise posted.
Development Variance Permit No. 2404 – #1 - 204 Island Highway North-sign bylaw
Council approved a variance to a sign bylaw. This variance will allow the business at this property to increase the size of their overall signage.
The relevant section of this bylaw previously stated, “The combined sign area of all fascia signs plus canopy signs, awning signs, and projecting signs shall not exceed 20% of the area of the building face for a business premise to a maximum of 9.0 m2 (96.9 sq. ft.).” The ratio of 20% and 9.0 m2 has been deemed non-proportional. Therefore 9.0 m2 (96.9 sq. ft.) has been increased to 11.3 m2 (121.6 sq. ft.) in this case.
Development Variance Permit No. 2408 – 1089 Braidwood Road
The sign bylaw mentioned above was varied for a second property to permit an increase in the size of the business’s overall signage. In this case, 9.0 m2 (96.9 sq. ft.) was increased to 18.6 m2 (200.2 sq. ft.)
Development Variance Permit Application No. 2406 – 1975 Cliffe Avenue
Council have approved a variance to allow for the development of a three-story, mixed-use commercial building that will accommodate a daycare for up to 183 children and a small amount of complementary office space. The variance includes height, setbacks and landscape buffers.
Downtown Local Area Plan Communication Strategy and Workplan
Council received the report on the Downtown Local Area Plan (DLAP) Communication Strategy and Workplan, and endorsed the recommended communication strategy.
The DLAP is intended to inform and amend the Official Community Plan (OCP). The communication strategy involves engagement with the general public and groups such as the Downtown Business Association, the Chamber of Commerce and Comox Valley Arts Council. It also includes engagement with intergovernmental authorities who have an interest in the plan area, such as School District 71, the Comox Valley Regional District and BC Transit.
With respect to K’omoks First Nation, a detailed engagement plan will be developed through direct contact with the Nation to determine their level of interest in the study area and to determine how they would like to be involved in the project.
Corporate Facilities Energy Management Plan Grant Support
Council directed staff to submit a full application to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Green Municipal Fund to support the development of the Corporate Facilities Energy Management Plan (CFEMP).
The CFEMP is a strategic roadmap to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from City of Courtenay buildings to meet GHG reduction targets. This roadmap will identify opportunities for upgrades and retrofits to improve energy efficiency, reduce energy consumption and move away from fossil fuels where possible.
Council directed staff to apply for BC Hydro’s Integrated Energy Audit funding program to support the development of the Corporate Facilities Energy Management Plan.
Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) 2025 Tactical Plan
The current agreement between the City of Courtenay and Experience Comox Valley (4V1) requires 4VI to submit an annual Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) Tactical Plan. 4VI maintains the accounting records of the MRDT funds and provides financial reports to the City throughout the year.
MRDT is collected and paid to the City each month, and those funds are then transferred to Experience Comox Valley (4VI).
The City is electing to use the Online Accommodation Platform (OAP) funds towards affordable housing projects, so 4VI must also submit an Affordable Housing Plan annually.
Council approved the 2025 MRDT Tactical Plan and Affordable Housing Plan.
Traffic Calming Guide and Policy Report
Council received the Traffic Calming report and directed staff to implement the Traffic Calming Guide and Policy framework.
The Traffic Calming Guide aims to address the various needs of our community — including speeding, noise and traffic-related safety concerns in residential areas — while ensuring safety, accessibility and service efficiency.
Traffic Calming Request Back Road
Council received the Back Road Traffic Calming report and directed staff to implement both Phase 1, a mini roundabout and raised medians; and Phase 2, guardrail installations.
This is in response to the traffic calming needs and concerns raised by residents of Back Road, specifically related to speeding, noise and safety issues. These concerns were presented to Council at the January 24, 2024, Council Meeting via a formal petition, which recommended several strategies for dealing with these issues.
The Back Road traffic calming review builds on the recently finalized City of Courtenay Traffic Calming Guide and Policy.
685 Cliffe Avenue – Lease Renewal and Temporary Washroom and Storage Update
Council approved a one-year lease extension between the City of Courtenay and the Comox Valley Transition Society (CVTS) for the continued use of the property located at 685 Cliffe Avenue.
The CVTS has operated the Connect Centre since 2019, which provides day centre services for individuals experiencing homelessness, extreme weather shelter or temporary shelter.
External Reports and Correspondence
Hudson Trunk Capacity Constraints
Council received the letter from Comox Valley Regional District - Hudson Trunk Capacity Constraints.
The Hudson Trunk sewer was constructed by the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) in 2017. Recently, several developments have been proposed that far exceed the original density projections used for sizing the Hudson Trunk. This has resulted in capacity constraints.
The Capacity Constraints letter was prepared by the Chair of the Sewage Commission with the goal of finding a resolution to these constraints.
Internal Reports and Correspondence
Winter Shelter Strategy Update
Council received the Winter Shelter Strategy Update briefing note.
The City of Courtenay expressed interest in leading the development of a Winter Shelter Strategy for the Comox Valley. In August 2024, funding was approved by the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) from the Homelessness Support Services function to support the City in development of the strategy.
To efficiently secure winter sheltering options for the 2024/2025 winter season, the Emergency Weather Response (EWR) Task Force (established in fall of 2023) has been paused, and a Winter Shelter Working Group has been launched. The Working Group brings together operators, service providers, local government staff and funders to act on establishing winter sheltering options for the current season.
Staff have reviewed a variety of currently vacant spaces to assess for suitability and willingness. There are currently three potential locations in the Comox Valley that staff are pursuing further to determine feasibility. This is in consultation with the Coalition to End Homelessness and interested operators.
Bylaws – For Adoption
Zoning Bylaw Amendment No. 3140, 2024 (small-scale multi-unit housing)
Council amended a zoning bylaw related to the Residential Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (R-SSMUH) zone. This amendment was to fix errors and improve clarity.
Council Reports
Members of Council are given the opportunity to describe various meetings and events they have attended. No council reports were provided.
Mayor Wells terminated the meeting at 8:52 p.m. The next meeting is Wednesday, November 13, and will be available on the City of Courtenay’s website at www.courtenay.ca/council