Courtenay Council Meeting Highlights for April 2

April 3, 2025

This update covers highlights from the regular council meeting held on April 2, 2025. If there is something from the meeting that you would like more detail on, view the full agenda on the City of Courtenay’s website at www.courtenay.ca/councilmeetings

**Please note that links below go to agenda items but do not link to the video for the Council Meeting. To view the full meeting video visit the City of Courtenay’s YouTube Channel**

Presentations

RCMP Town Hall Update Received

Council received a verbal update on the March 26, 2025 RCMP Town Hall, delivered by Inspector Scott Mercer, Officer in Charge.

Staff Reports

BC Transit – Transit Priorities Update

Council requested more information about improved pedestrian crossings, opportunities for public art and local business consultation regarding proposed improvements to the Comox Valley Regional Transit System, including key exchange upgrades and transit queue jump lanes.

  • Staff will pursue funding from the Comox Valley Regional District Transit Service for necessary infrastructure upgrades.
  • Council also requested that the service consider a public washroom facility at the South Courtenay exchange, and a crosswalk across Eighth on the west side of England Avenue

6th Street Multi-Modal Corridor Enhancement – Grant Application

Council advanced several initiatives focused on the 6th Street multi-modal corridor:

  • Grant Applications: Supported applications to the National Active Transportation Fund and the BC Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant for cycling and pedestrian upgrades.
  • Preferred Design: Endorsed the corridor's preferred cross-section design.

 6th Street Parking Review – Parking Enhancement Option

  • Parking Enhancements: Approved angle parking on the north side between Fitzgerald and Harmston Avenues.
  • Staff will return with recommendations for a Downtown Parking Management Program.

External Reports and Correspondence

Letter from Raymond Henault President - Courtenay Airpark Association 
Letter from the Comox Valley Airport Commission

Council will issue letters of support for BC Air Access Program (BCAAP) funding applications submitted by the Courtenay Airpark Association and the Comox Valley Airport Commission.

Invitation to World Masters Games in Taipei - Taipei Economic & Cultural Office
Council endorsed the attendance of Mayor Bob Wells at the World Masters Games in Taipei in May 2025

Internal Reports

2025 Pedestrian, Cycling & Pavement Renewal Program (PCPR)
Council received a briefing note outlining the Pedestrian, Cycling & Pavement Renewal Program (PCPR)

Cycling Network Plan – 2025 Implementation
Council received a briefing note outlining the Cycling Network Plan – 2025 Implementation

Notice of Motion

Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Nomination (Councillor Cole-Hamilton)
Council will consider endorsing Councillor Will Cole-Hamilton for re-election to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Board of Directors (2025–2027 term).

  • A formal motion will return for decision on April 23.

Bylaws

For 1st, 2nd and 3rd Readings:
Traffic Regulation - Amendment Bylaw No. 3172, 2025

For 1st Reading:
Downtown Courtenay Revitalization Tax Exemption - Amendment Bylaw No. 3175, 2025

For 1st and 2nd Readings:

Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) Bylaws:

  • OCP Amendment Bylaw No. 3177, 2025
    • A Public Hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, April 30, 2025
    • Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3176, 2025
      • A Public Hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Short-Term Rental Regulation Bylaws:

  • Business Licence Amendment Bylaw No. 3133, 2025
  • Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3134, 2025
    • A Public Hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, April 30, 2025
    • Municipal Ticket Information Amendment Bylaw No. 3139, 2025
    • Council also directed staff to monitor the CMHC Primary Rental Market Vacancy Rate for three years following implementation and report back on impacts.

The next meeting is Wednesday, April 23, 2025 and will be available on the City of Courtenay’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/CityofCourtenayBC/streams