Courtenay Council Meeting Highlights for March 12

March 13, 2025

This update covers highlights from the March 12, 2025, Council meeting. 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**

Staff Reports

Antenna System Application Process Policy Approved

Council approved an Antenna System Application and Process Policy DS-02, which standardizes the process for reviewing applications.

  • Staff will prepare related amendments to the Zoning Bylaw No. 2500, 2207 and the Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 1673, 1992 to align with this policy.

Liquor Licence Expansion for Gladstone Brewing

Council recommended approval of a liquor licence capacity expansion for Gladstone Brewing (244 4th Street), increasing its service capacity from 280 to 360 persons.

  • Public feedback and RCMP input indicated no anticipated negative community impact.

Review of Building Relocation Policy

Council discussed the existing policy on relocating buildings over 15 years old. Two options were presented:

  • Option 1: Maintain the current age restriction in Building Bylaw No. 3114.

6th Street Bridge Project Moves Forward

  • Council approved an amendment to the 6th Street Bridge Capital Budget, increasing it to $11,165,100 in the 2025-2029 Financial Plan.
  • Council also directed staff to prepare a loan authorization bylaw for $4.3 million to support project funding.

Parcel Tax Review Panel Scheduled

  • The Parcel Tax Review Panel considers appeals from property owners regarding property taxes.
  • Council set the Parcel Tax Review Panel for Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 3:00 PM, to be held at the CVRD Civic Room, 770 Harmston Ave, Courtenay.

Strategic Cultural Plan Adopted

  • Council officially adopted the Strategic Cultural Plan and Implementation Strategy, which will guide future cultural development initiatives in Courtenay.

External Reports

Support for Pride Society of Comox Valley

Council will provide a letter of support for the Pride Society of the Comox Valley’s application to the Local Festivals – Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage grant.

Internal Reports

Comox Valley Community Foundation Grant: Community Winter Response and Storage Solutions

Council received a briefing note on a Community Winter Response and Storage Solutions grant from the Comox Valley Community Foundation, aimed at supporting winter services for vulnerable populations.

Council Reports

Council Stands Against Proposed U.S. Tariffs

Council reaffirmed its support for "Team Canada", opposing proposed U.S. tariffs on Canadian imports.

  • The City will prioritize Canadian-made goods and services in municipal procurement.
  • Engagement will continue with local business organizations to support economic resilience.
  • Staff will report back on the impact of these initiatives, and the resolution will be shared with other Comox Valley local governments and the K’ómoks First Nation.

Bylaws for Adoption

Financial Plan and Sewer Tax Bylaws Adopted

Council officially adopted key financial bylaws:

 

The meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m., the next meeting is Wednesday, March 26 and will be available on the City of Courtenay’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/CityofCourtenayBC/streams