City hosting open house for Downtown Vitalization Local Area Plan

Courtenay is growing, and planning for this growth will create new possibilities for the downtown area. The City of Courtenay invites you to help shape the future of downtown, including Harmston Park.

Attend an open house for the Downtown Vitalization Local Area Plan on Wednesday, May 14, 4–7 p.m. at the Florence Filberg Centre (411 Anderton Avenue.) A short presentation will start at 5 p.m. An online survey will be launching with the open house at www.engagecomoxvalley.ca/courtenay-downtown-plan

Review the draft concepts, projects and policy directions that will inform the plan, and share your perspective to help shape a plan that will guide development in Courtenay’s downtown for years to come.

“Downtown is the heart of our community, and it’s expected that much of Courtenay’s housing growth will occur in the downtown area over the next 20 years,” said Courtenay Mayor Bob Wells. “This project is building on previous work through other key projects, such as our Official Community Plan and Downtown Playbook. We want to hear directly from the public about proposed downtown design options and how we envision moving around the downtown when more people will be living there.”

The open house will focus on design concepts for four distinct planning districts:  Riverfront, Downtown Core, Fitzgerald Corridor and Harmston Park, including proposals for public spaces, mobility, housing, and community life. Through this process, and in consultation with the community, the Harmston Park planning district concept will also include a vision for this neighbourhood green space that will inform a more detailed design process launching later this fall.

Developed over three phases, the Downtown Vitalization Local Area Plan is one of Council’s strategic priorities. Phase 1 of the planning process is now complete, and has established foundations for growth and urban design. Phase 2 will focus on sharing what has been learned and seeking public feedback on options for each district.

The plan options will integrate and build upon several high-profile capital projects already underway, including a new BC Transit exchange, 6^th Street corridor and bridge, Harmston Parks Plan and flood risk management along the Courtenay River. The format will include interactive displays and an opportunity to speak with staff and consultants. Childminding will be available on site for attendees. Participants are encouraged to allow enough time for travel during this peak time. Pre-registration for the event is not required.

The Downtown Vitalization Local Area Plan will be shaped by feedback from public, interest-holder and K’ómoks First Nation engagement, design analysis, staff input and Council direction.

To learn more about the project, how to participate and to sign up for updates through the project webpage, visit: www.engagecomoxvalley.ca/courtenay-downtown-plan

Fast Facts

Courtenay is a fast-growing community with much of that growth occurring in the downtown:

• Courtenay’s population is expected to reach approximately 42,415 residents by 2041 up from 29,530 in 2021 – a 30 per cent increase. (Housing_Needs_Report_2024.pdf - pg 16)
  
• 8,350 homes will need to be built in Courtenay over the next 20 years to keep up with demand. (Housing_Needs_Report_2024.pdf - pg 45)
• New residential and commercial development in the downtown aligns with the Official Community Plan’s policies to encourage higher density and mixed uses in growth centres.
• A detailed design process for Harmston Park will be initiated in fall 2025 based on the vision and concept plans established through the DVLAP.