Courtenay Council meeting highlights for May 7, 2025
May 12, 2025
Here are the highlights from the City Council meeting held on May 7, 2025. Read the full agenda and attachments for more details.
To learn more about Council meetings — including video recordings, meeting schedules, past minutes and upcoming agendas — visit the Council meetings page.
E-bike and e-scooter share program could expand
Council heard a proposal to expand the Evolve e-bike share program in the Comox Valley. The plan includes 26 new parking zones across Courtenay, Comox, Comox Valley Regional District, K’ómoks First Nation, Cumberland and Royston.
The expansion could also introduce electric scooters. Both e-bikes and e-scooters would be available at all parking zones.
Funded by BCAA, Evolve launched in May 2024 with 40 bikes at 20 locations in Courtenay and Comox.
Council directed staff to prepare a report on the impacts of expanding the existing program.
View the Evolve e-bike share presentation and meeting video.
2024 financial statements approved following clean audit
Council approved the 2024 financial statements and received a clean audit from MNP LLP. The City ended the year with a $9.3 million surplus, thanks to higher revenue and lower expenses. The City now has $245.1 million in total funds, including reserves that will help maintain services and support future projects.
View the financial statements, audit report and meeting video.
New bylaws adopted for short-term rentals
Council adopted three new bylaws to regulate short-term rentals in Courtenay. The changes followed a public hearing and aim to ensure short-term rentals operate safely and responsibly in residential neighbourhoods.
Under the new bylaws:
- Rentals must be in homes where the owner lives on the property.
- A maximum of three bedrooms and six guests is allowed.
- Operators need a business licence and must post contact and safety information.
- Fines apply for violations.
These changes update the City’s zoning, licensing and enforcement bylaws to reflect community input and protect neighbourhood livability.
View the short-term rental bylaws and meeting video.
New bylaw improves how tickets and disputes are handled
Council adopted a new enforcement bylaw to update how bylaw tickets are issued, disputed and resolved.
The bylaw introduces a local dispute process, so some issues can be resolved without going to court. It also includes early payment discounts, options for resolving minor violations through compliance agreements and clearer rules for fines.
This change helps make bylaw enforcement more fair, efficient and accessible for residents.