Courtenay Council Meeting Highlights for May 21, 2025

Here are the highlights from the City Council meeting held on May 21, 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.

Note: We are experiencing an error with video linking. Please note the video timestamps for each highlight item.

Next step approved in borrowing process for sewer and land projects

Council approved the next step in the borrowing process for two previously approved projects: the 1st Street Lift Station sewer upgrade and a strategic land purchase made in 2024.

The City plans to borrow $4.7 million through the Municipal Finance Authority of B.C. as part of its regular fall 2025 borrowing process. The funds will support work that has already been approved in earlier financial plans and bylaws.

The borrowing covers:

• $2.5 million for the sewer project (approved in 2023)
• $2.18 million for land purchases, including properties on Anderton Avenue and Cumberland Road

The loans will be repaid over 20 years. Final approval will come from the Comox Valley Regional District through a regional bylaw.

View the borrowing summary and report, and meeting video. (timestamp of video: 21:44)

Winter shelter provided vital support during extreme weather

Council received an end-of-season report on the Extreme Weather Response shelter at 971 Cumberland Road.

During the 2024/2025 winter season, the temporary shelter opened on 46 nights, providing 668 overnight stays for people experiencing homelessness. Guests received support with housing applications, income assistance and ID recovery, and described a strong sense of safety, purpose and community.

Feedback received from the community will be considered in the development of a regional Winter Shelter Strategy to be completed this summer.

The shelter was operated by Lookout Housing and Health Society, with funding from B.C. Housing, the City of Courtenay, Comox Valley Regional District and Town of Comox.

Council directed staff to share the report with regional partners.

View the shelter report and meeting video.  (timestamp of video: 26:35)

New playground concept approved for Woodcote Park

Council approved a new playground design for Woodcote Park, shaped by input from more than 400 survey responses.

The final design combines features from two concept plans and includes inclusive play equipment, nature-based elements and rubber surfacing for accessibility. The focus is on play for toddlers to pre-teens, with future improvements being considered for older youth.

The project is funded by the Province of B.C.’s Growing Communities Fund, with support from Tire Stewardship B.C. and potential community partners. Construction is expected to start this summer.

View the Woodcote Park report, playground design and meeting video.  (timestamp of video: 43:23)

Funding update for 6th Street Bridge project

Council approved the next step in funding the 6th Street active transportation bridge, giving first, second and third readings to a bylaw authorizing up to $1.245 million in borrowing for 2025 — a significant reduction from the $4.3 million originally planned in the 2025–2029 Financial Plan.

The total estimated cost of the project remains $11.1 million, but a revised funding plan has reduced the amount of new debt while keeping the project on schedule.

Updated funding breakdown:

• $1.245 million in new borrowing (May 2025)
• $2.5 million borrowed in 2024
• $2.5 million from Infrastructure Canada's Active Transportation Fund
• $1 million from the original Growing Communities Fund
• $1.555 million reallocated from the Growing Communities Fund
• $1 million in unspent funds from 2024
• $500,000 from the Canada Community-Building Fund
• $800,000 from City reserves

The 6th Street Bridge will enhance walking, cycling and accessibility across the Courtenay River — a key step in supporting a more connected and active community.

View the loan authorization bylaw and funding report, and meeting video.  (timestamp of video: 1:11:13)