Here are the highlights from the City Council meeting held on July 30, 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.
Zero Carbon Step Code
The City is looking at how to put in place the Zero Carbon Step Code (ZCSC), which is a set of building rules to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions in new buildings. These changes aim to help the City meet its climate goals by 2030. In early 2024, Council voted to follow the province’s CleanBC plan, which sets out steps for cleaner buildings over time.
In a subsequent meeting, Council requested additional research and public feedback before deciding how quickly to move forward. City staff met with developers in March 2025 and shared a survey to gather opinions.
Council directed staff to amend the Building Bylaw for applicable buildings to meet the performance level of (EL-3) from January 1, 2026 and to meet the performance level (EL-4) by January 1, 2028.
View Zero Carbon Step Code report and meeting video
East Courtenay Fire Hall – project update
The City is planning to build a new fire hall in East Courtenay to improve emergency response times and keep up with population growth in the area. The new fire hall will include space for fire trucks, firefighter living quarters, training areas, and health and safety features. The project is expected to start construction in 2026.
This fire hall will also help lower insurance costs for local businesses in East Courtenay and reduce building restrictions by improving response times. Without it, the east side remains at increased risk during floods or disasters, since all current Courtenay fire resources are on the west side of the river.
The total cost is expected to be around $14 million, less than previously budgeted. Council approved applying for a grant of up to $7 million for the project and the city plans to cover the rest through borrowing and other funds.
Council directed staff to proceed with the design of the East Courtenay Fire Hall.
View the East Courtenay Fire Hall – project update report and meeting video
BCAA’s Evolve – Electric Kick Scooter Share Program
Council approved renewing its agreement with BCAA’s Evolve program, which currently operates an electric bike share system in the area. The program has been successful so far, with bikes available at 15 locations around Courtenay, plus several more stations across the Comox Valley.
Evolve wants to add 10 more locations and include electric kick scooters in the service. Before this can happen, the City must review provincial laws, update local rules, and work with partners like the RCMP and the Comox Valley Regional District. E-scooters would be allowed only on roads with speed limits of 50 km/h or lower and not on sidewalks, trails, or parks.
View the BCAA’s Evolve – Electric Kick Scooter Share Program report and meeting video
Bill Moore Park and Dogwood Park Master Plan project update
The City is working on a long-term plan to improve Bill Moore Park and Dogwood Park, both in West Courtenay. Bill Moore Park is a community park with sports fields, a playground, and other facilities, but some of the equipment is old and needs updating. Dogwood Park is a nearby natural area with trails.
The City wants to create one plan for both parks to help guide improvements, like replacing the playground, adding new amenities, and possibly building things like basketball courts, off-leash dog areas, or even pickleball courts.
The planning process will happen in stages, starting with visioning and concept design in 2025. Phase 1, which includes building a new playground and other small upgrades, is planned for 2026–2027 with a budget of $1.5 million. The City is also looking into partnerships, grants, and long-term budget planning.
Council directed staff to proceed with the development of the Bill Moore Park and Dogwood Park Master Plan.
View the Bill Moore Park and Dogwood Park Master Plan report and meeting video
Campaign to Make Back Road Safe
Residents living along Back Road in Courtenay have been concerned about speeding and heavy traffic, especially since the regional sewer conveyance project began in March 2025. The City studied traffic volumes and found that traffic increased by about 40 percent.
In response, the City plans to build a mini-roundabout at Valley View Drive and install guardrails between 10th Street East and Valley View Drive starting in August 2025. Most of the construction will take place at night and is expected to last about three weeks.
To help with speeding, the City is working with the RCMP. The City will continue sharing traffic data with the RCMP and working with residents to stay updated on concerns.
View the Campaign to Make Back Road Safe report and meeting video