Here are the highlights from the City Council meeting held on October 1, 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.
Temporary Use Permit Application No. 2501 – 971 Cumberland Road
Council approved a Temporary Use Permit to allow a winter shelter at 971 Cumberland Road, operated by Lookout Housing and Health Society. The site was used last winter as an Extreme Weather Response shelter, and this year’s program will expand to nightly operations from November to April. The shelter will accommodate up to 18 guests plus two staff, with meals provided and sleeping facilities. The permit is intended as a short-term measure until the new purpose-built shelter at 925 Braidwood Road opens in 2027, with plans for neighbourhood integration through daily clean-ups, outreach, and a Community Integration Table.
The permit is approved for up to three years, with conditions including minimum staffing, site security, and community engagement. Council directed staff to work with BC Housing, the Comox Valley Regional District and Town of Comox to secure additional funding for operating costs and potential building improvements.
View the Temporary Use Permit Application No. 2501 – 971 Cumberland Road
Official Community Plan Review – Recommended Directions
Council reviewed recommended directions for updating Courtenay’s Official Community Plan (OCP) in response to provincial housing legislation (Bill 44). Analysis shows the 2022 OCP and existing zoning already meet minimum requirements to accommodate 20 years of growth, so adoption of updates is now targeted for early 2026. The growth approach stays the same—focus most new homes and jobs in key centres—with more housing also expected in existing neighbourhoods because of new small-scale multi-unit rules.
Nine “big moves” will guide the update: align City planning and budgeting on a five-year cycle; fine-tune land use and better link OCP policies to zoning; track market conditions; tailor housing tools (with density bonus funding for affordable housing, not inclusionary zoning at this time); match infrastructure investment to growth; modernize parks and amenities (including possible Amenity Cost Charges); integrate green infrastructure and natural assets; and strengthen engagement and partnerships, including with K’ómoks First Nation and the development community. Next steps include Phase 3 engagement in October (open house, developer workshop, and interest-holder meetings) ahead of bylaw readings and adoption.
Council received the October 1 staff report on the OCP review recommended directions and directed staff to move ahead with Phase 3 engagement, including public and interest-holder outreach.
View the Official Community Plan Review – Recommended Directions
Cliffe Avenue and 5th Street Intersection Review
Council reviewed options to improve pedestrian safety and traffic flow at the Cliffe Avenue and 5th Street intersection. The study presented five possible upgrades, and Council discussed the impacts of each on safety, connectivity, and vehicle movement. Staff recommended removing the northbound right-turn channel as the most effective way to improve pedestrian comfort and create additional public space. Adding a fourth pedestrian crossing on the east leg was also identified as a way to strengthen downtown walkability, though it would require signal upgrades and minor construction.
Council supported moving forward with both the removal of the northbound right-turn channel and the addition of a fourth crossing, with funding estimated at $600,000 through the Traffic Signal Renewal Program. Council also directed staff to review and adjust signal timing at the intersection to reduce traffic congestion on Cliffe Avenue.
Council endorsed Options 4 and 5 (remove the northbound right-turn channel and add the east leg crossing) and directed staff to add the project to the 2026 Financial Plan. Council also directed staff to optimize the timing of existing traffic signals to help ease downtown congestion on Cliffe Avenue.
View the Cliffe Avenue and 5th Street Intersection Review
Request for Statement of Concurrence and Development Variance Permit Application No. 2503 for 1000 Piercy Avenue
Council considered a request from Telus Communications to install a 46-metre monopole antenna system at 1000 Piercy Avenue, the City’s Public Works Yard. The project required a Development Variance Permit to allow greater height and a reduced rear yard setback. Public consultation included an open house and mailouts to nearby residents, with most feedback in favour due to the need for improved wireless coverage in West Courtenay. The proposal also received support from the RCMP, School District 71, and Search and Rescue, while some residents raised concerns about health and property values.
The antenna will be located within a fenced compound on City land and designed to meet federal health and safety standards. Staff noted the structure is the minimum height required to improve service and the slimmest design available. The project aligns with City policies for reliable communications infrastructure and will provide an annual licence fee of $18,000 to the City.
Council issued a statement of concurrence, approved Development Variance Permit No. 2503, and directed staff to finalize a Licence of Occupation with Telus for the site.