Here are the highlights from the City Council meeting held on February 11, 2026. 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.
Experience Comox Valley – New 5-Year Municipal Regional District Tax (MRDT) Plan
Council received a presentation from Experience Comox Valley on its proposed 5-Year Municipal Regional District Tax (MRDT) Strategic Business Plan. The MRDT is a visitor-funded provincial tax applied to short-term accommodation, such as hotels and vacation rentals, to support tourism development and management. The proposal would expand the MRDT collection area to include the full Comox Valley Regional District (excluding Denman and Hornby Islands) and increase the tax rate from 2% to 3%, with the CVRD acting as the designated recipient on behalf of regional partners.
The updated plan supports implementation of the region’s recently approved 10-Year Tourism Strategy and would fund destination marketing, industry training, tourism infrastructure, and stewardship initiatives. It also proposes directing Online Accommodation Platform (OAP) revenues to local affordable housing initiatives. Next steps include securing industry support from eligible accommodation providers and returning to municipal councils for formal resolutions of support before submitting the regional application to the Province.
Comox Valley RCMP – Request for Letter of Support for a New Detachment Build
Council considered a request from the Comox Valley RCMP for a formal letter of support for the construction of a new RCMP detachment building. The current detachment, built more than 40 years ago, houses nearly 200 personnel and has identified structural and infrastructure concerns, including seismic risk, aging mechanical systems, water quality issues, and limited space to meet operational needs. The building also houses the North Island RCMP Operational Communications Centre, making its continued functionality critical to regional policing services.
The RCMP has advised that repair costs are increasing and that longer-term planning for a replacement facility is needed. Letters of support from local governments would demonstrate municipal commitment to public safety and allow formal project planning discussions to proceed with the Province and RCMP leadership.
Actions:
Council directed staff to send a letter to the RCMP expressing support for continued discussions to better understand the scope, feasibility, costs, and cost-sharing considerations related to a potential new detachment facility.
Budget Engagement 2026
Council received a briefing note summarizing results from the City’s online Budget Engagement tool, which ran from January 6 to 27, 2026. The interactive “Balancing Act” simulation allowed residents to adjust revenues and service levels while maintaining a balanced budget. The tool received 804 unique views, generating approximately 73 hours of active engagement, with 54 residents submitting completed budget scenarios.
Results show varied and often polarized views on spending priorities. While Recreation, Culture and Community Services and Development Services saw some of the largest average decreases, Public Safety – Police and Transfers to Reserves were among the highest average increases for those who chose to boost funding. Most respondents opted to increase or maintain property taxes rather than reduce services. Common themes in written feedback included appreciation for Courtenay’s natural setting and community feel, alongside concerns about taxes, downtown safety, transportation, and communication with Council.
Actions:
Council received the Budget Engagement 2026 briefing note.
2026–2030 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 3211
Council considered the 2026–2030 Financial Plan Bylaw, which sets out the City’s five-year operating and capital budget, as required under the Community Charter. The plan reflects previous direction from Council, including a 6.0% tax change scenario for 2026 and a surplus balance target of 15% of the 2025 General Fund budgeted spending. The bylaw authorizes revenue collection and spending for 2026 and provides financial authority through the October 2026 municipal election, unless amended.
The 2026 Financial Plan includes $83.4 million in revenue and $23.5 million in borrowing, primarily to support capital projects such as the East Side Fire Hall ($18 million), Ryan Road sidewalk improvements, and Braidwood Road storm and road upgrades. For an average residential home valued at $752,000, total City property charges are projected to increase by approximately 7.0%, with overall property-related charges (including other taxing authorities) increasing by an estimated 6.6%.
Actions:
Council gave first, second and third reading to 2026–2030 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 3211, 2026.
Public Notice Bylaw No. 3210
Council considered Public Notice Bylaw No. 3210, which would modernize how the City provides required public notices under the Community Charter and Local Government Act. Currently, the City meets its statutory notice requirements by publishing notices twice in a local newspaper. The proposed bylaw would allow the City to publish notices once in the newspaper and once on social media, in addition to posting on the City’s website and the notice board at City Hall.
The change reflects evolving communications habits and provincial amendments that permit alternative methods of public notice, provided they are reliable, suitable and accessible. The goal is to maintain transparency while improving reach and flexibility. If adopted, staff will also bring forward an amendment to the Development Procedures Bylaw to align statutory notification requirements with the new Public Notice Bylaw.
Actions:
Council gave first, second and third readings to Public Notice Bylaw No. 3210 and directed staff to prepare an amendment to the Development Procedures Bylaw to align with the new public notice framework.