Here are the highlights from the City Council meeting held on April 29, 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 – regional district tax (MRDT) application update
Council received an update on the proposed Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) application for the Comox Valley.
The MRDT is a three per cent tax applied to short-term accommodation stays, with revenue used to support tourism marketing, visitor services and destination development. If approved, the regional program is expected to generate over $1 million annually, with the majority of funding supporting Experience Comox Valley initiatives.
The update noted that the Town of Comox is pursuing a separate application and would manage its own MRDT revenues if approved. However, this does not significantly impact the regional application, which continues to move forward with strong support from local accommodation providers.
Revenue from online accommodation platforms, such as short-term rentals, would be distributed to municipalities to support affordable housing initiatives.
Next steps include submitting the application, along with updated letters of support, to the Province for review.
Action:
Council directed staff to provide a letter of support for the regional MRDT application.
Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) – solid waste management plan update
Council received an update from Comox Strathcona Waste Management on the draft Solid Waste Management Plan.
The plan will guide garbage, recycling, waste diversion, infrastructure and related programs across the region for the next 10 years. It focuses on reducing waste, extending landfill life, increasing reuse and repair, improving education and supporting better waste separation for multi-family, commercial and construction sectors.
The plan notes that residents in the service area currently generate an average of 551 kg of waste per person each year, compared to the provincial target of 350 kg. Proposed actions are expected to stay within three to five per cent of the annual solid waste budget, with an estimated increase of about $7.50 per year for a home assessed at $670,000.
1st Street traffic calming – community survey results and recommended actions
Council reviewed community survey results and recommended next steps for traffic calming on 1st Street.
The survey received strong participation, with 313 responses from 470 properties. While support for the proposed traffic calming measures narrowly missed the required threshold, the review showed clear safety concerns and strong technical support for targeted improvements.
Staff recommend a lower-cost approach focused on immediate safety improvements, including a marked pedestrian crosswalk with a flashing beacon near Keeneland Avenue, park access improvements near Urquhart Avenue, lane narrowing, parking refinements and an upgraded speed reader board.
Action:
Council directed staff to update the Traffic Calming Policy and move forward with targeted safety improvements on 1st Street.
Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3219 (4680 and 4694 Headquarters Road)
Council considered a zoning amendment for 4680 and 4694 Headquarters Road.
The amendment would rezone the two properties to allow a residential development with 131 units, primarily townhomes. The proposal includes a conservation area, tree protection, intersection improvements and community amenity contributions.
A public hearing is not being held because the proposal is consistent with the Official Community Plan and provincial legislation prohibits a public hearing in this case.
Action:
Council gave first, second and third readings to Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3219.
Before final adoption, the applicant must meet several conditions, including consolidating the two lots, completing a site survey, registering a development agreement and receiving approval from the Ministry of Transportation and Transit.