Here are the highlights from the City Council meeting held on May 13, 2026. Read the full agenda and attachments for more details.
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Comox Valley RCMP – quarterly report (Jan - Mar 2026)
Council received the quarterly report from the Comox Valley RCMP for the period from January to March 2026.
The report showed a 12 per cent increase in calls for service in Courtenay compared to the same period last year, along with increases in violent crime, property crime and drug-related offences. The most common call type was wellbeing checks, while assault remained the most common violent offence. Property crime was led by mischief to property and theft-related files.
Downtown Courtenay continued to see a high concentration of calls for service, particularly around the Connect Warming Centre. The report also noted increases in theft, disturbances and wellbeing checks in the downtown area. Traffic offences decreased by 28 per cent compared to the same quarter last year.
2025 audited financial statements
Council reviewed and approved the City’s 2025 audited financial statements.
The independent audit was completed by MNP LLP. The auditor confirmed the financial statements fairly present the City’s financial position and comply with Canadian public sector accounting standards.
The City reported an annual surplus of approximately $9.5 million in 2025, with total revenues of $83.9 million and total expenses of $74.4 million. The report notes that the surplus reflects a combination of strong investment income, grant funding, contributed assets from development and lower-than-budgeted operating expenses in several service areas.
The City also continued investing in infrastructure and asset management, with accumulated surplus increasing to approximately $254.6 million. Most of this amount is tied to infrastructure assets such as roads, utilities, buildings and equipment rather than unrestricted cash available for spending.
Action: Council approved the audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2025.
Comox Valley Kick Off – in-kind support for a FIFA World Cup 26™ watch party
Council reviewed a proposal to provide in-kind support for the “Comox Valley Kick Off,” a free community watch party celebrating the FIFA World Cup 26™.
The event is planned for June 12, 2026, at the Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds and is expected to attract between 1,000 and 2,000 attendees throughout the day. Activities would include live screenings of international soccer matches, including Canada’s opening game, along with performances, food vendors, community booths and family-friendly activities.
The event is being coordinated by the Comox Valley Regional District with support from regional partners after securing provincial grant funding through the Community Event Support Fund. The City’s proposed contribution includes staff support for planning, traffic management and equipment setup, with an estimated in-kind value of up to $3,500.
Action: Council approved administrative in-kind support for the Comox Valley Kick Off FIFA World Cup 26™ watch party.
Golden Lawn Challenge – regional water conservation initiative
Council reviewed a proposal for a new regional water conservation initiative called the “Golden Lawn Challenge.”
The proposed pilot program would encourage residents and businesses to reduce lawn watering during the summer and allow grass to naturally go dormant as a way to conserve water. The initiative is intended to support regional water conservation efforts as the Comox Valley faces increasing pressure on water supply due to lower snowpack, hotter summers and higher seasonal demand.
The program would focus on voluntary participation, public education and positive recognition rather than enforcement. Proposed ideas include community challenges, signage, recreation passes and low-cost incentives aimed at making water conservation more visible and socially supported.
The initiative would be developed in collaboration with regional partners, including the Comox Valley Regional District, the Town of Comox and the Village of Cumberland.
2026-2030 Financial Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 3216, 2026
Council considered amendments to the City’s 2026–2030 Financial Plan to reflect updated project costs, carried-forward capital projects and new special projects.
The proposed amendments include funding for an affordable housing strategy, feasibility studies and upgrades for ageing Operations buildings, additional funding for the Official Community Plan update and improvements to infrastructure storage and recreation amenities. Most new spending would be funded through prior year surplus or reserves.
The report also updated Council on the City’s financial position following completion of the 2025 fiscal year. Staff noted the City’s projected surplus remains above its targeted reserve threshold, providing flexibility for future financial planning and infrastructure priorities.
Action: Council gave first, second and third readings to 2026-2030 Financial Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 3216, 2026.