Here are the highlights from the City Council meeting held on June 10, 2026. Read the full agenda and attachments for more details.
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Reserve Fund Policy 1840.01
Council reviewed Reserve Fund Policy 1840.01, a new policy to guide how the City manages reserve funds and operating surplus balances.
The City has established many reserve funds over the years to support capital projects, asset renewal, utilities, emergency needs and other specific purposes. The proposed policy brings these reserves into one consolidated framework and provides clearer guidance on how reserves and surplus balances are funded, used, monitored and reported.
At the end of 2025, the City held approximately $67.6 million in reserves and surplus across the general, water and sewer funds, plus approximately $16.6 million in development cost charges. While the combined total is significant, the staff report notes that these funds are separated by fund, reserve type and intended use, and many can only be used for specific purposes.
The policy is intended to support long-term financial stability, infrastructure renewal and more consistent financial planning. It also sets out roles and responsibilities for Council, the City Manager and the Chief Financial Officer, along with minimum and optimal balance guidelines for selected reserves.
Action: Council approved Reserve Fund Policy 1840.01.
Request for 55+ BC Games support
Council reviewed a request for the City to support a joint bid by the Comox Valley Regional District and City of Campbell River to host the 2028, 2029 or 2030 55+ BC Games.
The 55+ BC Games are an annual multi-sport event for adults aged 55 and over, hosted by a different community in British Columbia each year. The Games typically include thousands of participants, a volunteer host society and events across multiple sport venues.
The City’s requested role would be to provide in-kind support of services and facilities if the bid is successful. This could include use of City recreation facilities, sports fields and staff support for planning and scheduling. No cash contribution is being requested from the City of Courtenay.
Hosting the Games would provide an opportunity to showcase the Comox Valley and Campbell River as age-friendly communities, support sport and recreation for older adults and bring economic activity to the region.
Action: Council committed to providing in-kind support of services and facilities if the joint bid for the 2028, 2029 or 2030 55+ BC Games is successful.
What We Learned Report – Bill Moore and Dogwood Parks
Council reviewed the What We Learned Report for Bill Moore and Dogwood Parks, which summarizes the first phase of public engagement for the parks’ strategic plan.
The engagement took place in March and April 2026 and included a public survey, school engagement with Lake Trail Community School, a pop-up event and a sports user group workshop. In total, the City received 472 contributions from residents, students, sports groups and other park users.
Feedback showed strong interest in improving the parks while protecting their natural character. Common themes included safety, lighting, accessibility, sports field upgrades, renewed playgrounds, improved washrooms and changerooms, seating and gathering spaces, shade and shelter.
The feedback will help inform the development of concept plan options for the parks. A second phase of engagement will give the public an opportunity to review and provide feedback on the draft concepts before a final strategic plan is brought back to Council.
Action: Council directed staff to proceed with the development of park concept plans for Bill Moore Park and Dogwood Park based on the community feedback summarized in the What We Learned Report.
Summer Park Events; Simms Summer Concerts and Parks Alive
Council received an update on summer park programming, including the Simms Summer Concert Series and the new Parks Alive pilot.
The Simms Summer Concert Series will continue to offer free live music on Sunday evenings from late June through August. Due to construction at Simms Park, the 2026 concerts will temporarily move to the Lewis Park stage, with the possibility of returning to Simms Park later in the season if conditions allow.
The new Parks Alive pilot will bring free activities to neighbourhood parks in July and August, including fitness, movement, music, games, art and youth activities. Regular programming is planned for Harmston Park, Glen Hawk Park and Woodcote Park, along with pop-up activities in other parks across the city.
Both programs are intended to support community connection, free and accessible recreation, local arts and culture, and active use of public spaces.
Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 3220, 2026 (Park Bench Fees)
Council considered a bylaw to update fees for the City’s park bench donation program.
The program allows members of the public to donate a new park bench and plaque, or replace an existing plaque and backboard. The bylaw adds updated fees for the program to the City’s Fees and Charges Bylaw.
The updated fees would come into effect on July 1, 2026.
Action: Council adopted Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 3220, 2026.