Here are the highlights from the City Council meeting held on August 26, 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.
Youth Climate Corps British Columbia – End of season update
Council received an end of season update from the Youth Climate Corps BC, a non-profit program in Courtenay that is in its second season and employs six local youth to work full-time on climate action projects while gaining skills and experience for future careers.
The team works with the City of Courtenay and more than 10 community organizations on projects that support food security, ecosystem restoration, watershed protection, environmental monitoring, waste diversion and community education.
In 2026, the program has helped manage community gardens, support local events and restoration projects, and engage residents in climate action initiatives that benefit the community.
View the end of season update
Comox Valley RCMP – Quarterly report
The Comox Valley RCMP provided an update on policing activity in Courtenay for April to June 2026, including calls for service, crime trends, traffic enforcement, and community safety initiatives.
During this period, the most common calls involved traffic incidents, wellbeing checks, disturbances, unwanted persons, and property thefts, with the downtown area generating the highest number of calls for service.
The report also reviewed trends in violent crime, property crime, drug offences, traffic offences, vehicle collisions and intimate partner violence to help track public safety patterns in the community.
View the quarterly report
Affordable housing tools and update
Affordable housing remains a challenge for many residents, and a report to Council outlined the range of tools available to support affordable housing, including zoning changes, financial incentives, partnerships and the use of City-owned land.
The report noted that the City is planning several actions to support more affordable housing in the future. Staff will develop new zoning tools that can allow additional building density in exchange for affordable housing or contributions to public amenities and will update related bylaws for Council's consideration in early 2027. The City will also create a non-market housing strategy in 2027 to identify potential housing sites, review incentives and funding programs, strengthen partnerships with housing providers and Indigenous organizations and explore ways to better support residents with the greatest housing needs.
Action:
Council received the report, while staff continue work on new housing policies, a non-market housing strategy, and zoning updates that are expected to come forward in 2027.
View the framework
Winter shelter strategy
Council received the Comox Valley Winter Shelter Strategy which highlights a growing need for shelter services, with more than 130 people currently without access to indoor shelter during the winter months.
The strategy recommends continuing the temporary winter shelter at 971 Cumberland Road, identifying additional shelter sites across the region, and improving coordination between local governments, service providers and community partners to better support people experiencing homelessness.
Action:
Council endorsed the Winter Shelter Strategy and agreed to share it with K'omoks First Nation, CVRD board, Comox, Cumberland and BC Housing for their consideration as part of winter shelter planning and implementation.
View the 2026-2030 Winter Shelter Strategy
Future use of 685 Cliffe Avenue (Connect Centre)
The City-owned Connect Centre building at 685 Cliffe Avenue was originally intended as a temporary service shelter. With BC Housing now building long-term facilities, Council confirmed that the Connect Centre building should no longer be used for that service once the new shelter is operational.
McPhee Meadows project update
McPhee Meadows is a restored natural area along the Puntledge River that supports ecological restoration while providing opportunities for residents to enjoy nature.
Since Phase 1 was completed, native plantings have become established, invasive species management has continued, and park use has increased. Staff updated Council on work related to the proposed Phase 2 trail and beach access, including environmental reviews, public safety assessments and discussions with the Nature Trust of BC (NTBC), which has raised concerns about potential impacts to sensitive ecosystems protected under the property's ecological gift designation.
Action:
No decision to be made yet on phase 2 trails or new beach access. Staff has recommended finishing the park management plan, complete more environmental and safety reviews and continue work with the NTBC before bringing a final recommendation back to Council.
View the project update