Community Substance Use Strategy

The City of Courtenay has been involved in local efforts to reduce substance-related harms since 2002.

That year, Courtenay Council helped establish the Community Drug Strategy Committee, with a mandate to raise awareness about the risks of substance use, promote safe and healthy choices, and encourage partnerships for community-based solutions.

The City provided annual funding to help carry out this work.

A new regional approach

In fall 2019, the City recognized the need for a broader, regional approach to substance use, given the impact of the opioid crisis at both the local and provincial level. 

This led to conversations with the Comox Valley Community Health Network (CVCHN), whose existing mandate aligned with the work of the Drug Strategy Committee. The City asked CVCHN to build on this work, bring together community stakeholders and lead the development of a regional substance use strategy to reduce harms across the Comox Valley.

As part of this shift:

• CVCHN formed the Comox Valley Community Substance Use Strategy Committee (CVCSUSC), made up of local organizations and individuals from different sectors.
• Annual City funding was redirected to CVCHN to hire a consultant to help develop the strategy.
• Consultants worked with CVCSUSC to create a framework, lead stakeholder engagement sessions and summarize findings in a series of reports.

Strategy development: three phases

Phase One

Community Substance Use Strategy, Phase One report [PDF/7MB]

In October 2021 [PDF/8.5MB], Courtenay staff presented a report on Phase One of the strategy and requested continued collaboration with CVCHN.

This phase focused on understanding how substance use affects the Comox Valley. It involved gathering input from community members and local organizations. The Phase One Report outlined key findings and provided a foundation for Phase Two.

Phase Two

Community Substance Use Strategy, Phase Two report

In September 2023, CVCSUSC submitted the Phase Two report to Courtenay Council.

This phase focused on:

• Mapping the substance use system and available services in the region.
• Engaging with decision-makers and other levels of government.
• Continuing community research and dialogue to help guide future steps.

The report identified 21 specific recommendations for the next stage, along with ongoing from Phase One.

Phase Three

Community Substance Use Strategy, Phase Three report

Phase Three was completed in September 2024 and presented to Courtenay Council.

This phase:

• Established the Comox Valley Substance Use Strategy Collaborative to support long-term implementation.
• Focused on putting the 21 recommendations from Phase Two into action.
• Continued the work identified in earlier phases.

Ongoing work

The Indigenous Women’s Sharing Society is now leading the next steps of the strategy, with guidance and support from the Comox Valley Substance Use Strategy Collaborative.

For more information, contact:

Indigenous Women’s Sharing Society
250-338-3499
202 England Avenue, Courtenay, B.C.
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