Here are the highlights from the City Council meeting held on January 28, 2026. Read the full agenda and attachments for more details.
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Comox Valley RCMP – Quarterly Report (Oct–Dec 2025)
Council received the Comox Valley RCMP’s quarterly report for October to December 2025, presented by Inspector Scott Mercer. The report provides an overview of policing activity in Courtenay, including calls for service, crime trends, and public safety priorities. Overall calls for service in Courtenay decreased by 2% in 2025 compared to 2024, continuing a gradual downward trend over the past year.
The report noted increases in certain types of files, including breaches related to court-issued warrants, some violent crime categories, and drug trafficking investigations. Property crime remained relatively stable, with mischief accounting for the largest share. Council also received information about locations with higher call volumes, downtown activity, traffic-related offences, and enforcement efforts focused on impaired and dangerous driving.
Corporate Facility Energy Management Plan
Council adopted the Corporate Facility Energy Management Plan, a long-term roadmap to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from City-owned buildings while improving energy efficiency and managing costs. The plan covers 29 City facilities and identifies upgrades and retrofits needed to meet provincially legislated GHG reduction targets by 2030 and beyond. This work is part of the City’s broader Corporate Climate Action Plan update.
The plan focuses on upgrading building systems as equipment reaches the end of its life, reducing reliance on natural gas, and transitioning to high-efficiency electric systems. Over the next five years, proposed projects include upgrades at facilities such as the Lewis Centre, Firehall #1, and Native Sons Hall. Council also confirmed that new municipal facilities will meet BC Energy Step Code and Zero Carbon Step Code requirements, supporting long-term emissions reduction and climate resilience.
Courtenay Fire Department – 2025 Annual Report
Council received the Courtenay Fire Department’s 2025 Annual Report, which outlines emergency response activity, training, prevention efforts, and key trends from the past year. In 2025, the department responded to 1,306 calls for service, a modest decrease from 2024, largely due to fewer ambulance assist calls and open burning responses. While overall call volume declined, incident complexity increased, reflected in higher volunteer response hours and continued growth in calls east of the Courtenay River.
The report highlights strong volunteer engagement, with more than 13,700 volunteer response hours and over 4,900 training hours completed across fire suppression, rescue, and medical response. Fire prevention and public education efforts expanded, with more than 1,800 inspections and 190 community education events delivered. The department also supported regional wildfire response and emergency operations beyond municipal boundaries. Looking ahead, priorities include continued progress on the East Side Fire Hall project, wildfire preparedness, and adapting to evolving provincial emergency management legislation.
2026 UBCM Community Emergency Preparedness Fund – Grant Applications
Council considered a staff report seeking approval to apply for up to $600,000 in provincial grant funding through the Union of BC Municipalities’ Community Emergency Preparedness Fund. The proposed applications are regional and would be submitted in partnership with the Comox Valley Regional District, Town of Comox, Village of Cumberland, and K’ómoks First Nation. Funding would support emergency preparedness, training, equipment, and planning across four program areas.
If approved, the funding would strengthen Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and Emergency Support Services (ESS) training and equipment, improve public notification and evacuation planning, and advance Indigenous cultural safety and humility in emergency management. Proposed activities include regional training exercises, equipment upgrades, enhanced emergency alert systems, and collaborative workshops led with K’ómoks First Nation to embed culturally safe, trauma-informed practices across all phases of emergency response.
Actions:
Council approved applying for up to $600,000 in Community Emergency Preparedness Fund grants across four program streams and agreed to participate as a joint applicant, with the primary applicant responsible for managing the funding on behalf of the partners.