Here are the highlights from the City Council meeting held on May 27, 2026. Read the full agenda and attachments for more details.
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Accessibility Plan
Council reviewed the City of Courtenay Accessibility Plan, which outlines how the City will identify, remove and prevent barriers in City services, programs, facilities and public spaces.
The plan is required under the Accessible British Columbia Act and builds on the Comox Valley Local Governments Accessibility Framework. It was informed by public feedback, input from the Comox Valley Accessibility Committee and the City’s 2024 accessibility audit of public facilities.
Survey feedback showed that accessibility barriers affect many areas of community life, including sidewalks, transportation, public buildings, recreation programs, communication and housing. The plan identifies actions across several priority areas, including the built environment, transportation, service delivery, employment, communication and housing.
The plan is intended to be a living document, with updates every three years and implementation guided by future work plans, budgets and community feedback.
Action: Council approved the City of Courtenay Accessibility Plan.
Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) Sewage Service Liquid Waste Management Plan (LWMP) – inflow and infiltration requirements
Council reviewed proposed regional commitments related to the Comox Valley Sewage Service Liquid Waste Management Plan, with a focus on reducing inflow and infiltration in the sewer system.
Inflow and infiltration refers to rainwater or groundwater entering the sanitary sewer system through sources such as cracks, joints, manholes or improper connections. This extra water increases the amount of wastewater that must be treated and can place pressure on regional sewer infrastructure.
The Comox Valley Regional District is asking participating municipalities to support a staged program to monitor, report on and reduce inflow and infiltration over time. The proposed work would include additional flow monitoring, annual reporting, inspection planning, updates to bylaws and engineering standards, and future analysis of possible system improvements.
City staff recommend a phased approach that would build the program over nine years. The estimated cost is approximately $3.5 million over the life of the program, funded through gradual annual increases to the sewer budget. The approach would allow the City to meet regional and provincial expectations while spreading costs over multiple budget cycles.
Action: Council endorsed a phased approach to managing inflow and infiltration requirements, excluding private lateral inspections.
Council also directed staff to include a recurring $78,000 annual increase for the program in the sewer fund for Council’s consideration in the upcoming financial plan, and to submit the City’s formal response to the Comox Valley Regional District.
BC Healthy Communities Plan H grant application – Belonging by Design: Advancing Anti-Racism and Community Well-being
Council reviewed a request for the City to partner on a BC Healthy Communities Plan H grant application for the project “Belonging by Design: Advancing Anti-Racism and Community Well-being.”
The project would build on the City’s Better Together Strategy and support local work to address racism, discrimination and hate-based incidents. Proposed activities include mapping existing community resources, strengthening local response protocols, increasing community awareness and supporting more coordinated services.
The City would act as the primary applicant because community organizations and non-profits are not eligible to apply directly. If successful, the grant would provide up to $15,000, with no direct financial cost to the City. The City’s role would include administrative and fiscal oversight, participation in project meetings and coordination with the Better Together strategy.
Action: Council supported the City’s application to the BC Healthy Communities Plan H Healthy Public Policies stream for the Belonging by Design: Advancing Anti-Racism and Community Well-being project.
Council also approved staff in-kind support for the project, including administration and fiscal oversight, participation in project planning, implementation and reporting meetings and coordination with the Better Together strategy.
2026 Pedestrian, Cycling and Pavement Renewal Program
Council received an update on the 2026 Pedestrian, Cycling and Pavement Renewal Program.
The program supports regular road rehabilitation, sidewalk renewal and cycling improvements across Courtenay. Projects are selected based on road condition, infrastructure planning, growth needs, available funding and community input.
Planned 2026 paving work includes sections of Cumberland Road, Cliffe Avenue, 8th Street, Duncan Avenue and England Avenue. Work is expected to begin this spring on Cumberland Road, followed by Cliffe Avenue, 8th Street and other downtown locations. The paving program is expected to continue through fall 2026, depending on weather, contractor availability, budget and timing.
Where practical, cycling network improvements will be included as part of the paving work. The City will provide advance notice and updates about traffic impacts, access and scheduling as work moves ahead.
Courtenay Skatepark revitalization – delegation
Council received a delegation from Clinton Lofkrantz about a proposal to revitalize the Courtenay Skatepark in Lewis Park.
The presentation highlighted the skatepark’s history, noting it was built in 1994 through community fundraising and municipal support. The delegation described the park as a long-standing community space with cultural and recreational value, while noting that the concrete surface and some existing features have deteriorated over time.
The proposal recommends resurfacing the existing park, preserving its original character and adding modern features around the perimeter to support skateboarders, BMX riders, scooter riders and other users. The delegation estimated the project could cost approximately $150,000 and suggested a matching-fund model with City and community contributions.
Action: No resolution. Council will consider resolution at the June 10 Council meeting.