Here are the highlights from the Courtenay City Council meeting held on September 9, 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.
Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility in Public Recreation Research Project
Council received a progress update on the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility in Public Recreation Research Project.
The three-year applied research project is led by Langara College, with the City of Courtenay participating as one of the municipal partners. The project is looking at how immigrant and racialized communities experience public recreation, what barriers may affect participation, and how recreation services can better reflect community needs.
The update noted that people may define recreation in different ways. While public recreation often focuses on registered programs, sport, fitness, aquatics and facilities, community members may also see recreation as spending time with family and friends, being outdoors, gathering around food, taking part in cultural activities or connecting with others.
Early findings show that many newcomers feel welcome in recreation spaces, but barriers remain. These include lack of information, language barriers, scheduling, safety concerns and not having someone to participate with. Friends, family, social media and community and cultural groups were identified as important ways people learn about recreation opportunities.
The next phase of the project will bring findings back to community members for validation. This will help confirm whether the research reflects people’s experiences and support the development of practical tools for recreation staff and communities.
View the public recreation research update
Facilities Energy Upgrades Grant Support
Council considered support for a grant application to help fund building energy upgrades at several City facilities.
The proposed work is part of the City’s Corporate Facilities Energy Management Plan, which identifies building upgrades and retrofits needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in City-owned buildings. The plan takes a staged approach by upgrading systems as equipment reaches the end of its service life.
The City is proposing to apply to the Building Communities Strong Fund – Local Impact Stream in British Columbia for energy upgrade projects planned in 2026 and 2027. Proposed projects include upgrades at the Lewis Recreation Centre, Native Sons Hall, Sid Williams Theatre, Vancouver Island Regional Library, Comox Valley Art Gallery and Florence Filberg Centre.
The total proposed project cost is $1,555,500. If successful, the grant could cover up to 50 per cent of project costs, for a possible funding amount of $777,750. The remaining project costs are already included in the City’s 2026–2030 Financial Plan.
Action: Council directed staff to submit an application to the Building Communities Strong Fund – Local Impact Stream in British Columbia to support building energy upgrade projects in 2026 and 2027.
View the facilities energy upgrades report
1st Street Culvert Upgrades – Morrison Creek
Council reviewed proposed next steps to improve fish passage at the 1st Street culvert crossing Morrison Creek.
The culvert is the only access point to spawning habitat in the upper Morrison Creek watershed. It provides access for pink, chum and coho salmon, as well as freshwater species including cutthroat and rainbow trout. Morrison Creek is also the only known habitat for the endangered Morrison Creek Lamprey.
A damaged baffle inside the culvert was removed in September 2025 and replaced with a notched log to help improve fish passage. While this work has improved passage for adult salmon, the culvert remains a barrier for juvenile salmonids and the Morrison Creek Lamprey.
Staff recommended reconstructing the Newbury weir downstream of the culvert to address immediate fish passage concerns. A longer-term solution would be to replace the culvert with a larger, bottomless design that maintains the natural streambed, improves fish passage and helps reduce future flood risk.
Action: Council directed staff to include costs to rehabilitate the Newbury weir downstream of the 1st Street culvert for Morrison Creek in the 2027 Financial Plan for Council consideration.
View the 1st Street culvert upgrades report
Florence Filberg Centre Needs Assessment and Feasibility Study
Council received a project update on the Florence Filberg Centre Needs Assessment and Feasibility Study.
The study will help establish a long-term vision for the centre and identify opportunities to improve and expand the facility to meet current and future community needs. The project includes a review of space needs, building condition, facility function and possible concept options.
The first phase of engagement took place in June 2026 and included the Evergreen Club, City staff and facility rental groups. Common themes included improved accessibility, expanded storage, kitchen upgrades, better heating, ventilation and air conditioning, improved parking, audiovisual upgrades, modernized interior spaces and more outdoor gathering space.
The update also included draft concept options for the centre. These range from basic renovations and accessibility improvements to larger options that could include new multipurpose space, conference hall upgrades, expanded indoor and outdoor areas, and improved connections to the surrounding area.
Phase 2 engagement is now underway. Feedback from this phase will help inform a preferred concept plan, along with future funding and implementation options.
Action: Council received the Florence Filberg Centre Needs Assessment and Feasibility Study project update for information.
View the Florence Filberg Centre study update
Anderton Riverbank Restoration – Preliminary Design Update
Council received an update on the preliminary design for the Anderton Riverbank Restoration project.
The City is developing plans to remove the failing retaining wall along Anderton Avenue, restore the riverbank and create space for the community to enjoy. The project area is located along the west bank of the Courtenay River, from 90 5th Street to the northern limit of Riverside Park, including 210 Anderton Avenue.
The project is intended to improve erosion protection, restore riverbank habitat, support climate resilience and improve public access between the river and downtown Courtenay.
Public engagement took place in two phases. Community feedback showed strong support for biodiversity and habitat restoration, recreation and active transportation, accessibility, river viewpoints, water access, public washrooms, shade and gathering spaces.
The project team is now developing a preferred option that balances community feedback with technical requirements, including riverbank stability, erosion protection, habitat value, public safety, accessibility and long-term maintenance. The preferred option will be presented to Council with a cost estimate before moving into future design and construction phases.
Action: Council received the Anderton Riverbank Restoration – Preliminary Design Update briefing note for information.