The City of Courtenay is inviting the community to a public open house on Monday, October 20, to learn about the proposed updates to the Official Community Plan (OCP) and share feedback. The update includes nine strategic changes — known as “Big Moves” — that will guide how Courtenay plans for growth, delivers housing and manages infrastructure and amenities over the next 20 years.
The OCP is Courtenay’s long-term vision for growth and change. It shapes City decisions and, under new provincial legislation, must include land use policies that are able to support at least 20 years of housing needs.
Courtenay’s Housing Needs Report, completed in 2024, identified the need for about 8,350 additional homes by 2041. The proposed updates to the OCP respond to this need and help plan for Courtenay’s projected population of 42,415 residents by 2041.
The OCP Update builds on previous community engagement and planning work to guide smart, inclusive growth. It makes sure new developments and City services align with community priorities across the entire municipality, including growth and land use, streets and transportation, affordable housing, the natural environment, parks and recreation, arts, culture and heritage, food systems and economic development.
“This is a key milestone in updating Courtenay’s Official Community Plan,” said Nancy Gothard, Manager of Community and Sustainability Planning. “We’ve heard from the community throughout this process, and now we’re sharing how that input has shaped the proposed changes. We’re looking forward to even more feedback to make sure the updated plan reflects Courtenay’s needs and priorities for the next 20 years.”
The open house will feature a presentation on the proposed changes and an opportunity for community members to ask questions and provide input. Feedback from the open house will inform revisions to the plan and its policies this fall before the bylaw goes to council for adoption in early 2026.
Open house details
Best Western – The Westerly Hotel, 1590 Cliffe Avenue
Monday, October 20
Two drop-in sessions:
- 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (presentation at noon)
- 4 to 7 p.m. (presentation at 5 p.m.) – free childminding available during this session
Pre-registration is encouraged. Those who register can submit a question ahead of time and be entered to win a prize. Learn more and sign up at engagecomoxvalley.ca/courtenay-ocp.