Courtenay Council Votes

Regular Council Minutes - August 26, 2026

THAT Council adopt the August 26, 2026 Regular Council minutes.

Unanimous among members present · moved Will Cole-Hamilton, seconded Wendy Morin · item 3.1

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEAs) in Public Recreation

THAT Council receive the “Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEAs) in Public Recreation Research Project: Progress Update”.

Unanimous among members present · moved Evan Jolicoeur, seconded Melanie McCollum · item 4.1

Comox Valley Community Art Council Fee for Service Agreement

THAT Council authorize the Director of Recreation, Culture and Community Services to execute the Fee For Service Agreement (Attachment 1), funded by gaming revenue starting in 2027; and THAT Council authorize the Director of Recreation, Culture and Community Services to review and update Schedule A of the Fee for...

Unanimous among members present · moved David Frisch, seconded Will Cole-Hamilton · item 5.1.1

Facilities Energy Upgrades Grant Support

THAT Council direct 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.

Unanimous among members present · moved Will Cole-Hamilton, seconded Melanie McCollum · item 5.2.1

1st Street Culvert Upgrades – Morrison Creek

THAT Council direct 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.

Unanimous among members present · moved Melanie McCollum, seconded Evan Jolicoeur · item 5.2.2

Council appointed MNP LLP as 2026 auditors and approved the 2026 audit service plan

THAT Council appoint MNP LLP as the City’s auditors for 2026; AND THAT Council approve the 2026 Audit Service Plan as presented for the year ending December 31, 2026.

Unanimous among members present · moved David Frisch, seconded Melanie McCollum · item 5.3.1

Council endorsed New Westminster's UBCM call to fund infrastructure for housing targets

WHEREAS the Province of BC has passed legislation that mandates housing and density targets, that places significant pressures on municipalities’ infrastructure and amenity needs; WHEREAS the City of Courtenay has provided the majority of new housing units in the Comox Valley over several years, and is on track to...

Unanimous among members present · moved Wendy Morin, seconded Will Cole-Hamilton · item 6.1

Council asked staff for options on a multi-year funding agreement with Citizens on Patrol

THAT Council direct staff to report back on options for a multi-year fee for service agreement with Comox Valley Citizens on Patrol Society (COPS), to be funded by gaming.

Unanimous among members present · moved David Frisch, seconded Wendy Morin · item 6.2

Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3230 (3095 Lake Trail Road)

THAT Council give third reading to “Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3230 (3095 Lake Trail Road)”.

Unanimous among members present · moved David Frisch, seconded Will Cole-Hamilton · item 9.1.1

Council gave Housing Agreement Bylaw No. 3246 (3095 Lake Trail Road) three readings

THAT Council give first, second and third readings to “Housing Agreement Bylaw No. 3246 (3095 Lake Trail Road)”.

Unanimous among members present · moved Wendy Morin, seconded Will Cole-Hamilton · item 9.1.1

City of Courtenay Municipal and Regional District Tax Levy Repeal Bylaw

THAT Council adopt “City of Courtenay Municipal and Regional District Tax Levy Repeal Bylaw No. 3247, 2026”.

Unanimous among members present · moved David Frisch, seconded Wendy Morin · item 9.2.1

IN CAMERA RESOLUTION

THAT Council close the meeting to the public pursuant to the following subsections of the Community Charter: 90 (1) A part of a council meeting may be closed to the public if the subject matter being considered relates to or is one or more of the following: (c) labour relations or other employee relations; and (i) the...

Unanimous among members present · moved Melanie McCollum, seconded Will Cole-Hamilton · item 11

IN CAMERA RESOLUTION

THAT Council close the meeting to the public pursuant to the following subsection of the Community Charter: 90 (1) A part of a council meeting may be closed to the public if the subject matter being considered relates to or is one or more of the following: (a) personal information about an identifiable individual who...

Unanimous among members present · moved Melanie McCollum, seconded Doug Hillian · item 3

Council added a Queer Centre Comox Valley delegation to the agenda

THAT Council add a third delegation, as Item "5.3 Queer Centre Comox Valley" to the agenda and reorder the agenda accordingly.

Unanimous among members present · moved David Frisch, seconded Will Cole-Hamilton · item 3.1

Council added Councillor Hillian's late K'ómoks Treaty support motion to the agenda

THAT Council add Item "10.2 Late Notice of Motion - K'ómoks First Nation Treaty Support - Councillor Hillian" to the agenda and reorder the agenda accordingly.

Unanimous among members present · moved Doug Hillian, seconded David Frisch · item 3.2

Regular Council Minutes – July 8, 2026

THAT Council adopt the July 8, 2026 Regular Council minutes.

Unanimous among members present · moved Will Cole-Hamilton, seconded David Frisch · item 4.1

Council suspended the rules to consider the Queer Centre's Pride funding request

THAT Council suspend the rules to consider a motion regarding the Queer Centre Comox Valley's request for funding in support of the 2026 Comox Valley Pride Parade and Trans Day of Visibility.

Unanimous among members present · moved Will Cole-Hamilton, seconded David Frisch · item 5.3

Council granted $5,000 to Queer Centre Comox Valley for 2026 Pride and Trans Day events

THAT Council approve a grant in the amount of $5,000.00 to the Queer Centre Comox Valley to support a portion of the costs associated with the 2026 Pride Parade and 2026 Trans Day of Visibility events, including but not limited to event safety, accessibility, venue, production, and programming expenses, with funding...

Unanimous among members present · moved Will Cole-Hamilton, seconded David Frisch · item 5.3

Comox Valley RCMP – Community Policing Priorities

THAT Council identify the following top five areas of concern regarding police services in the City of Courtenay for 2026/27:  Road Safety;  Crime Reduction - Prolific Offenders;  Police Visibility and Community Engagement;  Mental Health and Community Wellness; and  Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation.

Unanimous among members present · moved David Frisch, seconded Doug Hillian · item 6.1

Council ordered short-term speeding measures on Idiens Way and a traffic calming review

THAT Council direct staff to immediately implement short-term operational safety measures on Idiens Way—such as temporary speed reader boards, enhanced enforcement requests, or rapid rectangular flashing beacons (RRFBs) at the Crown Isle South Trail crosswalk—to mitigate speeding risks; AND THAT Council direct staff...

Unanimous among members present · moved Will Cole-Hamilton, seconded David Frisch · item 7.1

Council received the housing minister's letter on its six-month housing targets report

THAT Council receive the letter dated July 14, 2026, from the Honourable Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, regarding the response to the Six-Month Housing Targets Progress Report.

Unanimous among members present · moved Doug Hillian, seconded David Frisch · item 7.2

2023-2026 Strategic Priorities Update – July 2026

THAT Council receive the update on progress towards the 2023–2026 Strategic Priorities for the City of Courtenay, update the strategic priorities to reflect the adjusted timelines outlined in attachment 1, and direct staff to report back on Strategic Priorities in September 2026.

Unanimous among members present · moved David Frisch, seconded Wendy Morin · item 8.1.1

Temporary Winter Shelter Season Review

THAT Council receive the “Temporary Winter Shelter Season Review” staff report and direct staff to renew the Licence to Occupy to allow 24/7 use of the space for sheltering services with Lookout Health and Housing Society for the 2026/2027 Winter Sheltering season; and THAT Council Authorize the City Manager to...

Unanimous among members present · moved David Frisch, seconded Doug Hillian · item 8.1.2

Council paused the 244 4th Street liquor licence item until after the recess

THAT Council temporarily suspend consideration of Item 8.2.1, “Liquor Licence Application No. 2602 – Good Neighbour Agreement – 244 4th Street,” and resume consideration following the recess.

Unanimous among members present · moved David Frisch, seconded Doug Hillian · item 8.2.1

Support Gladstone's liquor-hours change if a Good Neighbour Agreement is signed (defeated)

THAT Council recommend support to the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch for the application from Gladstone Brewing Co., located at 244 4th Street (LOT A, PLAN EPP111555, SECTION 61, COMOX LAND DISTRICT) for a change to hours of liquor service, subject to the completion of a Good Neighbour Agreement.

Opposed: Will Cole-Hamilton, Evan Jolicoeur, Wendy Morin · moved Doug Hillian, seconded David Frisch · item 8.2.1

Council opposed Gladstone's liquor-hours change; no Good Neighbour Agreement was signed

THAT Council not recommend support to the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch for the application from Gladstone Brewing Co., located at 244 4th Street (LOT A, PLAN EPP111555, SECTION 61, COMOX LAND DISTRICT) for a change to hours of liquor service due to the applicant not signing a Good Neighbour Agreement.

Opposed: David Frisch, Doug Hillian · moved Evan Jolicoeur, seconded Doug Hillian · item 8.2.1

Council deferred the permissive tax exemption policy to early 2027 for the new council

THAT Council defer consideration of the Permissive Property Tax Exemption Policy 1960.00.01 until early 2027 when the new Council is in place and able to establish its priorities.

Opposed: Evan Jolicoeur · moved Will Cole-Hamilton, seconded Wendy Morin · item 8.3.1

Courtenay Recreation Membership and Admission Fees for 2027

THAT Council approve the implementation of revised age categories and a benefits-based fee structure for Courtenay Recreation admission, membership, and punch card fees effective January 1, 2027 as outlined in the report “Courtenay Recreation Membership and Admission Fees for 2027”; and THAT Council direct staff to...

Unanimous among members present · moved David Frisch, seconded Doug Hillian · item 8.4.1

Courtenay Recreation Membership and Admission Fees for 2027

THAT Council direct staff to review the Recreation Access Program to ensure the financial assistance program is consistent with best practices, that the age categories are in alignment and that scholarship allotments align with the benefits-based approach.

Unanimous among members present · moved David Frisch, seconded Wendy Morin · item 8.4.1

Strategic Transportation Plan – Phase Update

THAT Council receive the “Strategic Transportation Plan – Phase Update” briefing note.

Unanimous among members present · moved David Frisch, seconded Wendy Morin · item 9.1

Council waived notice rules to consider the K'ómoks Treaty support motion right away

THAT Council waive strict compliance with Section 35.1 of “Council Procedure Bylaw No. 2730, 2013” to permit immediate consideration of the motion, in accordance with Section 35.1(5) of the bylaw.

Unanimous among members present · moved David Frisch, seconded Will Cole-Hamilton · item 10.2

Council sent a letter supporting the K'ómoks Treaty and urging swift federal approval

THAT the City of Courtenay write a letter to The Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, affirming our support for the K’ómoks Treaty, its importance in advancing collaborative work on local infrastructure and economic development, and urging that all measures be taken to ensure a smooth and...

Unanimous among members present · moved Doug Hillian, seconded David Frisch · item 10.2

Council declined to proceed with OCP and zoning amendments for 2620 Sheraton Road

THAT Council not proceed with “Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 3233 (2620 Sheraton Road)” and “Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3237 (2620 Sheraton Road)”.

Unanimous among members present · moved David Frisch, seconded Will Cole-Hamilton · item 11.1.1

Council asked staff to explore park dedication for 2620 Sheraton Road with the proponent

THAT Council direct staff to work with the proponent to explore park dedication for 2620 Sheraton Rd.

Unanimous among members present · moved Evan Jolicoeur, seconded Will Cole-Hamilton · item 11.1.1

Council gave Temporary Borrowing Bylaw 3238 (Braidwood Road storm and road) three readings

THAT Council give first, second and third readings to Temporary Borrowing Bylaw No. 3238, 2026 (Braidwood Road - Storm & Road).

Unanimous among members present · moved David Frisch, seconded Doug Hillian · item 11.2.1

Council gave Temporary Borrowing Bylaw 3239 (Ryan Road sidewalk) three readings

THAT Council give first, second and third readings to Temporary Borrowing Bylaw No. 3239, 2026 (Ryan Road Sidewalk Sandwick to Braidwood).

Unanimous among members present · moved David Frisch, seconded Wendy Morin · item 11.2.1

Council gave Temporary Borrowing Bylaw 3240 (Eastside Firehall) three readings

THAT Council give first, second and third readings to Temporary Borrowing Bylaw No. 3240, 2026 (Eastside Firehall).

Unanimous among members present · moved David Frisch, seconded Wendy Morin · item 11.2.1

Council adopted Cemetery Bylaw No. 3205

THAT Council adopt “Cemetery Bylaw No. 3205”.

Unanimous among members present · moved Doug Hillian, seconded David Frisch · item 11.3.1

Council extended the meeting to 10:00 p.m.

THAT Council extend the meeting to 10:00 p.m.

Unanimous among members present · moved Doug Hillian, seconded Wendy Morin · item 11.3.2

Council adopted Business Licence Bylaw No. 3212, 2026

THAT Council adopt "Business Licence Bylaw No. 3212, 2026".

Opposed: Evan Jolicoeur, Wendy Morin · moved Will Cole-Hamilton, seconded David Frisch · item 11.3.2

IN CAMERA RESOLUTION

THAT Council close the meeting to the public pursuant to the following subsections of the Community Charter: 90 (1) A part of a council meeting may be closed to the public if the subject matter being considered relates to or is one or more of the following: (e) the acquisition, disposition or expropriation of land or...

Unanimous among members present · moved Doug Hillian, seconded Wendy Morin · item 13