Courtenay is growing, and planning for this growth will create new possibilities for the downtown area.
The City of Courtenay invites you to help shape the future of downtown, including Harmston Park. Attend an open house for the Downtown Vitalization Local Area Plan on Wednesday, May 14, 4 鈥� 7 p.m. at the Florence Filberg Centre (411 Anderton Avenue.) A short presentation will start at 5 p.m. An online survey will be launching with the open house at .
Review the draft concepts, projects and policy directions that will inform the plan, and share your perspective to help shape a plan that will guide development in Courtenay鈥檚 downtown for years to come.
鈥淒owntown is the heart of our community, and it鈥檚 expected that much of Courtenay鈥檚 housing growth will occur in the downtown area over the next 20 years,鈥� said Courtenay Mayor Bob Wells. 鈥淭his project is building on previous work through other key projects, such as our Official Community Plan and Downtown Playbook. We want to hear directly from the public about proposed downtown design options and how we envision moving around the downtown when more people will be living there.鈥�
The open house will focus on design concepts for four distinct planning districts: Riverfront, Downtown Core, Fitzgerald Corridor and Harmston Park, including proposals for public spaces, mobility, housing, and community life. Through this process, and in consultation with the community, the Harmston Park planning district concept will also include a vision for this neighbourhood green space that will inform a more detailed design process launching later this fall.
Developed over three phases, the Downtown Vitalization Local Area Plan is one of Council鈥檚 strategic priorities. Phase 1 of the planning process is now complete, and has established foundations for growth and urban design. Phase 2 will focus on sharing what has been learned and seeking public feedback on options for each district.
The plan options will integrate and build upon several high-profile capital projects already underway, including a new BC Transit exchange, 6th Street corridor and bridge, Harmston Parks Plan and flood risk management along the Courtenay River. The format will include interactive displays and an opportunity to speak with staff and consultants. Childminding will be available on site for attendees. Participants are encouraged to allow enough time for travel during this peak time. Pre-registration for the event is not required.
The Downtown Vitalization Local Area Plan will be shaped by feedback from public, interest-holder and K鈥櫭砿oks First Nation engagement, design analysis, staff input and Council direction.
