The Comox Valley Regional District will no longer be posting on X (formerly known as Twitter), and limiting its use of Meta products as a way to "provide trusted information in a respectful manner."
The district will also be launching a new e-newsletter. A release from the district says that this will help "better align with its values and encourage respectful and responsible communication."
鈥淲hile the CVRD remains committed to informing and engaging with residents on our services and programs, our communication methods are changing and evolving to better support accountable and trusted sources of information and provide more opportunities for direct communication to residents,鈥� explains CVRD Board Chair Will Cole-Hamilton. 鈥淯nfortunately, certain social media platforms have become outlets for misinformation and disrespectful commentary, so we are moving in another direction.鈥�
The CVRD will no longer be doing paid advertising on Meta products, including Facebook and Instagram. They will also be restricting all comments on its Meta posts. People will still be able to message staff at the regional district through Facebook and Instagram, and will be able to call or email the regional district offices. Also, the CVRD will be closing the CVRD X account, and transitioning to Bluesky. People can sign up for the online newsletter on the CVRD website, which the district says will "provide accurate/up to date information affecting the community and increase knowledge around the projects and services taxpayers are receiving."
鈥淭hese changes will help ensure the CVRD can continue to reach residents and provide trusted information in a respectful manner,鈥� explains Jennifer Steel, Manager of Communications and Engagement. 鈥淥fficial public engagement opportunities have never been completed through social media channels and the CVRD will continue to complete public engagements within the community through face-to-face sessions and Engage Comox Valley, the online engagement platform.鈥�
Residents are encouraged to sign up for the free monthly e-newsletter at .
The CVRD will still be using the @comoxvalleyrd handle on both Facebook and Instagram, and have now added the Bluesky account: @comoxvalleyrd.bsky.social
