Courtenay residents can learn more about the city's plans about housing and livability, and growing and servicing communities this month.
The city will be holding two info sessions, with two different date options each, about the topics as part of its official community planning update process.
"The City of Courtenay is updating the Official Community Plan (OCP) to guide long-term decisions on land use, housing, transportation, infrastructure and more," a release from the city says. "The B.C. government requires that all local governments across the province include 20 years of housing needs in official community plans by the end of the year."
The two sessions for each topic will have the same content and format, starting with a short presentation followed by questions and answers with project staff and consultants. Pre-registration is encouraged to get the virtual link in advance.
For housing and livability, the discussion The Housing and livability session will be held on Tuesday July 15 or Thursday July 17 from 12 to 1:30 p.m., and the Growing and servicing complete communities session will be on Monday July 28 or Tuesday July 29 from 12 to 1:30 p.m.will be around two questions: "Are we supporting the right mix of housing development in the right places to meet our needs? What are the tools we can consider to deliver affordable and attainable housing?"
Two topics will also be up for discussion at the other session: "Can our roads, pipes and systems support future growth? Will we have sufficient and equitable access to daily needs such as parks, nature and community?"
The city is updating its OCP as part of a provincially-mandated process. In late 2023, the Province of British Columbia introduced a suite of housing legislation aimed at accelerating housing supply and take a more proactive planning approach, including updating OCPs by December 31, 2025 to accommodate housing needs. The city identified these needs in its Housing Needs Report, which was published last year.
"The updated OCP will build upon the existing policies of Courtenay鈥檚 current OCP adopted in 2022, and guide smart, inclusive and well-supported growth," the release says. "The OCP鈥檚 vision and values include reconciliation, climate action, equity and community well-being."
The OCP update will expand housing choices by updating land use designations and associated policies, aligned with recent strategic plans and policy updates for consistency and coordination across plans. It will also outline how growth needs to be supported by infrastructure, parks, open spaces and amenities. Courtenay鈥檚 Zoning Bylaw will also be updated to ensure sufficient pre-zoned land for the 20-year housing need. To learn more or to register for the events, visit .
