2024 saw progress for the City of Courtenay.
That comes from Mayor Bob Wells, saying they were able to get a lot of stuff done, with one of the biggest focuses being on safety.
“If you look around Puntledge elementary, reducing the speed limit to 40 kilometers an hour, putting in signaled crossings for students and others to cross busy intersections like 5th street bridge, and even paving the roads,” said Wells.
“Beyond that, making sure the RCMP foot patrols that we launched in 2023 are now a permanent fixture that will come back every summer to provide extra security for residents.”
Along with safety, they have been able to use a building purchase to get a shelter up and running for those in need, using peer-assisted care teams to help those in distress within the community, and opening the Dingwall stairs.
Despite these changes, housing remains their top issue.
“We’ve seen the number of units being approved and built dramatically increase in the past six years,” said Wells.
“Whether we talk to CFB Comox, the school district, North Island College, this is a real challenge for a lot of things going on. You talk to the Chamber of Commerce and businesses who want to hire people have to make sure those people can live and afford to stay here in Courtenay so they can work here.”
Wells says the city aims to keep a lazer-focus on housing for 2025, with plans to push the province to assist in that process to help those in need.
“A big thank you to all who volunteer and do all they can to make the Comox Valley the best place in the world.”
