Courtenay residents are being given a chance to learn more about some of the strategic changes being mulled by the city.
The City of Courtenay is holding a public open house on Oct. 20 for residents to learn more about its Official Community Plan (OCP) update.
Manager of Community and Sustainability Planning Nancy Gothard said they’re looking forward to hearing even more feedback.
“We’ve heard from the community throughout this process, and now we’re sharing how that input has shaped the proposed changes.”
The update includes nine strategic changes which guide the city’s plans for growth, housing, infrastructure, and amenities for the next 20 years.
The OCP update builds on previous engagement and planning work to guide growth, making sure new developments and services align with community priorities across the municipality.
Updates to the city’s Housing Needs Report are included in the document, in response to an updated projected population of over 42,000 by 2041.
Other updates include growth and land use, streets and transportation, affordable housing, natural environment, parks and recreation, arts, culture and heritage, food systems, and economic development.
The open houses will feature a presentation about the proposed changes and will give community members chances to ask questions about them and provide feedback.
Any feedback received from the open house can be used to revise the plan and its policies this fall before the bylaw is brought to council for adoption early in 2026.
Both sessions are October 20 at the Westerly Hotel, the first being 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and the second from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., with free childminding available during the final session.