Courtenay wants to hear what your vision looks like for the city’s future.
When the pandemic was first declared, the city was in the process of updating its Official Community Plan (OCP) and over the last few months, public consultation has been on hold.
To help gauge what you would like to see, however, the city has launched an online story map and citizen’s workbook where you can share your thoughts from the safety and comfort of home.
These tools will be available throughout the summer on the city’s website and no previous participation in the OCP update process is required.
Mayor Bob Wells says things were rolling along in the OCP update before COVID-19 put everything on hold.
“We had fantastic input and support for the OCP update at the Ideas Fair back in February, which feels like a lifetime ago,” says Mayor Bob Wells.
“A wise person once said, ‘the only constant in life is change,’ and right now that phrase rings particularly true. We hope that the enthusiasm for the process can continue in an online format or as a family discussion for now.”
Wells adds that the city wants to know what your experience in Courtenay is like on a daily basis.
“We know people are spending more time close to home, walking more, spending more time in local public spaces at safe distances, experiencing different routines. What in your neighbourhood or wider Courtenay works well? What could be improved? We want to know what you’re observing.”
The story map and citizen’s workbook are tools for everyone to promote thinking about housing, land use, urban design, parks and public spaces, transportation and mobility, the natural environment and climate change, economic development and public services and infrastructure.
Later this summer, Courtenay also plans to launch an online survey for two growth options to accommodate a growing population.
The city says staff continue to explore options for in-person consultation consistent with public health guidelines.
Stay informed on the OCP Update by subscribing to the project newsletter.
