As the year draws to a close, Comox Mayor Nicole Minions is reflecting on a year marked by collaboration, community pride, and steady progress on the Town’s strategic plan priorities. Guided by the five pillars – community connection and wellness, organizational excellence, economic health, good governance, and balanced community planning – the Town advanced key projects that support livability, sustainability, and a welcoming, resilient Comox.
“From celebrating youth leadership to opening active transportation connections, 2025 has been about making smart investments in our people, our shared spaces and our future,” said Mayor Minions. “I’m grateful to Council, staff, volunteers and all our community partners who helped move these priorities forward.”
Community Connection and Wellness
- Comox Youth Council recognized for leadership: The Comox Youth Council received the #YouRock Award for Outstanding Community Leadership at the Comox Valley Chamber Awards, celebrating youth initiatives and civic contributions.
- Renovated saunas at Comox Community Centre: The long-standing sauna facilities were fully upgraded, enhancing comfort, accessibility, and wellness amenities for members and visitors.
- Community pop-up parks and new outdoor play features: Village Park field beside the Community Centre became a vibrant pop-up summer park, featuring mini-golf, table tennis, lawn games, volleyball, and additional seating to encourage casual recreation for all ages. The downtown pop-up park location featured games, picnic tables and colourful planters that provided a gathering space for friends and families while supporting our local businesses.
- Farmers’ Market launches in Village Park: A new weekly Wednesday Farmers’ Market began at Village Park, bringing local food, artisans, and community activity to the heart of Comox all summer.
Organizational Excellence
- Firehall upgrade planning underway: Council advanced planning for a significant Firehall upgrade, awarding design work to a local architectural firm. The schematic and financial planning phase will set the stage for a modernized facility to meet growing community needs.
- Accessibility improvements expanded: With SPARC BC grant support, Comox launched new digital accessibility tools and features to improve online access to municipal services and introduced an Accessibility Map to help residents plan barrier-free routes around town.
Economic Health
- Downtown partnership continues: In collaboration with the Comox BIA, the Town advanced the downtown lighting project to brighten and beautify public spaces and worked together to boost local business and community spirit through popular events such as Summer Fest, the Comox Trolley, the Halloween Costume Parade, and the Mayor’s Tree Lighting and Winter Market.
- Tourism and partnership conversations: Council continued discussions with the BIA and community partners on downtown vitality and future visitor-serving initiatives.
Good Governance and Balanced Community Planning
- Comox Infrastructure Upgrades – By coordinating five major Town projects with the Comox Valley Regional District’s Sewer Conveyance Project, the Town realized significant cost savings and operational efficiencies. This integrated approach enabled the delivery of major improvements, including two new roundabouts, roadway upgrades, sidewalks, bike lanes, bus shelters, and the complete renewal of stormwater, water, and sanitary mains along the project route.
- Official Community Plan (OCP) update enters final stage: Through 2025, the Town advanced its OCP update with open houses, surveys, and engagement focused on housing needs, land use, and long-term community vision. Council direction and draft documents were shared publicly for feedback.
- Urban Forest Management Strategy (UFMS) drafted: A multi-phase public engagement process led to a draft UFMS and a future Tree Bylaw update, guiding how Comox will protect and expand its urban canopy over the next 30 years.
Comox’s vibrant community spirit shone brightly in 2025 through many ceremonies, recognition events, and ribbon-cuttings.
- Town recognized as a Bee City: Comox received the official Bee City Canada designation, reflecting long-term leadership in pollinator protection through habitat creation, education, and celebration.
- Indigenous artwork on new aerial ladder truck: Comox Fire Rescue unveiled a new aerial ladder truck adorned with Indigenous artwork by K’ómoks First Nation artist Pamela Mitchell, celebrating cultural connection and community partnership.
- Provincial grant for Aspen/Noel/Bolt active transportation upgrades: The Town secured provincial active transportation funding, supporting new sidewalks and bike lanes to improve safety and connectivity for residents.
- Ribbon-cutting for Lazo Greenway Multi-Use Path: In partnership with Comox Valley Regional District, Government of Canada and the Ministry of Transportation and Transit, Comox celebrated the official opening of the Lazo Greenway, an asset that provides safe walking and cycling connections.
- Aspen Park Playground Upgrade – A new upgraded playground with a rubberized surface was unveiled at a ribbon-cutting event, with funding partners from Kal-Tire Replay Fund and the Comox Valley Lions Club.
- Purple Martin Sanctuary installed at the Comox Pier: Working with the Comox Rotary, six nesting boxes were installed to support endangered Purple Martin recovery, highlighting shared stewardship of local wildlife.
- Filberg Park arboretum initiative: In collaboration with the Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park Association, the Town continued to build Filberg’s role as a community arboretum, achieving ArbNet Level 1 recognition and strengthening green-space education.
- Bird-friendly municipality progress: Council formally supported Comox’s effort to achieve Bird Friendly certification through Nature Canada, reflecting ongoing biodiversity commitments.
As we look ahead to 2026, a year that will include local government elections on October 17, Town Council remains committed to completing projects already underway and advancing priorities currently before us. On behalf of everyone at the Town of Comox, we wish you and your loved ones a joyful, peaceful, and memorable holiday season. We also invite the community to join us in celebrating the Town’s 80th anniversary at the Comox Archives and Museum on Wednesday, January 14, from 6–8 p.m., for an evening of reminiscing and shared stories.
Signed by:
Mayor, Nicole Minions
For additional information and updates from the Town of Comox, visit comox.ca
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Media Contact:
Nicole Minions, Comox Mayor
nminions@comox.ca
250-339-2202