As the year draws to a close, Comox Mayor, Nicole Minions, reflects on the significant achievements made by the Town of Comox in 2024. Guided by the Strategic Plan and the five key pillars – Organizational Excellence, Community Connection and Wellness, Economic Health, Good Governance, and Balanced Community Planning – the year has been marked by progress, collaboration, and a commitment to understanding what matters most to our citizens.
“I want to recognize the invaluable contributions of our larger collective team, including Council, staff, and various community partners,” said Mayor Minions. “This year's achievements were a collaborative effort that deserve to be celebrated and recognized.”
A year of progress and achievements:
- Recipient of the Federal Housing Accelerator Fund – This federal investment of 5.2 M supports the provincial legislation that requires us to increase housing supply. These funds will be used to address the critical housing challenges and adapt to the provincial regulatory changes.
- Adoption of a Small-Scale Multi-Family Housing Bylaw – In response to the new provincial housing legislation, in June, the Town of Comox adopted a new bylaw focused on small-scale multi-family housing. The legislation applies to residential parcels that limited land use to single-detached or duplex.
- The Acquisition of the New Aerial Ladder Fire Truck – Unveiled in May and dedicated to long-time community volunteer and firefighter John Marinus, Tower 35 features a 110-foot reach and a three-person platform bucket, enhancing the Town’s firefighting capabilities and safety infrastructure.
Economic and Environmental Leadership
- First-Ever Economic Development Strategy – Developed with extensive community and downtown Comox business members input, this strategy prioritizes initiatives to expand employment lands, improve connectivity, and explore opportunities to enhance tourism and support a vibrant local economy.
- Actioning the Climate Plan – The Town has prioritized goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for future climate impacts by preparing for the long-term effects on our infrastructure, sustainable transportation, urban forest management and the readiness for all of us to prepare emergency situations and risks.
- Construction of the Lazo Greenway Multi-Use Path – In partnership with the Comox Valley Regional District, this project goal is to improve connectivity through our neighbourhoods and enhance active transportation options that will contribute to both climate action goals and community wellness.
Community Planning and Engagement
- Parks and Trails Master Plan – Over the last year, we have gathered community input that will benefit this long-range plan that will guide the future development of our parks and trails and enhance the quality of life through outdoor recreation opportunities. This plan is now in the final stages with third round of community input in early 2025.
- Beginning the Official Community Plan – The Town has recently launched an update to the Official Community Plan (OCP) that will involve public engagement in shaping the future growth, look and feel as it accommodates new residents and development.
“We are thrilled with the high-level of public participation in shaping Comox’s future through the Economic Development Strategy, Parks and Trails Master Plan, and the OCP update,” noted Mayor Minions. “The feedback through surveys, conversations and community outreach has been incredibly valuable in shaping a vision for our future.”
Celebrating with our Community
Comox’s vibrant community spirit shone brightly in 2024 through many events and charitable initiatives. Highlights include:
Festival Weekend in Comox: Thousands attended the Comox Nautical Day celebration and Filberg Festival, showcasing the Town’s lively and welcoming atmosphere.
Music in the Park: Hundreds of people gathered for a free event to listen to local musical artists at Comox Marina Park on the Sunday of the Labour Day weekend.
Community Partnered Events and Participation: Initiatives such as the Halloween Costume Parade, the Mayor’s Tree Lighting and Winter Market, and Christmas at the Filberg were made possible through our steadfast partnerships with the Comox BIA and Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park Association.
Additionally, it was a privilege to participate in cultural celebrations in our region, including National Indigenous Peoples Day at the Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds (June 21) and the local Diwali celebration (November 3). These events exemplify the vibrant diversity and unity of the Comox Valley.
Local Government Initiatives: The Town of Comox also recognizes significant progress made by the Comox Valley Regional District in the start of the Sewer Conveyance Project and the Regional Parks Master Plan, both that have tremendous long-term benefits for our community.
We also commend our waste collection provider, Emterra Ltd., for demonstrating leadership in sustainability by introducing an electric fleet. This fleet serves both the Town of Comox and the City of Courtenay as part of the new automated curbside collection service launched earlier this year.
Looking ahead Comox remains committed to building on the achievements accomplished this year. From all of us at the Town of Comox, we wish you and your loved ones a joyful, peaceful, and truly memorable holiday season.
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