2023 Courtenay Annual Report

Mile of Flowers Every year in late May, community volunteers gather to fill the garden beds on both sides of Cliffe Avenue from 8th to 21st Streets with summer flowers provided by the City of Courtenay. This event is a tradition dating back to 1967, when Kathleen (Kath) Kirk set out to commemorate Canada’s centennial year. That year she planted 7,800 seedlings as a welcome to tourists. What began as the initiative of one woman now involves hundreds of volunteers and around 30,000 flowers. Following the plant-in, the City of Courtenay maintains the flower beds, watering as needed and using compost and mulch to improve water retention. Water-efficient drip-irrigation systems have been installed in a number of beds. Some have also been converted to water-efficient perennial blooms and shrubs. The City of Courtenay sends heartfelt thanks to all the community volunteers, clubs and organizations who have helped beautify our community for so many years. Free Swim Pilot Project Courtenay Recreation offered free swims at the Courtenay Outdoor Pool in Lewis Park from August 8 until the end of the season on September 1. The goal of the swim for free initiative was to eliminate barriers to participation. The free public admission applied to all ages during open swim, family swim, adapted swim and length swim (including early bird and evening lanes). The pilot did not include outdoor pool programs where an instructor or additional staff were required to deliver the programs, such as AquaFit and lessons (swimming and kayak) or private pool rental bookings. The pilot emphasized the value of the outdoor pool to the community as an informal and low-barrier gathering place that provides water safety, drowning prevention, and respite from the heat during lengthy hot, dry conditions.

Parks and Recreation

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City of Courtenay | 2023 Annual Report