2023 Courtenay Annual Report

Legislative Services

Freedom of Information (FOI) Request Legislative Services is responsible for coordinating the City’s response to FOI (Freedom of Information) requests for access to City records. Responding to FOI requests is a vital service to increase access and transparency to government decision-making processes. The City received 18 FOI requests in 2022, and 35 in 2023, representing a 94% increase. Many records are available on the website or can be requested directly from departments, including bylaws, permits, policies, and property records. The City of Courtenay prioritizes transparency in government and when a request is required, does not charge an application fee. 2023 Elector Approval Processes In 2023, Legislative Services was responsible for two elector approval processes. Elector approval is a democratic process that is required when a local government decision may have a significant, long-term impact on the community. This includes processes like long-term borrowing, parkland disposition, local service areas, and municipal boundary extensions. This can be done by referendum or alternative approval process (AAP). Since referendums can be as costly as an election, many municipalities use the AAP process. Both approval processes were successful in gaining the approval of the electors. This included approval for the Downtown Courtenay Business Improvement Association to renew its business improvement area bylaw. Council Procedure Bylaw In 2023, Council carefully reviewed and endorsed a new Council Procedure Bylaw. The newly drafted Bylaw governs the conduct of council meetings and decision-making processes in alignment with the mandates of the Community Charter and recent legislative adjustments, particularly for electronic meetings. These amendments addressed various aspects, including the establishment of standards for hybrid meetings, the delegation of authority to change meeting formats, adjustments to meeting schedules and locations, updates to promote inclusive language, and clarification of procedures for notices of motion and delegations.

Accessibility Framework The Accessible BC Act is provincial legislation that required local governments to establish an accessibility committee, develop an accessibility plan, and establish a process for receiving public feedback on accessibility by September 2023. Corporate and Legislative Services worked with the Comox Valley Accessibility Committee, CVRD, Town of Comox and Village of Cumberland in spring and summer on a collaborative approach. The result was the Comox Valley Accessibility Framework, which establishes shared accessibility principles to support a consistent regional approach to accessibility in the Comox Valley. The City and other local governments will continue this important work in 2024 with individual action plans and projects. The Accessibility Framework, feedback form, and future updates about accessibility can be found at courtenay.ca/accessibility .

The Accessibility Framework, feedback form, and future updates about accessibility can be found at courtenay.ca/accessibility

City of Courtenay | 2023 Annual Report

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