2023 Courtenay Annual Report

Bylaw Enforcement Hours

Comox Valley RCMP Launched Downtown Foot Patrols The Comox Valley RCMP launced an initiative that will enhance police presence in the downtown Courtenay area. Foot patrols started May long weekend and continued until Labour Day in September to support community safety and increase engagement with residents, businesses, and visitors. With the advent of the summer season, downtown areas tend to experience increased activity. The new foot patrols focused on building positive relationships with community members, public safety, and crime prevention. The introduction of foot patrols aligns with the Comox Valley RCMP’s community-oriented policing approach, allowing officers to engage directly with individuals, business owners, and patrons. By regularly patrolling the downtown core, officers had a greater opportunity to address concerns, offer crime prevention tips, and establish a visible presence that promoted a sense of security. During the foot patrols, RCMP officers focused on various aspects of community safety, including: • Conducting regular patrols of high-traffic areas, parks, and public spaces. • Engaging with business owners to address security concerns and offer crime prevention strategies. • Providing safety tips and information to residents and visitors. • Responding to public inquiries and providing assistance where needed.

Public Safety

Bylaw Division Resourcing Based on feedback gathered from the 2023 Courtenay Resident Survey and the Bylaw Policy Engagement Survey, the City of Courtenay expanded the capacity of its Bylaw Services division to better serve the diverse needs of our community. This included enhancing operational safety, addressing new regulatory areas, and improving overall service. Over the past five years, there has been a significant 308% increase in annual bylaw enforcement hours to meet the growing demands. The Bylaw Services team comprises the Manager of Bylaw Services and four full time Bylaw Enforcement Officers. This increase in staffing will support the planned transition from a five-day to a seven-day service model starting in 2024. Bylaw Enforcement Officer Training and Development In 2023, the Bylaw Services team focused on expanding their knowledge base. They recognized the significance of understanding complex social, cultural, and health matters in enhancing their enforcement approaches. Bylaw Enforcement Officers took part in various training programs, such as Introduction to Trauma Informed Practice, Responding with Respect on the Front Lines, Managing Hostile Interactions, Naloxone Administration, and Gender Diversity in the Workplace.

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City of Courtenay | 2023 Annual Report