2024 Annual Report Draft

Natural environment

Natural environment

Nature-based solutions in the form of protecting, restoring and managing natural and semi-natural ecosystems to slow and adapt to climate change is at the heart of Courtenay’s approach to caring for the natural environment.

Strategic Priorities 2023-2026

Status

Notes

The City will be developing a "Parks and Open Spaces Land Acquisition Strategy" to address park and open space needs, zoning processes and subdivision guidelines in accordance with new legislation and the Official Community Plan (OCP). This initiative aims to tackle challenges related to population growth and rising costs of acquiring parkland, shaping discussions on future park acquisition goals and priorities to enhance livability for future generations of Courtenay residents. The original 2023–2024 timeline was impacted by the Provincial Housing Legislative deadline. As a result, the acquisition strategy will now be incorporated into the Corporate Strategic Land Acquisition Plan, informed by the Complete Communities Analysis, with a revised timeline of 2024–2026. The City is updating its Council reporting templates to incorporate climate change impacts, ensuring a clearer understanding of the environmental consequences and benefits of proposed actions. This update is guided by the upcoming OCP update and the Corporate Climate Action Plan (2025). The goal is to develop effective climate resilience strategies and enhance public awareness of climate-related decisions. The original 2023–2024 timeline for updating the Corporate Climate Action Plan was delayed due to the Provincial Housing Legislative deadline. The updated plan will establish new targets, report on past achievements and identify challenges in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This initiative will set new sustainability and climate action goals, reinforcing the City's commitment to environmental responsibility. The plan is expected to be completed by 2025.

Develop and implement a strategy for parkland acquisition.

In progress - delayed

Include climate change lens in staff reports.

In progress - delayed

In progress - delayed

Update Corporate Climate Action Plan.

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City of Courtenay | 2024 Annual Report