2024 Annual Report Draft

Integrated Rainwater Management Plan The City has developed an Integrated Rainwater Management Plan (IRMP) to enhance the City's approach to stormwater management, mitigate flood risks and protect aquatic ecosystems. The IRMP outlines a comprehensive, watershed-based strategy to manage rainwater across all rainfall events, from routine precipitation to extreme storm events. Recognizing the broader environmental impact of urban development, the IRMP aligns with best practices in sustainable rainwater management, integrating natural systems with municipal infrastructure. Key recommendations have been organized into an implementation plan that will guide City actions over the next five to ten years, including: • Investing in capital upgrades to strengthen stormwater infrastructure. • Updating the Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw to enhance rainwater management requirements. • Developing rainwater source control projects on public lands. • Protecting and enhancing environmental values in sensitive ecosystems. • Establishing a monitoring and adaptive management program to track system performance. • Engaging with the public and interest holders to promote sustainable rainwater management. The IRMP was formally adopted in November 2024, setting the stage for phased implementation in the years ahead. This initiative reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to climate resilience, infrastructure sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Flood Management Plan The Flood Management Plan, developed through extensive research and community engagement, outlines a proactive strategy to mitigate flood risks in Courtenay. This comprehensive master plan presents a series of recommended actions designed to reduce the impact of future flood events, ensuring that even if water levels rise, the disruption to the community remains minimal. Grounded in climate resilience, regulatory compliance and international best practices, the plan reflects Courtenay’s commitment to safeguarding public safety and municipal infrastructure. It incorporates lessons learned from historical flood events and builds upon regional collaboration to create a resilient approach to flood preparedness. The City has prioritized key action items for implementation within the next five years, allowing for an accelerated response to evolving flood risks. These actions include infrastructure upgrades, improved drainage systems and enhanced floodplain management strategies, all aimed at strengthening Courtenay’s capacity to withstand extreme weather conditions. Air quality monitors Over the past two years, several air quality monitors have been installed across the City, with real-time readings available online for anyone interested in learning more about local air quality. Fine particulate matter (also known as PM 2.5 ) is the greatest threat to air quality in the Comox Valley, as observed by the provincial air monitoring station in West Courtenay. Common sources of PM 2.5 include smoke from residential wood burning appliances, open burning and wildfires. The readings indicate the amount of PM 2.5 in the air at a specific location at a moment in time. The measurements can change quickly so they are averaged over 24 hours to determine if they exceed the B.C. air quality objective of 25 µg/m 3 (micrograms per cubic meter). The data collected from all monitors is compiled by Environment and Climate Change Canada, and analyzed by the province to measure progress over time. More information: courtenay.ca/airmonitoring More information, including a detailed overview of recommended actions: courtenay.ca/flood-management

Natural environment

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City of Courtenay | 2024 Annual Report