2024 Annual Report Draft

The colouring sheet was distributed through Courtenay Recreation centres, with children invited to participate in a contest to win a Courtenay Recreation gift card. An unveiling ceremony was held in December 2024, with the Mayor, Council and Elders in attendance, celebrating the collaborative effort between youth, artists and the community.

LINC Youth Centre enhancements celebrate art, culture and community engagement The LINC Youth Centre underwent several improvements in 2024, including new outdoor signage and awning, programmable LED light strips and the launch of a youth mentorship mural project. These enhancements were designed to create a more vibrant and welcoming space for youth while celebrating art, culture and community engagement. The mural project has two components. An outdoor mural is being developed in partnership with Comox Valley Arts and artist Emily Thiessen, who will mentor youth in mural design and creation. In 2025, a call for youth artists will be issued. Five youth will participate in the design and painting process and work alongside Emily to learn key mural techniques. The project is slated for completion in late spring/early summer 2025. An indoor mural was developed in partnership with artist Pamela Mitchell of the K'ómoks First Nation, Kwakwaka’wakw territory. The mural was completed in December 2024 and features a frog on a skateboard, painted with youth participation at the LINC. The project began in November 2024, with 10 youth contributing to the painting each week until its completion. To further integrate Indigenous knowledge and cultural education, Pamela also created a colouring sheet featuring the frog, including the pronunciation and spelling in Ayajuthem and Kwakwala (K'ómoks First Nation languages) and an explanation of the frog’s symbolism in K'ómoks First Nation culture. Draft Strategic Cultural Plan strengthens arts, culture and reconciliation The Draft Strategic Cultural Plan highlights the importance of arts and cultural activities in Courtenay, establishing a 10-year vision to support investment, enhance cultural tourism and promote economic development. It provides a framework for evaluating and benchmarking the impact of arts and culture assets, ensuring they remain a vital part of community life. A key pillar of the plan is advancing truth and reconciliation through arts and culture. This includes relationship-building and meaningful engagement with the K’ómoks First Nation, MIKI'SIW Métis Association, Inuit and Urban Indigenous peoples, ensuring their history, culture and contributions are recognized and supported. The plan is designed to be a living document, adaptable to ongoing Indigenous engagement and collaboration.

Arts, culture and heritage

The finalized Strategic Cultural Plan, along with a high-level implementation strategy, is being

presented to Council in 2025. It will serve as the City’s long term commitment to arts, culture and inclusive community development. More information: courtenay.ca/ cultureplan

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City of Courtenay | 2024 Annual Report