2024 Annual Report Draft

Modernized Parks and Open Spaces Regulation Bylaw adopted

Enhanced animal control services for faster, more reliable response

In 2024, Courtenay City Council adopted the Parks and Open Spaces Regulation Bylaw to establish clear guidelines for the use and management of parks and open spaces. Implementation begins in 2025, reinforcing the City’s commitment to environmental protection, cultural heritage preservation and safe public access. activities, commercial uses and designated sheltering areas are regulated and managed responsibly. It also provides a clear enforcement framework for City staff, enabling Parks, Recreation and Bylaw Services teams to work collaboratively in protecting and maintaining community spaces. Key updates include enhanced procedures for addressing unauthorized activities, such as the alteration of natural features, while supporting sustainable use of public spaces. By prioritizing responsible use and proactive management, this bylaw helps preserve Courtenay’s parks and green spaces for future generations. The new bylaw balances public enjoyment with environmental stewardship, ensuring that park In late 2024, the City of Courtenay launched Tempest, a modern digital system designed to streamline internal bylaw investigations and enforcement. This system equips officers in the field with real-time access to property details, permits, licenses and bylaw files, eliminating the need for handwritten notes and manual transcription. By providing instant access to information, Tempest supports faster, more informed decision-making and improves overall service efficiency. Tempest also prioritizes bylaw requests based on urgency, ensuring critical issues are addressed first while enhancing interdepartmental collaboration. Beginning in 2025, the system will generate consistent reporting on bylaw investigations, enabling the City to track key performance metrics such as response times and common complaints. This data-driven approach will help identify service improvements and enhance bylaw enforcement efficiency, reinforcing the City’s commitment to providing responsive and effective community services. New digital system enhances bylaw investigations

In response to resident feedback from the 2023 Bylaw Policy and sesident surveys, the City of Courtenay transitioned animal control services in-house in 2024 to improve service delivery and response times. Previously managed by a part-time contractor, animal control is now handled by trained Bylaw Officers, ensuring greater availability and more consistent enforcement. With this change, all on-duty Bylaw Officers can now address animal-related concerns, resulting in faster response times and improved service reliability. In 2024, officers responded to 173 animal control issues, reinforcing the City’s commitment to community safety and responsible pet ownership. Additionally, Courtenay has partnered with regional municipalities to secure new kennelling services following changes to the SPCA’s contract. This collaboration ensures continued care and sheltering for lost or stray animals, supporting the well-being of pets and their owners across the community. Courtenay Bylaw Services expanded operations to seven days a week as of October 2024, ensuring more consistent and timely enforcement. This expansion was made possible through the addition of a part-time officer and adjustments to staff schedules, enhancing service availability without significant cost increases. Bylaw activity increased by over 20 per cent compared to 2023, contributing to a more than threefold rise over the past five years. The shift to seven-day service improves community safety through greater visibility and deterrence of violations, while also allowing officers to engage with residents and businesses on weekends and holidays. Additionally, the City is enhancing proactive initiatives, including community education programs, to promote bylaw awareness and voluntary compliance. Expanded bylaw services for improved community response

Public safety

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City of Courtenay | 2024 Annual Report