City of Courtenay Annual Report 2021 draft

BUSINESS LICENCING The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a steep drop in business licences issued as the pandemic dramatically changed operations for businesses of all sizes in numerous sectors. While total numbers were down, revenue increased due to a large increase in intermunicipal and intercommunity business licences which have higher fees. 2021 saw a return to near pre-COVID levels for business licences, along with a continued increase in intercommunity and intermunicipal licences.

BUSINESS LICENCE REVENUE

BUSINESS LICENCES ISSUED

Intermunicipal business licences include both the Town of Comox and City of Courtenay. Intercommunity licences are intended for businesses operating in multiple jurisdictions. Participating communities include Campbell River, Comox, Cumberland, Duncan, Lake Cowichan, Ladysmith, Nanaimo, North Cowichan, Parksville, Port Alberni, and Qualicum Beach.

2019

2020

2021

City business licences

2244

1740

2101

Intercommunity licences

208 203

313 303

400 356

Intermunicipal licences

PLANNING Limitations on in-person gathering during the pandemic meant local governments had to adjust the usual format for public hearings and Council meetings, with the support and legal authority of the province. A temporary Ministerial Order M192 issued in 2020 which allowed electronic meetings and public hearings expired in September 2021, replaced by Bill 10 which provided local governments with the direct authority to continue holding public meetings and board of variance meetings virtually. Online Public Hearings for development applications have been available since December 2020, allowing the public to safely have a say on proposed bylaws such as zoning changes and amendments to the Official Community Plan. Options to participate included online through Zoom or by telephone conferencing.

PLANNING PERMITS AND APPLICATIONS

2019

2020

2021

Development Permits (including Variances) Rezoning applications

29

31

38

15

15

9 4 7

OCP/rezoning applications

2 4

3 5

Sidewalk patio permits

Sign permits

43 17

42 15

42 19

Tree cutting permits

City of Courtenay | 2021 Annual Report

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