City of Courtenay Annual Report 2022

CORPORATE SERVICES

ORGANIZATIONAL AND GOVERNANCE EXCELLENCE

Enforcement Action Following Tree Cutting The City of Courtenay issued a significant number of tickets to a contractor and property management company in May 2022 for cutting or damaging over 100 protected trees, contrary to the Tree Protection and Management Bylaw. Tree cutting permits are always required for properties that are protected by an agreement such as a covenant or development permit, when removing within environmentally sensitive areas or steep slopes, or for several protected species including Garry oak and Pacific dogwood. Tree cutting permits are also generally required for properties larger than 4,000 square meters (approximately one acre), and when tree removal would result in the property falling below tree density targets. To learn more about tree regulations and the City of Courtenay’s urban forests, visit courtenay.ca/trees The Purchasing Division is responsible for purchasing materials, supplies, equipment and services as needed by the various City departments. The City of Courtenay is dedicated to conducting procurement activities transparently, efficiently and effectively ensuring fairness for all parties involved. Work began in 2022 on a social procurement policy that was completed in 2023. The policy outlines requirements for the City to procure the best value to the taxpayer by considering price, environmental accountability, quality, service life, social value, and indigenous opportunities. For current bid opportunities, visit courtenay.ca/bids PUBLIC PROCUREMENTS ISSUED FINANCIAL SERVICES Purchasing and Public Procurements

Increase in Bylaw division The City of Courtenay has increased the capacity of the Bylaw Services division to help support the complex needs of our community. Since 2021, the Bylaw Enforcement team has increased by two, with the addition of a temporary full-time bylaw enforcement officer and a Bylaw Services manager. In 2022, the City approved a one-time budget reallocation of $25,000 to further increase the capacity of the Bylaw Services division.

BYLAW ENFORCEMENT HOURS

Sheltering in Parks Bylaw Services developed and implemented a proactive homeless encampment inspection program in collaboration with community partners. The participation of outreach organizations, the Comox Valley RCMP, and Public Works Services are integral for the success of this program. Routine inspections were conducted in tandem with Public Works, with frequency ranging between two and five days per week based on seasonal changes in encampment activities. Collaboration on garbage removal by Public Works Services crews, a city contractor, and persons experiencing homelessness, has been an effective approach to public space maintenance. Starting in the fourth quarter of 2022, Bylaw Services has been using a new "performance metric" phone app to more effectively track encampments and associated data. The app allows Bylaw Enforcement Officers to enter data into their phones during encampment inspections, increasing efficiency and streamlining reporting. The collection of this data over time will be a useful tool to coordinating and aligning the City’s response and support to individuals camping in public spaces.

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City of Courtenay | 2022 Annual Report