City of Courtenay Annual Report 2022

Comox Valley Economic Development Service Review The City of Courtenay participated with other Comox Valley local governments in a comprehensive review of economic development and tourism services for the region. The process over an 11-month period reviewed the terms and conditions of the service and identified common interests amongst the jurisdictions. A newly-established Comox Valley Regional Tourism Service will provide tourism information and destination responsibility of individual jurisdictions to implement. Recognizing the gap left by the end of Comox Valley Economic Development Society, Courtenay Council in cooperation with local hoteliers, Tourism Vancouver Island and the Province reinitiated the Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) on accommodations in 2021 to maintain continuity in tourism marketing. The City is examining Courtenay’s formal role in economic development, beginning with the financial planning process in 2022 and through ad-hoc committees identified through the service review process. A new Courtenay-specific economic development function will be reviewed beginning in 2023. The City of Courtenay acknowledges and appreciates the work of the Comox Valley Economic Development Society and its volunteer board over many years. marketing services on behalf of the region. Economic development services are now the

Downtown Courtenay Service Area Review The Downtown Courtenay Business Improvement Association (DCBIA) is undergoing a bylaw review and update with some support from City staff including a review of service levels, tax rates and fees, and current boundaries. Council received a progress report from the DCBIA in November 2022 on the completion of Phase 1 , a review of current operations and best practices research. For Phase 2, community outreach and engagement , the DCBIA gathered feedback from downtown businesses and property owners. Phase 3 will report back to stakeholders in 2023 on the potential bylaw update. Ultimately, the DCBIA expects a new bylaw will help better serve the community and continue to revitalize and improve Downtown Courtenay.

PURSUE VIBRANT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Courtenay’s new Official Community Plan (OCP) includes goals, objectives, and policies that support economic development. Read more about the OCP on page 51.

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City of Courtenay | 2022 Annual Report