City of Courtenay Official Community Plan - 2026 update

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NE 7

Monitor compliance and other legal requirements such as covenants related to protecting sensitive ecosystems. Work in partnership to minimize the further introduction and spread of invasive species, and to develop an invasive species management plan to prevent, eradicate, contain, and control the spread of invasive species within Courtenay and the wider region. Develop an ecosystem-centric approach and strategy to manage and protect ecosystems, natural assets and green infrastructure across public and private properties. Explore as part of this work: a. Aligning various City strategies, tools and design standards that impact and implicate ecosystems, natural assets and green infrastructure including but not limited to landscape standards, integrated rainwater management, flood mitigation, parks planning, environmental development permit areas, tree bylaw and subdivision and development servicing bylaw b. A strategy to monitor changes in land cover including impervious surfaces, vegetation loss and climate change impacts to natural systems, and use monitoring data to inform updates to environmental policies; c. The current condition of Courtenay’s biodiversity and habitat resources including the effects of invasive species; d. The impacts of climate change on local ecosystems and biodiversity; e. Areas that are degraded or are good candidates for restoration on public and private land; f. Conservation and restoration targets and an adaptive management framework for natural areas and indicator species; g. Strategies to encourage participation in the green infrastructure network across property lines and promote a culture of conservation, restoration and stewardship; and h. Partners and roles in implementing the Strategy.

NE 8

NE 9

City of Courtenay Official Community Plan