City of Courtenay Official Community Plan - 2026 update

C

-143

Objective 1 Parkland in the form of natural areas, open spaces, and outdoor recreation is of sufficient amounts, is well connected, equitably distributed, and is of high quality to enhance livability throughout the city

Policies

PR 1

Develop an integrated network of neighbourhood, community and nature parks, linear parks and greenways, play spaces and recreation amenities generally in accordance with the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Support objectives of the Plan including improving parks and greenway connectivity, fostering a healthy and active community, providing access for all, protecting and enhancing beauty, connecting parks and recreation with culture, and enhancing communication and partnerships. Provide new parkland and greenways in areas identified in the OCP and Parks and Recreation Master Plan, in future growth areas, mixed-use and high-density development areas, and intensification areas through new development and redevelopment opportunities. Key parkland standards include but are not limited to: a. Strive for a maximum 10-minute walk distance access from all residences throughout Courtenay (400–800 metres); b. 1.2 hectares per 1,000 population for community parks and 0.5 hectares per 1,000 population for neighbourhood parks; c. Walking distance of 400 metres to neighbourhood parks and 800 metres to community parks; d. Minimum size of 1.0 hectare for community parks and 0.2 hectare for neighbourhood parks; e. Nature parks representative of Courtenay’s biodiversity; f. Urban types of park features such as parklets and plazas. Update the Parks and Recreation Master Plan to identify parkland supply and parkland improvement needs and opportunities in accordance with the growth direction of the OCP . Include attention to: a. Provision and proximity standards that reflect a mix of park and greenway needs for a wide variety of land use contexts; b. Identifying opportunities and strategy to secure increased public access to the K’ómoks Estuary, creeks, and rivers; c. Specifications and guidelines to evaluate what types of park land and park land improvements are suitable for pubic dedication; d. Updating the OCP Parks and Greenways policies and map accordingly.

PR 2

PR 3

PART C Thematic Policies