City of Courtenay Official Community Plan - 2026 update

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Policies 1. Permitted land uses will differ between floodway and flood fringe areas to minimize risk. Where development occurs, design must meet flood construction standards, allow safe evacuation during flood events, and incorporate adaptive measures for long term resilience. a. Within the floodway, recreational, parks and natural spaces, and agricultural land uses are the most appropriate uses. Residential uses are not supported in the floodway. b. Within the flood fringe, commercial, recreational, parks and natural spaces and agricultural land uses are the most appropriate land uses. c. Where development is presently located or permitted within 4. Regularly review and ensure all floodplain related policies and regulations are up to date. 5. Support parks and recreational uses that are designed with flooding in mind. 6. Respect foreshore sediment and flow processes through the prevention of hard shoreline development solutions, and using green approaches that mimic ecosystem functions for erosion protection. floodplain or flood fringe, future development in such areas shall meet the current flood construction standards and all other associated requirements.

The shoreline is part of the floodplain and includes the surface waters, extending from the present natural boundary to the extent of the City’s jurisdiction. This includes an approximate 3 kilometre stretch of shoreline along the K’ómoks Estuary as well as both sides of the Courtenay River and all other shorelines within the City of Courtenay’s boundaries. Development within these vulnerable areas represent regionally important urban centres with significant public and private property investment and transportation connectivity. Planning Objective • Minimize the risk to people and property from natural hazards. • Encourage safety in construction, location and the manner of new construction in flood prone areas. • Ensure new development does • Minimize the potential for damage to public infrastructure, facilities, and utilities. • Ensure lands are safe for the intended use. • Preserve the natural environment and ecological functions of floodplains. • Increase awareness of natural hazard areas, such as designated floodplain areas and the implications of such a designation. not increase natural hazards and mitigates risks for surrounding properties.

City of Courtenay Official Community Plan