Courtenay Annual Report 2025 draft

Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program strengthens food access In 2025, the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program (FMNCP) advanced food access across all Comox Valley farmers’ markets. • 31,617 coupons distributed • 29,794 redeemed (94 per cent redemption rate) • $89,382 directed to local food purchases • 155 households supported The high redemption rate reflects strong program uptake and directs funding back to local farmers and vendors while improving access to fresh, locally produced food for vulnerable households throughout the region.

Comox Valley Farmers' Market

Market performance Fall market (10 weeks) October 18 – December 20, 2025 Winter market (13 weeks) January 11 – April 5, 2025 Combined 2025 off-season totals: • 23 weeks of operation • 39 vendors per week (average)

• 19,311 customer visits • $571,510 in gross sales • $857,264 estimated economic impact • 54 per cent of vendors based in Courtenay Partnership supports year-round farmers’ market and food security

The City continues its three-year partnering agreement with the Comox Valley Farmers’ Market Association to support fall and winter markets at the Native Sons Hall in downtown Courtenay. The partnership recognizes the association’s broader social and community impact beyond economic activity, aligning its facility use with other organizations that deliver social benefit. The central downtown location — directly across from the bus exchange — improves accessibility and supports continued participation during the off-season. The agreement includes annual reporting on community and economic impacts and collaboration toward identifying a future permanent year-round market site.

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