Courtenay Annual Report 2025 draft

2023–26

Status

Notes

Long-term staff plan for fire services

In progress

The Courtenay Fire Department is developing officer training and volunteer staffing plans to support the new fire hall, with a target of a fully trained and operational station by fall 2027.

RCMP service analysis – financial and HR implications

Planned

This project is on hold due to the temporary internal reassignment of the Director of Corporate Services.

Partner with RCMP to communicate public safety initiatives and priority policing activities

Planned

The Comox Valley RCMP provides quarterly policing statistics to Council and participates in the annual financial planning process. The RCMP Inspector also meets regularly with the Mayor and City Manager.

Promote a broad view of community safety across protective services, RCMP, fire services and bylaw enforcement

Planned

This work will support coordinated approaches to community safety, including bylaw updates, public space design and regulation, and improvements to accessibility and safety. The timeline has been extended into 2026.

Build capacity for emergency planning and local response

Ongoing

Internal capacity is being strengthened through staff training and increased organizational readiness, in anticipation of updated provincial regulations.

Bylaw services and adjudication

RCMP public safety update Overall calls for service in Courtenay decreased by two per cent in 2025, continuing a downward trend from recent years. Downtown calls declined by six per cent, reflecting ongoing coordination between the RCMP, City staff and community partners. Violent crime remained relatively stable, with a modest two per cent increase year over year. Assault files rose by four per cent, while uttering threats declined by 13 per cent. Robbery and sex offences also saw decreases. East and west Courtenay recorded the highest number of violent crime files. Property crime levels remained steady, with a one per cent increase from 2024. Auto theft, break-and-enter and theft from vehicle files all declined. Fraud investigations increased, reflecting a broader provincial trend. Traffic enforcement activity increased by 17 per cent, including a rise in impaired driving enforcement. Drug trafficking investigations also increased as a result of targeted policing efforts. The RCMP continues to focus on proactive enforcement, community safety and collaboration with local partners to address emerging trends and support a safe, resilient community.

Bylaw Services continued to provide seven-day-a-week coverage from 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. throughout 2025, supporting timely responses to a wide range of community concerns. The City’s bylaw dispute adjudication system is now fully operational. It provides a more efficient and cost effective way to resolve bylaw offences, reducing the need for court-based processes. In 2025, Bylaw Services issued 105 Bylaw Offence Notices (BONs). No Municipal Ticket Information (MTI)

notices were issued. courtenay.ca/bylaws

2025 Annual Report | 83