Courtenay Annual Report 2025 draft

Message from the Mayor

Relationships continue to be at the heart of this work. We are grateful for the continued relationship with K’ómoks First Nation, and for the opportunity to move forward together with respect, partnership and reconciliation. I also want to recognize the many volunteers, community groups and non-profit organizations that help make Courtenay such a caring place to live. Their work is seen in events, programs, services and quiet acts of service across the community. Not all of that work can be captured in this report, but it makes a real difference every day. The progress shared in these pages reflects the dedication of City staff and the engagement of residents who care deeply about Courtenay. On behalf of Council, thank you to everyone who has shared their time, knowledge and ideas over the past year. While important work remains, Courtenay has a strong foundation built through collaboration, accountability and care for the community we serve. I am grateful to everyone who contributed to that progress over the past year and throughout this Council term.

On behalf of Courtenay City Council, I am pleased to share the City of Courtenay’s 2025 Annual Report. This report is a chance to look back on a busy and important year for our community. In 2025, Council continued to make thoughtful decisions during a time of growth, change and increasing pressure on local governments. As this Council term nears its end, I am proud of the work that has been done. Local government is not always simple. Many decisions involve difficult trade offs, long timelines and issues that cannot be solved by one level of government alone. Even so, Council has worked to stay focused on what matters most: serving our community and planning for Courtenay’s future. Housing remained one of Council’s most important areas of focus. Communities across British Columbia are facing serious housing challenges, and Courtenay is no exception. While municipalities do not build housing, we do have a role to play. We can update policies, support more housing options and speak up for solutions that reflect the needs of our community. In 2025, Council continued to support housing supply and diversity, while also calling on provincial and federal governments to share responsibility for real outcomes. Progress takes many partners; it requires local governments, Indigenous partners, community organizations, builders and other levels of government working together. This work is part of a broader commitment to thoughtful growth. As Courtenay grows, we need to make sure our services, infrastructure, neighbourhoods and natural environment are also supported. The decisions we make today will shape the community we leave for future generations.

Mayor Bob Wells

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