Official Community Plan

C

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assets are deeply valued by Courtenay residents, and they support important cultural and economic development within the region. In 2019 a Cultural Services Review was conducted for the City which established the City's role in the provision of cultural services in Courtenay and provides short term, medium term and on-going strategies and recommendations to facilitate the City's cultural services development. As of 2020, a number of community needs are identified including: a need for a larger outdoor performance venue than currently available at Simms Park; the downtown Commons outdoor performing space and public plaza; a community arts and culture centre; and a City hosting strategy for festivals and events. Amongst the wider cultural sector, limited capacity to sustainably deliver programs and services within community organizations, lack of available funding, and housing and studio affordability and availability are significant challenges. “Fish weirs, duck nets, berry picking techniques and clothing design met the needs of the K'ómoks and for generations provided variety, utility and sense of cultural uniqueness. Mask dances and rhythmic songs filled the winter nights and season. Property was distributed to guests in potlatches and elaborate naming ceremonies honoured the youth, leaders and elders of the communities… Following contact with Europeans [including]… a period of colonial policy and practices, the K'ómoks families have endured hardship and loss of land, resources and cultural connection. Modern leaders are striving to reclaim cultural expression and relationship with 'the land of plenty.'" – K'ómoks Comprehensive Community Plan (page 26)

PART C Thematic Policies