The City of Courtenay is getting ready to share progress on the development of a new Strategic Cultural Plan that will be guided and shaped by community input.

The public is invited to drop by an upcoming event in downtown Courtenay to learn more, meet the project team, and provide feedback.

The event will be held Friday, Nov. 3, from 5-7 p.m. at the Native Sons Hall (360 Cliffe Ave., upper hall)

The event will include a 20-minute presentation, interactive self-guided activities, and a live performance by local duo Caf茅 Ol茅 featuring musical influences from Spain and Latin America. Light refreshments will be provided.

To confirm attendance at this free event, community members are encouraged to register via Eventbrite or email rcs@courtenay.ca.

The project consultants, Nordicity, will present the findings from community consultation to date, including the draft vision and preliminary strategic directions for the cultural plan, which was developed following input from more than 800 residents. The public will be invited to share feedback as well as ideas for potential names for the plan.

Mayor Bob Wells said the cultural plan, once finalized, will provide valuable guidance on the future of arts and culture in Courtenay.

鈥淲e鈥檙e working towards a plan that reflects and supports our arts and culture community,鈥� said Wells. 鈥淭his is meant to be from the ground up, not a top-down plan. We鈥檙e focused on finding ways the city can support the vision and efforts of local cultural creators and organizations, advance reconciliation through support for Indigenous arts and culture, and identify goals and priorities for the future. This event is a chance for everyone in our community who is passionate about arts and culture to check in on progress and tell us whether the city is on the right track.鈥�

The Courtenay Strategic Cultural Plan will help identify key strengths, gaps and opportunities in cultural services and cultural infrastructure. The plan will help guide city processes, support core areas of services, and highlight where investment is needed in the city鈥檚 cultural services and assets.

Feedback from the community will inform the development of the final plan. For those unable to attend in person, a copy of the presentation and short survey will be available at following the event.

Accessibility Information:

The Native Sons Hall Grand Hall is wheelchair accessible via ramp from Cliffe Avenue.

The facility includes accessible washrooms and a universal washroom.

An American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter will be available.

To learn more about the Strategic Cultural Plan, visit