Submitted by Mayor Nicole Minions

Special to the Record

The Town of Comox takes great pride in looking back on a year marked by noteworthy achievements and milestones. We have a plan and it’s exciting to see new projects underway, while others have been successfully completed over the past 12 months.

These accomplishments signify progress and share the town’s commitment to the council’s vision of maintaining and enhancing the quality of life for all our residents.

I want to recognize the invaluable contributions of our larger collective team that actively supported and collaborated on numerous projects and initiatives this year. The successes we have shared were also made possible through the generous support of community funding partners who played a big part in turning our vision into reality. Our heartfelt gratitude is extended to all those we have worked together with this past year.

A few of our key accomplishments from the last year include:

• Launching 2022- 2026 Strategic Plan – Town council successfully launched the 2022 – 2026 Strategic Plan, providing a roadmap for sustainable growth, community development and enhanced quality of life for Comox residents.

• Marine Services Building and grand opening – A momentous occasion, the completion and grand opening of the Marine Services Building, marked a successful collaboration with our valued funding partners. This revitalized space is home to three retail spaces, gender-neutral accessible washrooms, and a visitor information kiosk.

• Sustainable infrastructure upgrades – Through the utilization of a $750,000 grant, Comox embraced sustainable practices with the installation of electric vehicle charging stations, solar panels, new heat pumps and LED lighting, contributing to a more energy-efficient community.

• One million visitors at the Community Centre – Celebrating community engagement, the Comox Community Centre proudly welcomed one million visitors, reaffirming its role in our town as a hub for healthy, active lifestyles, social interaction, and connection. Also, they won the best fitness studio in the Comox Valley for the 5fifth year in a row!

• 1st bat-friendly community on Vancouver Island – Emphasizing our commitment to biodiversity, Comox proudly became the first bat-friendly community, promoting ecological sustainability and wildlife conservation.

• Youth initiative – pump track development – In response to the community’s needs, the town is pursuing grant funding for the development of a pump track, providing recreational opportunities for youth and enhancing our outdoor infrastructure.

• Economic Development Strategy launch (Downtown Action Plan) – Comox launched the development of a comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, including a Downtown Action Plan, aimed at fostering economic growth, enhancing urban vitality, and creating a thriving downtown core.

• BC Wildfire support and FireSmart grant – In collaboration with the Comox Valley Regional District, Comox secured a $450,000 FireSmart grant, highlighting our commitment to community safety and proactive measures to mitigate the risks of wildfires.

• Lazo Road upgrades and multi-use path widening – Strategic upgrades to Lazo Road, in partnership with federal and provincial partners, supported Comox’s vision to improve and upgrade our transportation infrastructure.

• Growing Communities Fund – Acknowledging Comox’s commitment to growth and community development, the province awarded a substantial $4.7 million grant through their Growing Communities Fund.

• Opening of senior housing on Balmoral Avenue – Thanks to all the funding partners, this complex symbolizes the collective efforts to action our affordable housing capacity. The unique design of the complex is considerate of diverse abilities, earning the prestigious ‘Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certified Gold’ rating - proudly fostering an inclusive living space in our community.

Over the past year, we have witnessed a multitude of changes, both within our organization and the community we proudly serve. Similar to many businesses, our dedicated staff form the essential backbone, ensuring the smooth operation of day-to-day activities. Like other businesses, we have faced challenges in recruitment with a tight skilled labour market, particularly as long-term staff members retire. Amidst these transitions, we extend our recognition to the efforts of our staff, who, with unwavering dedication to public service, have played a crucial role in supporting the organization through these turbulent times.

It would be remiss not to acknowledge the remarkable community events and engaging public opportunities that have enhanced or supported our community in 2023. Notable examples include the revitalization of the McKenzie Park Playground, achieved through the generous support of the Comox Valley Lions Club. The vibrant energy surrounding Comox during the Nautical Day celebration was palpable, contributing to the collective sense of community spirit. Additionally, our commitment to local charity initiatives, such as the Mayor’s Golf Tournament and the Comox Valley Telethon for the Child Development Association, resulted in a commendable fundraising achievement of over $150,000. These successes provide ample cause for celebration.

Looking ahead Comox remains committed to building on these successes, creating a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive community.