Draft OCP bylaw receives 1st and 2nd readings

The updated OCP Bylaw No. 3206 received first and second readings at the February 25, 2026, regular Council meeting.

More information on the draft bylaw and the OCP Update process are available through these links:

Older material includes:

How to get involved

A public hearing is set for May 6, 2026. This represents the final opportunity the public will have to provide comment on the draft OCP bylaw. You can participate in-person at:

  • Location: CVRD Civic Room, 770 Harmston Avenue, Courtenay, BC
  • Date: May 6, 2026
  • Time: 4 p.m.

You can also send your written comments by:

  • Mail: Development Services
    830 Cliffe Avenue
    Courtenay B.C. V9N 2J7

Written submissions must be received at least three hours before the public hearing begins — typically by 1 p.m. on the day of the hearing. Submissions should contain your name and address, which will become part of the public record. More information on Public Hearings can be found at https://www.courtenay.ca/city-hall/mayor-and-council/public-hearings


Previous public engagement sessions

Thank you to everyone who joined our earlier engagement sessions. Video recordings and presentation slides are available to watch any time using the links below.

Why this update matters

Courtenay Council adopted a new OCP Bylaw No. 3070 on July 25, 2022, after extensive community consultation. In late 2023, the province introduced housing legislation to fast-track housing supply, requiring local governments to plan more proactively. All OCPs in B.C. must meet the new legislated requirements or be updated to do so by December 31, 2025.

Courtenay’s Housing Needs Report shows we’ll need about 8,350 more homes by 2041 to house a projected population of 42,415. This update makes sure our policies can handle that growth and still reflect our community’s values.

What the update will do

  • Identify where and how Courtenay can grow in a way that maintains a high quality of life.
  • Expand new housing opportunities through updates to land-use designations and associated policies.
  • Make sure growth is supported by roads, utilities, parks, and other services and amenities.
  • Align the OCP with other City plans so that everything works together.

This update will align Courtenay’s OCP with five- and 20-year housing needs, as required by the province.

To supports this growth, we’re:

  • Looking at opportunities shown in the Complete Community Growth Assessment (CCGA).
  • Checking that our infrastructure can handle future growth.
  • Modelling the costs of growth.
  • Updating the Development Permit Area (DPA) guidelines to allow more housing types — such as small-scale, multi-unit housing — while meeting OCP goals.
  • Continuing to share information and ask for your feedback.

Learn more about:

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Nancy Gothard

Manager of Community and Sustainability Planning

planning@courtenay.ca / 250 703 4839

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