Background
In February 2022, the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) and the City of Courtenay launched public engagement on a community-wide aquatics strategy to help shape the future of public swimming in the region for the next 25 years. Comox Valley residents and various organizations and stakeholders were asked to provide their feedback on aquatic facilities, including their level of satisfaction with current conditions, accessibility, and features. Public feedback was shared with the Recreation Commission in summer 2022. Read the What We Heard Report.
Download the Aquatic Needs Strategy
The Aquatic Needs Strategy was developed in response to earlier facility condition assessments completed for both organizations, which concluded that both the CVRD Sports Centre Pool and the City of Courtenay and District Memorial Outdoor Pool are nearing the end of their expected lifespans. The strategy is intended to inform the Recreation Commission in their consideration of capital infrastructure for community recreation services, and to ensure that long-term facility plans align with community expectations for aquatic services.
The draft strategy was considered by the Recreation Commission as part of the 2023 strategic planning process, which confirmed the direction for the Capital Development Plan for the recreation service. The plan takes into account the community's long-term recreation needs and includes consideration of available resources to be distributed across all aspects of the service, including aquatics, ice, and playing fields.
Project Brief
Beyond defining a vision for aquatic services in the Comox Valley, the Aquatics Strategy:
- Supports the equitable access to facilities and services for all residents.
- Encourages increasing capacity and participation in water sports and activities.
- Ensures the efficient and effective use of resources.
- Renders the aquatic infrastructure as environmentally friendly as possible.
Multiple inputs contributed to the strategy’s development. The community itself played a major role with households, organizations, partners, and community builders all contributing through surveys and conversations.
Project Timing
| Date | Details |
| December – April 2022 | Research and community engagement. |
| April – December 2022 | Aquatic Needs Strategy under development. |
| July 2022 | What We Heard Report shared with the Recreation Commission. |
| January – February 2023 | Draft Aquatic Needs Strategy shared with Recreation Commission and posted to website. |
| February – April 2023 | Draft Aquatic Needs Strategy to be considered (along with all other capital requirements) as part of the Recreation Commission's strategic planning process. |
| Spring 2023 | Recreation Commission to confirm direction for Capital Development Plan. |
Questions
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