Communities across the Comox Valley are facing increasing challenges related to housing affordability, homelessness, and poverty. The number of individuals and families in core housing need or at risk of losing their homes continues to grow.
The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) is committed to supporting affordable housing and homelessness initiatives. Through research, policy development, and strategic action, we align our efforts with the Comox Valley Regional Growth Strategy (RGS) and the Rural Comox Valley Official Community Plan (OCP) to create lasting solutions.
How the CVRD Addresses Housing Needs
| Directing Growth | Focusing development in settlement nodes (City of Courtenay, Town of Comox, Village of Cumberland, Union Bay, Mount Washington and Saratoga) where public services such as community water, sewer and waste management are available.* |
| Regulating Land Use | Allowing diverse dwelling types in electoral areas.* |
| Issuing Building Permits | Facilitating new construction and redevelopment in electoral areas.* |
| Delivering Support Services | Helping those experiencing homelessness. |
| Establishing Housing Policies | Developing regional and rural housing policies. |
* Land use planning services for Denman and Hornby Islands are provided by the Islands Trust.
Directing Growth
Growth management is about more than urban boundaries and land use planning—it is about directing development to the right places to support communities, protect rural and agricultural lands, and preserve ecosystems.
The RGS and Rural Comox Valley OCP guide future growth in the CVRD's three electoral areas. The RGS sets a shared regional vision across the CVRD, City of Courtenay, Town of Comox, and Village of Cumberland, with goals implemented through local OCPs and zoning regulations.
Regional Growth Strategy
The RGS is a shared vision for managing growth and its impacts across urban and rural areas. The CVRD, City of Courtenay, Town of Comox, and Village of Cumberland work together to foster socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable communities.
Adopted in 2011 after extensive consultation, the RGS is implemented through individual OCPs, infrastructure plans, and zoning regulations. The Comox Valley Regional District Regional Growth Strategy Fees and Charges Bylaw, 2014 establishes the process and fees for RGS amendments. The RGS Performance Monitoring Dashboard tracks progress on regional growth goals, providing data-driven insights to support sustainable planning and decision-making.
RGS Performance Monitoring Dashboard
Official Community Plan
The OCP reflects shared community values and goals, guiding residents, developers, real estate agents, and officials on acceptable future development. It designates land use categories and outlines related policies and objectives.
Rural Comox Valley Official Community Plan (OCP)
Regulating Land Use
Zoning regulates land use by categorizing parcels based on permitted uses, densities, and lot regulations. It defines restrictions such as the number of dwellings or commercial activity allowed on a lot.
In the CVRD, Zoning Bylaw No. 520 governs land use across Electoral Areas A, B, and C. It aligns with provincial laws like the Agricultural Land Commission Act and Agricultural Land Reserve General Regulation to protect farmland by restricting non-farm uses.
For more on agricultural land, see the Comox Valley Agricultural Plan.
Issuing Building Permits
The CVRD Building Inspection Service issues permits for construction, demolition, and structural alterations in the Electoral Areas. Building Bylaw No. 681 aligns with the 2024 BC Building Code, including the BC Energy Step Code.
CVRD also offers rebates and incentives to support energy efficiency in buildings.
Delivering Support Services
Housing affordability, availability, and homelessness are key concerns in the Comox Valley. The CVRD collaborates with local governments, community organizations, and K’ómoks First Nation to address these issues.
Guided by the Regional Housing Needs Assessment and Poverty Reduction Plan, the CVRD supports homelessness initiatives. Learn more on the Comox Valley Homelessness Support Service page.
Additional Programs and Information
Establishing Housing Policies
Housing affordability is a key issue in the Comox Valley. The CVRD supports solutions through the RGS Housing Action Plan (draft), non-market housing studies, and related policies.