Planning for Growth in the Comox Valley

Housing affordability is one of the most significant challenges facing the Comox Valley. Average rental rates have more than doubled over the last decade, and approximately one in five households live in unaffordable housing. About 2,500 affordable, non-market housing units are needed now, with up to 4,000 units expected to be needed by 2041. 

Communities across the region are responding through updated Official Community Plans, zoning changes, densification, new housing partnerships and planning for future neighbourhoods. These efforts are intended to support a wider range of housing options while ensuring growth is matched with the services and infrastructure residents rely on.

Water, sewer, transportation and recreation infrastructure are essential to supporting responsible growth.

The CVRD provides water to more than 50,000 residents through its treatment plant at Comox Lake and processes wastewater for more than 45,000 residents at the regional sewage treatment plant in Comox. Long-term capital planning and asset management are underway to identify the infrastructure needed to support projected growth areas in Courtenay, Comox and the K’ómoks Southlands. 

Transportation improvements are also a key priority. Ryan Road is a major commuter route to 19 Wing Comox and an important regional corridor. Proposed improvements include a new entrance to 19 Wing, active transportation infrastructure, modernized traffic signals, transit priority improvements and other upgrades to support safety and mobility. 

As the population grows, demand will also increase for schools, recreation facilities, childcare, healthcare and other services that support quality of life.

Comox Valley Schools serves approximately 8,600 students in 22 schools and is continuing to work with community partners to forecast enrolment and plan for future facility needs.

Recreation planning is also underway across the region, including investment in sports fields, aquatic facilities, arenas, community centres, parks, trails and active transportation connections. These services are important to community health, wellbeing and livability
 

Courtenay is the region’s largest urban centre and is expected to grow by more than 10,000 people by 2041, requiring approximately 8,000 additional housing units. The City’s Official Community Plan guides much of this growth into existing neighbourhoods to make better use of services, support affordability and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

CVRD is putting substantial effort and resources into long term planning and asset management strategies for sewer and water services that will be critical to serve a growing community. The regional district provides water to more than 50,000 residents though its treatment plant at Comox Lake and processes wastewater for more than 45,000 residents at the sewage treatment plant. It is working with its partners that are services through these regional systems to ensure infrastructure will be there for the community now and in the years to come. 

The Comox Valley is located in the unceded traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation. Future development of the K’ómoks Southlands is expected to create housing and commercial opportunities, support economic development for the Nation and provide much-needed housing options for the broader Comox Valley. 

Comox is planning for additional housing through downtown density and low-rise apartment opportunities. The community is expected to need approximately 3,358 additional housing units between 2021 and 2041. 

Cumberland has experienced rapid recent growth, with an 18.5 per cent population increase from 2016 to 2021. The Village is planning for additional housing, industrial land opportunities, water and wastewater upgrades, recreation needs and active transportation improvements.