Next week marks Local Government Awareness Week (May 11-17). The annual initiative’s objective is to build public awareness of local government roles and services, while encouraging the public to participate in local government processes. The theme this year for the week is Infrastructure.
What is a regional district? Regional districts are a form of local government in British Columbia, Canada, designed to provide regional services and governance to both incorporated municipalities (like cities and towns) and unincorporated rural areas. The Comox Valley Regional District is one of 27 regional districts in BC.
What do they do?
Regional Districts provide shared services across the region, like:
- Waste management
- Water and sewer systems
- Emergency services
- Parks and recreation
- Planning and zoning in rural areas
- Coordinate regional planning and infrastructure.
Who runs them?
Regional Districts are made up for a Board of Directors who are:
- Appointed members from each municipality (usually mayors or council members)
- Elected directors from unincorporated electoral areas
- Votes are weighted based on population.
The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) has invested heavily in infrastructure advancements the past few years. The Comox Valley is currently undergoing several significant infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing wastewater management, transportation, recreational facilities and active transportation networks. Here's an overview of key initiatives:
Sewer Conveyance Project
The Comox Valley Sewer Conveyance Project is a multi-year initiative focused on upgrading the region's wastewater infrastructure. This includes the construction of a new Courtenay Pump Station, retrofits to existing pump stations in K’ómoks First Nation and the Town of Comox, and the installation of over 9 kilometers of new sewer forcemain. The project aims to reroute sewer lines inland to mitigate risks associated with rising sea levels and environmental threats along the coastline. The total cost is estimated at $96 million, with funding from federal and provincial sources. For more information, visit: https://engagecomoxvalley.ca/conveyanceproject
Comox Valley Transit Exchange
BC Transit, in collaboration with local governments, is developing five new transit exchanges across the Comox Valley. These exchanges are designed to improve the transit experience by providing enhanced bus stop amenities, including new bus bays, shelters, bike racks, and wider sidewalks. For more information, visit: https://engage.bctransit.com/comox-valley
Saratoga Local Area Plan
The Comox Valley Regional District is creating a Local Area Plan to guide the future of the Saratoga Beach area. The plan will support land use and development that respects local ecosystems, addresses climate change, and reflects the values and vision of the community. An online survey is open until May 12. For more information, visit: https://engagecomoxvalley.ca/SaratogaLAP
Recreational Capital Planning
Planning the future of recreation infrastructure continues to be a priority for the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD). The Comox Valley Recreation Commission completed a strategic planning process that identified several facilities/recreational upgrade opportunities in the Comox Valley. An alternative approval process was held earlier this year to authorize borrowing for a new artificial turf field and the recreation team is now developing the business case and completing arena feasibility studies. Upon completion, the CVRD will be focusing on a pool expansion feasibility study. For more information, visit: https://engagecomoxvalley.ca/recplan
To learn more about the Comox Valley Regional District, visit: www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/projects
The Comox Valley Regional District is a partnership of three electoral areas and three municipalities operating on the unceded traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation, the traditional keepers of the land. The members of the regional district work collaboratively on providing sustainable services for the benefit of the diverse urban and rural areas of the Comox Valley.
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Media Contact:
Jake Martens
General Manager of Corporate Services
250-334-6029