Taking inspiration from other community waterfronts, Coun. Russ Arnott proposed the first step to Comox council Wednesday in what he hopes could develop into a permanent kiosk business area at Marina Park.
During the committee of the whole meeting, Arnott suggested staff prepare a report which examines the costs and feasibility in establishing permanent vending booths by the waterfront.
“I think it would really add to the flavour of our waterfront. I think we’ve been waiting years and years for something to happen, and I think we have to lead on that, being mindful of costs,” he noted.
Coun. Ken Grant reminded council although he would like to see the area enhanced, the idea should be considered through the town’s strategic planning process.
“The actual budgeting process might be a more appropriate way to dealing with this. I know there’s big issues with power and water and sewer and one of the bigger issues we’re going to run into is with taxation and how you’re going to tax those business so that it’s fair to the business owners up the street. It’s not just a matter of going down there and building,” he said.
Arnott added the marina waterfront is considered part of the downtown core and the Comox and is part of the strategic plan.
Despite its inclusion in the BIA, Grant emphasized taxation would be an issue.
A motion was carried for staff to create a report on the issue.
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Coun. Hugh MacKinnon hopes to honour the memory of a former Comox councillor through the recognition of youth within the Comox community.
MacKinnon formally proposed his idea Wednesday of creating community achievement awards aimed at youth bearing the name of Ray Crossley — a three-term councillor who passed away suddenly nearly a year ago.
“It recognizes somebody who has had extraordinary contributions to the community,” said MacKinnon.
He asked council for direction and suggestions as to who are eligible for the awards, how often should the award be presented, and how the awards are presented.
Coun. Ken Grant suggested the idea of an external non-political body who decides upon recipients, while Coun. Patti Fletcher admitted there are parts of the awards which need to be worked on, but wholeheartedly supports the idea.
“Personally I think calling it the Ray Crossley Community Achievement Awards would be absolutely fitting in so many ways. Particularly, we know that Ray inspired and achieved some personal difficulties and challenges more so than most of us will ever know, and he did it in an extraordinary way,” she added.
Mayor Paul Ives suggested the creation of an ad hoc committee to consider names and include council representation.
He added council will refine the idea a bit more and bring the proposed awards back to the next committee of the whole.
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