At the Sept. 4 meeting, Erik Eriksson was the lone member of Courtenay council to oppose final adoption of the Downtown Revitalization Tax Exemption Bylaw.
The intent of the bylaw is to stimulate commercial and residential redevelopment, and revitalization in the greater downtown area.
“Downtown Courtenay does not need to be revitalized, it’s very vital right now,” Eriksson said.
Manno Theos suggested that enhancement could be a better word, considering the downtown core is faring well.
Eriksson feels it is unfair that some businesses and developments will receive a special deal. He is also concerned that people will get hit with a large tax bill at the end of the exemption period.
Mayor Larry Jangula said the City is trying to densify an area of town that needs it. He said nobody will receive a special deal. Aside from a tax increase, businesses will collect rent while the City benefits from new infrastructure.
“I think it’s a win-win,” Jangula said.
•Council approved a Doug Hillian resolution to have staff explore and report back about the potential implementation of a street bench program.
Hillian was alerted to the idea by several residents in west Courtenay. He feels it’s a possibility that would not involve a significant budget or a large amount of maintenance.
“It is something that potentially, with an aging population, could enhance the walkability of our streets,” he said.
Jangula said a program such as this could be an expensive endeavour.
Bob Wells noted that Campbell River’s bench system provides advertising opportunities for businesses.
•David Frisch proposed a rescinding of a non-binding community opinion question to consider a governance restructure study for local governments in the Valley. Council had earlier supported the idea of including the question on the Oct. 20 local government election ballot. Council defeated Frisch’s resolution 4-3.
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