A year when the Official Community Plan (OCP) is revised becomes especially important to the community and this Association. The CTRA was represented at all the public meetings during the OCP process. Although improvements to the process were possible, there was ample opportunity for community input.  Now the Council, Residents’ Association and citizens of Comox have a duty to ensure the plan is followed.Another major event of 2011 was the Municipal Election in November. The CTRA organized an All Candidates Meeting on November 3, which was attended by over 300 residents. Joe Smith was chosen as moderator and the event was “live streamed” by My Tech Guys, enabling people residing in the Valley to see and hear the speakers during the event or on their computers afterwards. It was expressed by those present that more opportunities for community input should be organized. For this reason Tom Dishlevoy, a local architect, was invited to address this Annual General Meeting.

Film Nights were provided monthly by Wendy Prothero. For legal reasons of copyright we were unable to continue. However, we may be able to obtain films or videos from another source in the future. Our thanks are due to Wendy for hosting our Film Nights, and for her choice of interesting and informative films and videos.

Jim Whitehead, an executive member, is working with Al Fraser, Superintendent of Comox Parks, with regard to Cottonwood Lane. Since it was set aside 30 years ago by a previous council for a future greenway, it has become overgrown with vegetation. Also, a few adjacent property owners have extended their yards onto the right of way.  Jim recently received a letter from Al Fraser to say that the Cottonwood Lane Greenway Project is slated for completion this year (2012). He is completing the necessary preliminary steps, and once he has a more formalized plan in place, he will contact the CTRA and take a look as to how to involve the group and others who may wish to participate in the project. Al thanked Jim for his support and said he looks forward to working with the group on this worthwhile community project.

Barbara Price (who was our President at the time, and resigned to run for a seat on Comox Council) spoke at two Public Hearings for the rezoning of lot sizes at Point Holmes. Her presentation supported nothing less than a minimum lot size of 0.5 ha to allow for conservation of some of the rare Garry Oak/Sand Dune ecosystems. We also asked Council to bring forward a Development Plan which would achieve Conservation objectives. Council did adopt the 0.5 ha minimum lot size.  We understand a Development Plan will be bought forward.

The CTRA has had a presence at most Public and Council meetings as well as Open Houses during the year. We continue to work on the preservation of forest land near Pritchard Road (DL 194). This process is on hold until the First Nations Land Claims are settled.

We have given input to the Federal and Provincial Environmental Committees on the social, environmental and economic impacts of the proposed Raven Coal mine. We also continue to keep our members informed on important issues that will impact the quality of life in Comox and the Comox Valley.  In order to communicate with our members, newsletters were sent summarizing the work of the CTRA

The Executive thanks the many volunteers who have helped with various tasks throughout the year. We appreciate very much the ongoing support of the membership, without whom we would not exist. The CTRA plays an important role in being a voice for this community. The more members we have the stronger voice we will have. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any concerns you may have.

Information is also posted on our website www.ctrahq.wordpress.com. We also have a Facebook page.

Tom Dishlevoy will give a thought-provoking presentation entitled, “Ideas for a Living Town of Comox: It’s Not That Difficult.” The presentation will explore how the Town of Comox can adapt lessons learned from the recent International Living City Challenge Competition in which Dishlevoy and several colleagues came up with plans for a redesigned City of Courtenay that embraced all facets of sustainability. The CTRA is hoping that residents will come to the meeting willing to discuss their ideas and suggestions for change. Dishlevoy, who has design experience with a wide range of buildings of all types and sizes, has recently expanded his field of work to include land use planning and sustainability, making each of his projects as “green” as possible: socially, economically and environmentally. Dishlevoy has spoken about his recent efforts to the CV Chamber of Commerce and at TEDx Comox Valley and has worked with the Business Improvement Associations in Courtenay and Comox to help develop a sustainable vision for a vibrant, resilient and complete community.

Tom Dishlevoy

CTRA Acting President Kerry Dawson would like to see some new members join the Residents’ Association. “The Comox Town Residents Association is a group of very dedicated residents who recognize how lucky we are to live here in paradise. If we want this Town to remain the special place that it is, we need to be involved as citizens, and we need to be vigilant. It’s easy to lose that small-town charm in just a few years.”

Memberships in the CTRA are just $10 per year, per household and will be available at the meeting. Refreshments will also be served. For more information, contact Pat Halliday at pat.halliday@telus.net.

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The moderated and timed event will be held at the Comox Recreation Centre on Noel Avenue, Multi-purpose Hall 1, on Thursday, November 3, 2011. The doors will open at 7:15 pm for a meet and greet, and the Forum will begin at 7:30 p.m. sharp and run for a reasonable length of time before Candidate summations.

The Forum will be divided into three main sections: timed speeches from candidates, an audience question period, and a short summation statement by the candidates.

Visitors wishing to ask a question will be asked to sign their name on a card before the Forum begins. Cards will be drawn at random. Only one question is permitted per person. Questions may be directed to any candidate but both questions and answers will be timed to ensure that as many people as possible can participate. Debates will not be permitted.

Nominations for Comox municipal candidates must be received at Town Hall by Friday, October 14, so these Forums are an ideal opportunity for voters to meet and question the men and women who hope to guide Comox during the next three years.

The municipal election will take place on Saturday, November 19, 2011.

Further election data and Forum information is posted on www.tidechange.ca  and the Elections section of this site.
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Free Film Night

The film “HOME”, a voyage around our planet by award-winning photographer Arthus-Bertrand, will be featured on the Comox Town Residents’ Association’s Free Film Night, on Thursday, September 29.

A unique film with breathtaking imagery, it spans 54 countries and 120 locations. It explores the Earth’s amazing landscapes showcasing its beauty and acknowledging its vunerability to change.

The film is 118 minutes long and will be shown at D’Esterre House, Comox Seniors Centre, 1801 Beaufort Ave.(downstairs). There will be discussion afterwards, if so wished.

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Welcome to the
Comox Town Residents’ Association’s
NEW online headquarters!

Here you will find the latest news, important documents and reports, links, related to our organization, the Town of Comox, and the Comox Valley.

Also, read all about our sister organization, The Friends of Comox Lazo Forest Reserve, discover who they are and what they do,  and how they are helping to preserve the “heart and lungs” of our Town – the area known as the Northeast Woods, now a provincial conservation area – for everyone.

Comments and suggestions are welcome.