Just over a year has passed since Nicole Minions was elected mayor of Comox, and the town is looking back on a busy and productive one.
The town is highlighting 11 different projects and accomplishments made over 2023 including launching the 2022 – 2026 strategic plan, making sustainable infrastructure upgrades through a $750,000 grant and celebrating over 1 million visitors at the Community Centre.
For Minions, the project closest to her is the Cypress Gardens housing that opened on Balmoral Avenue. It went from a 16-unit condo to a 52-unit, and is a fully accessible building for those in wheelchairs, low-income seniors and others to be very diverse.
“I was there about a month ago and people were starting to move in and it just has some really cool features,” said Minions. “It’s got Rick Hansen designation, which is the first in the province for an affordable housing project.
“It’s something we’re really proud of as a community and it also took a lot of partners to make that happen including the province and BC Housing.”
Minions adds seeing the opening of the new Marina Services Centre was also a big moment for the town after the project was started by former mayor Russ Arnott. Comox was also designated the first bat-friendly community on Vancouver Island last year and it also got a $450,000 FireSmart grant.
Heading into 2024, Minions says they have lots slated for new projects and developments that will help the town adapt to the future.
“We are looking for grant funding for the development of a pump track, we’re also doing a lot of work in our downtown revitalization looking at how to make the downtown a little bit busier and get some more retail shops,” said Minions.
“Growth is kind of inevitable but the way we do it and keep the look and feel of our community that we love is really important.”
Minions thanks staff for their dedication to serving the community and charity initiatives like the Mayor’s Golf Tournament and Comox Valley Telethon that helped raise over $150,000.
“I want to wish everybody a happy holiday whatever you are celebrating with your family and your friends,” said Minions. “I welcome everyone to come out, there’s great events happening at the Filberg Lodge and on Jan. 1 our Town of Comox Recreation hosts the annual polar bear swim.”
