Waste Management

• Reduced weekly garbage limit to one 121 litre garbage receptacle per week
• Implemented bi-weekly curbside recycling program
• Implemented weekly curbside organics program (yard and kitchen waste)
• Banned all open fires and outdoor burning in the Town
• Switched to biodegradable dog waste bags in dispensing units

Transportation

• Converted all traffic lights to LED, resulting in an 80% reduction in energy consumption
• Installed solar-powered pedestrian crossing lights
• Required the use of cut-off flat lens street lights in all new developments and road projects
• Allowed for the provision of bicycle parking spaces in lieu of vehicle spaces in commercial development
• Recycled waste asphalt from major road project
• Adopted Idling Control policy to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from municipal vehicles

Storm Water Management

• Created Environmental Development Permit Guidelines
• Added requirement for temporary stormwater erosion control ponds on development projects
• Implemented an Integrated Storm Water Management System and alternative subdivision servicing standards for a nearby development in order to maintain the environmental integrity of the Lazo Marsh Conservation Area
• Implemented an Integrated Storm Water Management System to ensure the long term environmental integrity of McDonald Bog
• Implemented a stormwater management plan for Butchers Road area, including the construction of major retention facility
• To view details on the North East Comox Stormwater Management Plan initiative - click here
• CAVI -Comox Valley Regional Team. Click on this link to view an update on our cross-jurisdictional collaboration towards Water Sustainability

Parks and Open Space

• Obtained 4.5 additional hectares of parkland
• Planted 170 trees in Town parks and along roadways
• Installed satellite controlled irrigation system reducing water consumption
• Supported and assisted local stewardship group

Other

• Increased sidewalk width and installed pedestrian bulbs in the downtown area creating a safer and more pedestrian-friendly environment
• Participated in the Regional Water Education Partnership undertaken by the Regional District
• Instituted the Water Conservation Plumbing Regulation requiring the installation of low-flush toilets in all new development and significant renovations
• Implemented Pesticide Use Bylaw that bans the cosmetic use of pesticides on private residential land
• Implemented a “Sustainability Checklist” encouraging developers to incorporate more environmentally and socially sustainable practices in development
• Initiated a two-year baseline monitoring study of McDonald Bog
• Developed a comprehensive greenway and park dedication plan for the Butchers Road area, including the protection of a significant aspen forest
• Adopted an Affordable Housing Strategy, including a Strata Conversion Policy
• Legalized the development of new secondary suites within single-family homes in certain areas
• Held two public information forums – one on Smart Growth and one on Sustainable Buildings
• Signed on to BC Climate Action Charter, committing to reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions in order to address global climate change
• Switched to using 100% recycled content printer and photocopier paper
• Converted the annual Town Square Christmas tree and street tree lights to LED
• Installed numerous EV Charging Stations throughout Comox including Town Hall, the Fire Hall, Comox Centre Mall.
• Council updated the Building Bylaw to include the BC Energy Step Code, which requires energy efficiency in new construction in the Town, ahead of the Province’s schedule.