Keep Comox's Charm

It’s quite the view.

This letter has been submitted to the CV Record editor. FYI, there is a public info meeting scheduled at town hall July 22, 6pm. We believe 3rd reading will be called at the Aug meeting.

Subject: RZ25-5 721 - Just stick to the plan!

Dear Mayor and Council,

We're not asking for anything crazy, just that you stick to the plan you settled on. Four of you felt the OCP represented a good balance between development and the environment. Three of you felt it allowed too much density.

The inheritors of 721 Lazo don't need a rezoning - they already have the option to subdivide if they can show a plan that works with the OCP and the DPAs that apply to this land. That has yet to be proven. It doesn't require punching a Town of Comox private strata road through your CVRD neighbours' dead end road and taking out a coastal bluff. Six lots + suites, on septic, isn't development done thoughtfully. It's just... more.

The OCP's 5% park dedication isn't a ceiling, it's a floor. The Plan calls for protecting environmentally sensitive land above and beyond that minimum.

Let’s talk about the land. There are Garry oak and krummholz here that need protecting, and there are more than the enviro report mapped. Nearly every time they came back, they found some they missed and they still haven't mapped them all. There are resident bald eagles that need protecting - we've documented 4 active perch and sentry trees on the bluff that weren't mapped either. The applicant's own biologist documents 103 trees slated for removal in the development footprint - separate from the Garry oak stands - and calls the resulting Garry oak habitat loss (nearly 1,000 square metres of it) 'significant' in their own words.

Nobody is even talking about the fact that there’s an undisturbed coastal sand dune ecosystem on the land (the last standing on this stretch of Point Holmes) that would be flattened for the new lots. It's been identified as one of only two known intact remnant dune complexes left in the entire Georgia Basin. Walk the beach. You'll see it yourself.

It’s not “just a sandy bluff”, it’s an active wildlife corridor used by deer, pileated woodpeckers, bears and serves as a vital sentry hunting point for raptors and shore birds - bald eagles (including a well known resident pair and their yearly brood), herons and osprey. You name it, if they’ve got fur or feathers, we see them.

The applicants sent a letter to Mayor and Council expressing frustration with opposition to the proposed rezoning and what they describe as an exhausting process. It's not a special obstacle course - it's the standard process any applicant proposing to rezone and subdivide this land would face, given what's on it. If that process has been exhausting for them, imagine what it's like for the CVRD / Andrew Avenue neighbours who'd carry all the construction traffic and long-term impact, with no vote in the Council decision that authorizes it. The applicants have been in private discussion with Town planning staff for years - including throughout the OCP's own public consultation process, the same plan that governs this property. The applicants didn't take part in that public hearing. The formal application was filed only weeks after it, and was already moving through the Town's referral process before the OCP was even adopted. If this is such a good trade, why wasn't it put to the public while the plan was actually being written?

The owners claim they have a "vision to leave a lasting legacy for the next generation," built around "a stunning new beach access park." In the same letter, published to the July 8th Council consent agenda, they warn if they don't get the configuration they want, at the density they want, they will simply "abandon the rezoning" and "clear the land as permitted." You can't have it both ways. Is this a legacy, or is it leverage?

To paint a picture, what’s proposed is not a “stunning waterfront park”, it’s a mullet. Business (wat$rfr$nt homes) at the front, park-ish at the back. Does our community really want a mullet? Especially if it comes at the cost of a sensitive coastal bluff? It’s just not a good look, but there are better styles out there. We've shown them several alternatives.

The family reminds us they’ve owned the land for 90 years. We get it. That’s a long time. But if tenure is the trump card, that one goes to the land. Maybe ask what it thinks.

Please stick to the plan, Comox and just say no to this rezoning.
Sincerely,

Jen Williams, Comox

on behalf of Radford Beach Neighbourhood and others who care

Find out what the neighbours have been talking about.

Have questions about a proposed development at 721 Lazo Road? Join us for a public information session to learn more and ask questions.

📅 Wednesday, July 22, 2026
🕕 6:00 p.m.
📍 Council Chambers, 1801B Beaufort Avenue, Comox

The applicant is proposing to rezone the property to allow a six-lot bare-land strata subdivision and dedicate 1.3 hectares of parkland.

View the notice, the proposed bylaw, plans, and supporting reports at: comox.ca/planningapplications

On May 20th, Council directed that a Town-led Public Engagement Process be held on RZ25-5 (721 Lazo Road).
7.5 weeks later - crickets. Write to [email protected] and urge them to uphold this commitment in a meaningful way.

Please slow down, people. When I use the crosswalks at Church and Comox Ave, and Anderton and Comox Ave, I keep an eagle eye out in all directions, as I have almost been hit by a car. S L O W D O W N !

Comox Valley RCMP urge drivers to slow down and stay focused after series of serious collisions

The summer driving season has begun with a troubling number of serious motor vehicle collisions across the Comox Valley, including crashes resulting in life-altering injuries and fatalities. Police are urging all road users to slow down, stay focused, and exercise patience behind the wheel.

Since the beginning of June, Comox Valley RCMP officers have investigated collisions involving excessive speed, impaired driving, failure to yield, running stop signs, unsafe left turns, following too closely, fatigue, and drivers simply not paying enough attention to what was happening around them.

Several of the more serious collisions share common themes. Multiple crashes occurred when drivers attempted left turns across traffic and misjudged approaching vehicles. Others resulted from drivers failing to stop at stop signs, rear-ending vehicles that had slowed or stopped ahead of them, or losing control after travelling too fast for road conditions.

On June 13, a head-on collision at Ryan Road and Back Road resulted in the death of one driver. Investigators believe an unsafe left turn contributed to the crash. On June 26, a 12-year-old boy sustained serious injuries in a collision at Piercy Road and the Inland Island Highway – he remains in hospital. Evidence suggests one vehicle was turning left when it was struck by an oncoming vehicle.

Impaired driving also continues to be a concern. During a single afternoon on June 18, officers investigated two separate collisions that resulted in roadside driving prohibitions and vehicle impoundments.

On June 21, an e-bike rider suffered minor injuries after failing to stop at a stop sign and colliding with a pickup truck. Earlier in the month, a motorcyclist sustained serious injuries after failing to yield while crossing Highway 19A in Black Creek.

In addition to collision investigations, Comox Valley RCMP Municipal Traffic Unit officers continue to encounter excessive speeding throughout the region. In recent weeks, officers stopped drivers travelling 105 km/h in a 50 km/h zone, 139 km/h in an 80 km/h zone, and 163 km/h in an 80 km/h zone. Another driver was stopped after passing a long line of vehicles, including several semi-trucks, at more than double the posted speed limit. Drivers involved have been charged under the Motor Vehicle Act, face significant driver penalty points and had their vehicles impounded.

“Many of these collisions were preventable,” said Const. Brad Landers, Comox Valley RCMP Municipal Traffic Unit. “We’re seeing the same behaviours repeatedly: speeding, impatience, impairment, distraction, and drivers taking unnecessary risks. Whether you’re travelling across town or heading out on a summer road trip, a moment of poor judgment can have lifelong consequences.”

Motor vehicle collision investigations often require significant police resources and can keep officers tied up for hours, reducing their ability to proactively patrol and respond elsewhere in the community.

The Comox Valley RCMP is reminding drivers to slow down, leave extra space between vehicles, eliminate distractions, never drive impaired, wear seatbelts, and take extra care at intersections. With increased traffic volumes throughout the summer, drivers should expect delays, plan ahead, and pack their patience.

Officers will continue conducting traffic enforcement throughout the Comox Valley in both marked and unmarked police vehicles.

A few minutes saved is never worth a life changed forever.

What’s happening this Friday.

Who’s ready to make some waves at the second market of Float Your Boat Fridays (FYBF) in Comox! Set sail for a day full of live music, waterfront shopping, delicious eats, plenty of reasons to explore beautiful Downtown Comox.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀🎶
Our second of nine concerts is the Georgia Strait Big Band bringing big band classics and toe-tapping tunes to the FYBF mainstage at noon, at the corner of Port Augusta St. and Comox Ave. Bring your own chair, soak up the sun, and enjoy the free Friday lunchtime concert!

𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗽𝗲𝘁 𝗜𝗻-𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀⭐
Visit your favourite downtown businesses as they roll out VIP things to do and features for anyone who walks through their doors! Check out Castaway Used Books, Church St. Taphouse, RAD Brewing Company, Coast Surf Shop, CR Lawyers LLP – Comox, Mountaintop to Beach Giftware, Planet Kids, ROAM Store + Studio, Sweet Salvage, Wildflower Mercantile!

𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗮 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁, 𝟭𝟭:𝟯𝟬 𝗮𝗺 – 𝟱 𝗽𝗺 𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗮 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸 (𝗻𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝗸𝘀).🎨
Shop local crafters, artisans, makers, and unique finds by the waterfront. To list a few, check out 222 Designs, Cedarly, Dayna Olson Handmade, Kathy's HOT DAM JAM, L'Arche Comox Valley, Nature’s Hair & Skin Care, Spitfire Imprints, Westcoast Drift Lifestyle Co., Red Brick Publishing, Comox Youth Council and Wildwood Creations!

𝗢𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀🦀
There’s even more fun along the shoreline:
• Marine Experiences: Whale watching, SUP and kayak rentals, new Ocean Park, fishing and sailing charters, and more.
• Hands On Farm, Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park
• Comox Valley Harbour Authority – FYBF Scavenger Hunt
• Comox Museum & Archives and Pearl Ellis Gallery
• Compass Adventures

Bring your family, your friends, and your sense of adventure! We can’t wait to see you there!

Check out the full FYBF schedule here: https://downtowncomox.com/float-your-boat-fridays-2026/

Interested in being a part of the summer fun? Sign up here and register your spot today!
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/comox-float-your-boat-fridays-marina-market-2026-vendor-application-tickets-1987142678243

If you live in Comox, please fill out this survey.

I know, surveys are not fun, but it will help us to know what you find important for leadership in Comox.

Neighbour Survey — comoxvotes.ca

Good questions about building more housing here. What’s your take on this?

🏠 More than 2,000 Quebec households are still without a place to live after July 1, despite a rising apartment vacancy rate.

According to new data from the Société d'habitation du Québec, 2,039 renter households are still seeking housing, up from 1,899 at the same time last year. At least 476 households are staying in temporary accommodations, municipal shelters, or couch-surfing with friends and family while they search for somewhere to live.

Housing advocates say this highlights an uncomfortable truth: simply increasing the number of housing units doesn't automatically solve a housing crisis if the homes being built remain out of reach financially.

FRAPRU argues that many new units are renting well above what average households can afford, while median rents continue to climb. They say governments need to invest in housing that's genuinely affordable, not just rely on the private market to meet the need.

Meanwhile, the Quebec government points to more than $11.6 billion invested in housing since 2018, including funding for social and affordable housing, along with changes to rent regulations and tenant protections. But advocates argue the scale of the crisis shows much more is needed.

This story echoes what many communities across Canada are experiencing. Housing affordability isn't just about supply. It's about ensuring people can actually afford the homes being built, strengthening tenant protections, and treating housing as essential infrastructure rather than simply another investment market.

This is another example of why public-interest journalism matters. CBC continues to connect local housing stories to the broader affordability crisis affecting communities across Canada, giving voice to tenants, advocates and governments alike so Canadians can better understand what's driving one of the country's most pressing challenges.

Do you think governments should prioritize building more market housing, more non-market and social housing, or both?

Please keep our creek safe for fish.

Recently, BCWS has been made aware of two incidents of soapy water at the Brooklyn Creek fish ladder (see picture taken July 2nd). This has likely resulted from a release of a detergent into the stream, possibly from car washing or moss removal on roofs.

As readers know, Pacific salmon are found in Brooklyn Creek every day of the year, and there certainly is no “safe” time to release detergents or other pollutants into the storm water system that connects with the Creek. Release of any deleterious substance into salmon bearing streams is contrary to the Fisheries Act, and subject to fines. Soapy water can impact young salmon by damaging their gills or skin.

In addition to posing a threat to our salmon populations, soapy water may also indicate that some people are still washing cars, which as of June 23, is not permitted under Stage 3 water restrictions. Once car washing is again allowed, consider washing on a lawn, rather than a hard surface. This simple method can greatly reduce the amount of soapy water entering the storm water system.

Thank you for considering the health of the Brooklyn Creek Watershed.

Dr. John Neilson, President BCWS