Community Invited to Shape Future of Harmston Park in Downtown Courtenay

Strategic Insights -

The City of Courtenay is seeking public input on two design concepts for Harmston Park, a downtown greenspace slated for redevelopment as a vibrant community hub. The Downtown Vitalization Local Area Plan aims to transform the area into a more connected and inclusive space, with Harmston Park serving as a central gathering place. Two concept designs have been proposed, featuring a playground, dog park, community garden, and gathering spaces, with the community's feedback playing a key role in shaping the final design.

Key Takeaways:

  • The City of Courtenay is hosting a pop-up engagement event on August 16, 2025, to share two design concepts for Harmston Park and gather community input.
  • Two concept designs are available for review: Concept 1, featuring a flexible plaza and mixed-use development, and Concept 2, focusing on a passive design with open green space.
  • Community feedback will directly influence the final design, with a short survey available online and in paper format at various locations throughout the city.
  • Courtenay Mayor Bob Wells emphasizes the importance of community input, stating, "Harmston Park offers an incredible opportunity to imagine and build a community gathering place."
  • Both concepts aim to address community-identified needs for more inclusive gathering spaces, stronger connections, and programming opportunities that reflect local culture and identity.
  • The Harmston Park concept development aligns with the broader goals of the City's Official Community Plan and the Downtown Courtenay Playbook.

Statistics:

  • The Downtown Vitalization Local Area Plan aims to transform the downtown area into a more connected and inclusive space.
  • 2 concept designs have been proposed for Harmston Park, featuring a playground, dog park, community garden, and gathering spaces.
  • The pop-up event will take place on Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
  • Surveys will be available online until August 25, 2025, and in paper format at various locations throughout the city.
  • The plans include new open spaces and improved green space connections to support potential future mixed-use and residential developments in the area.
  • The Harmston Park concept development is part of the Downtown Courtenay Playbook's broader goals.

Sources:

  • City of Courtenay
  • Downtown Courtenay Playbook
  • Comox Valley Record
  • "Build your dream park" collage station at the pop-up event
  • Survey available online at engagecomoxvalley.ca/harmston-park
  • Paper copies of the survey will be available at various locations throughout the city