The CVCCo has asked the following question of the candidates from Courtenay, Comox, Cumberland, and the CVRD.
Question:
Active transportation – including walking, cycling, rolling, and using mobility devices – affects safety, affordability, health, independence, access to services, and community connection.
What role do you believe active transportation should play in improving quality of life in our community and how would you support active transportation in your role as a municipal decision maker?
These are their answers, unedited, as they arrived.
David Frisch – Courtenay – Council
Hi, I sure do. I’m keen to see active transportation mode share double over the next decade. My plan is to see more connections including a pathway behind superstore to Simms park. I see opportunities for improvements in Courtenay as well as the larger regions.
David Frisch (he,him)
Lisa Bourgeois – Comox – Council
I believe active transportation should be a safe and accessible option for everyone, regardless of age or ability. I’d love to see fewer cars on our roads and more people enjoying healthy, active lifestyles, whether walking, cycling, rolling or using mobility devices.
Comox has made progress, including the Lazo Greenway and recent sidewalk and cycling improvements around Aspen, Noel and Bolt. I’d like to build on that work by improving safety and making it easier for people to connect from their neighbourhoods to schools, parks, businesses and services.
If elected, I’d support targeted improvements that strengthen those connections and better link Comox to the broader regional transportation network. For me, that means looking at where the biggest safety and connectivity gaps are, listening to residents, and prioritizing improvements that make sense for our community and budget.
Thanks for your question.
Best,
Lisa
Lisa Bourgeois
We respectfully acknowledge that we live and work in the unceded traditional territory of the K’òmoks First Nation.
John Dacombe – Courtenay – Council
A complete and contiguous active transportation network is a vital piece of any municipality’s infrastructure, and is a fiscally responsible way to improve the quality of life of its residents.
For too many decades, we allowed developers and the politicians they support to drive an agenda that completely ignored active transportation, which is why we still have entire neighbourhoods in the City of Courtenay without adequate sidewalks, bike lanes, or crosswalks.
Let’s be clear: if we are not vigilant, these developers and politicians will regain control, and Courtenay will suffer the same fate as cities in Alberta and Ontario, where active transportation infrastructure is being torn out.
Here is my position regarding active transportation, more of which can be found on my detailed platform at johndacombe.ca:
Our current Council has done an excellent job increasing the number of rapid flashing beacon crosswalks in Courtenay during their term, improving pedestrian safety in these locations by 80-95%.
But even after expensive “upgrades”, kids are still walking to Vanier Secondary on the side of a road with traffic speeding past, protected only by a white line. Peer-reviewed studies show that “Reducing injury risk to vulnerable child road users is as simple as separating children in time and space from speeding motor vehicles.”
And that’s just one location where our kids are unnecessarily exposed to risk because of poor design and speed, the two biggest factors in the death and injury of children from vehicles.
I address enforcement elsewhere in my platform, and design solutions don’t have to be expensive. In fact, in some cases, cement barrier blocks creating walking paths separated from traffic would provide more protection, cost a fraction of sidewalks, and could be installed in days, not months. If elected and if this idea is supported by the parents of Vanier students, I will introduce a motion in the first 100 days to do exactly that along Headquarters Road.
And we need to close the gaps in our pedestrian infrastructure, which is only as good as its weakest link. That’s going to mean being very loud with BC MOTT, who own and control many of the most dangerous locations in Courtenay for both active transportation and vehicle users.
Most importantly, I will listen to the advice of local residents about unsafe pedestrian locations throughout the City. Local residents know best where the unsafe spots are.
Thanks very much.
John Dacombe for Courtenay Council
Norm McPhail – CVRD Area C
Thank you for reaching out on behalf of the Comox Valley Cycling Coalition. I want to acknowledge CVCCo’s vital role in advocating for active transportation—including walking, cycling, rolling, and using mobility devices—and its importance for safety, health, affordability, and community connection across our region.
As candidate for CVRD Electoral Area C (Puntledge–Black Creek), my background directly aligns with delivering practical, multi-agency infrastructure solutions:
- 32 Years with the RCMP (Retiring as Superintendent): With 15 years on the operational front lines, safety and crisis management are central to my decision-making.
- 5 Years as General Manager of Corporate and Community Services for the Resort Municipality of Whistler: Directed multi-million dollar municipal infrastructure, trails, public safety, and community operations.
- 7 Years as a Strategic Consultant with the BC Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General: Specialized in strategic solutions and unlocking provincial resource partnerships.
In my role as Electoral Area C Director, I would support active transportation through three core strategies:
- Practical Infrastructure & MOTI Coordination: Focus on collaborative, multi-agency planning with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) to secure provincial co-funding for gravel turnouts, designated pedestrian paths, and active transportation connections. Priority areas include high-use rural corridors like the Saratoga Beach/Highway 19A coastal corridor and key municipal fringe interfaces such as Lake Trail, Arden, and Webb roads.
- Neighborhood Safety & Emergency Routes: Integrate active transportation paths with local traffic management and emergency access routes. Protecting pedestrians, cyclists, and families requires clear sightlines, safe shoulder clearance, and coordinated road safety parameters.
- Fiscal Responsibility & Grant Alignment: Leverage my senior administrative and provincial consulting experience to align rural infrastructure priorities with senior-government funding programs, ensuring active transportation investments are delivered efficiently, transparently, and responsibly.
I believe local government works best when representatives listen first and focus on practical, collaborative solutions. I appreciate CVCCo’s efforts in promoting active transportation across the Comox Valley.
Regards,
Norm McPhail
Candidate for CVRD Electoral Area C (Puntledge–Black Creek)
NormMcPhailAreaC@gmail.com | 250-985-9454
NB – I have copied my Agent and Manager for the Campaign
Trish McPail – Courtenay – Mayor
Thank you for your email, I am happy to answer this.
I believe active people lead healthier lives, accessable options throughout our Valley is very important and we all know that our health is our wealth. Being active and healthy benefits everyone. We have the privilege of living in a recreational paradise and we should highlight this and ensure that recreational space (in many forms) is built into our growth plan, that those investments are maintained, and that replacement costs are also included in the budget.
Thank you for taking time to ask, please reach out if you have further questions.
Warmest Wishes,
Trish
Vote Trish
Mission Statement
Johnathan Kerr – Comox – Council
Active transportation plays an important role in fostering a Healthy Community, Healthy People, and a Healthy Environment.
I have a 100% voting record in favour of more bike lanes and active transportation routes, both on Comox Council and on the Comox Valley Regional District board. You can view my voting record at www.healthycomox.ca
For example, I championed the addition of new bike lanes along Aspen and Noel in Comox, the new Lazo Greenway multi-use path, and more regional connectivity via bike lanes and trails. If I am re-elected, I will continue to advocate for continued expansion of active transportation options in Comox and the Valley.
As a member of the Comox Nautical Days Committee, I would like to thank the CV Cycling Coalition for assisting with our bike lock-up again, which was used by a record number of cyclists this year.
Thanks also for your ongoing advocacy, education, and leadership in our community!
Sincerely,
Dr. Jonathan Kerr
Councillor, Town of Comox
Vice-Chair, Comox Valley Regional District
Jonathan Kerr, MD, CCFP, FCFP
(He/Him)
healthycomox@gmail.com
www.healthycomox.ca
Healthy Community, Healthy People, Healthy Environment
“Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.”
– Ruth Bader Ginsburg
I respectfully acknowledge that I live, work, and play on the Unceded Traditional Territory of the K’ómoks First Nation.
Vickey Brown – Mayor – Cumberland
I believe streets are for people, pedestrians in all of their forms should take priority over vehicles on most streets they are vulnerable and in order to be safe we need to prioritize them. Absolutely we need to move traffic as efficiently as possible and yes, our transit service in the Valley (and especially in the Village) is very infrequent and does not attract a lot of ridership because of that and every bicycle/scooter etc is one less car on our streets making that possible.
I will continue to advocate for Transit improvements at the regional level, I will continue to plan active travel in all of our road improvements, including our shared streets model, bike lanes and more sidewalks. And I will continue to work with regional partners and the Province on safe cycling routes between our communities in the Valley.
Vickey Brown, (she/her) Mayor
p: 250.218.0321 | e: mayor.brown@cumberland.ca
Village of Cumberland
OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES: Diverse and Healthy Community | Sustainable Service Delivery | Community Planning
The Village of Cumberland respectfully acknowledges that the land we gather on is on the Unceded Traditional Territory of the K’ómoks First Nation, the traditional keepers of this land.
Gila ‘kasla…Hay ch q’ a’
Evan Jolicoeur – Courtenay – Council
Active transportation is a crucial component to building towards a more healthy, liveable and inclusive community for all. The role of local government is to advance the vision set out in the 2022 OCP, which articulates clear direction on roads, infrastructure, climate, active transportation, affordability, and zoning, among other items. Active transportation and the infrastructure improvements it brings across the community support reducing the risks and harms related to shared spaces including motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. It is an equalizer for community members facing affordability challenges or who are unable to drive vehicles (for various reasons), and it supports a reduction in traffic, CO2 emissions, and safety issues. The City of Courtenay has a robust Cycling Network Plan (CNP), a recent transportation master plan, and the Safe & Active Schools Program, which in combination support a comprehensive approach to advancing active transportation infrastructure. More specifically, during this last term, I was one of the only councillors that voted in favour of advancing the Fitzgerald to Cliffe Street project, which included an active transportation component – this work did not pass in the end. I would continue to support the trajectory of the CNP and other plans to address the remaining gaps in the active transportation network. I would continue to advocate to other levels of government to reinstate previous funds for active transportation, as well as seek other funding sources that could leverage Courtenay funding to advance the CNP. I would share the good news of our collective efforts to advance active transportation in the Comox Valley and Courtenay with my contacts among provincial and federal political and Ministerial actors.
Davina Singh – Courtenay – Council
Good afternoon,
To respond to the question:
Active transportation – including walking, cycling, rolling, and using mobility devices – affects safety, affordability, health, independence, access to services, and community connection.
What role do you believe active transportation should play in improving quality of life in our community and how would you support active transportation in your role as a municipal decision maker?
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I believe active transportation plays an integral part in improving the life and health of a community by both encouraging physical activity and connection with others and nature.
I am interested in seeing growth and improved safety for active transportation in Courtenay and the Comox Valley as a whole. I think it’s important to continue to expand on the existing trail networks to increase connectivity between areas as well as enhance safety through better maintained sidewalks and improved lighting for those who are walking and using mobility devices.
Thanks for the opportunity to respond.
Kind regards,
Davina
Jenn Meilleur – Comox – Council
I’ve been a cycle commuter for much of my adult life, and we had our kids on bikes from an early age. I see active transportation as an essential part of good community design and quality of life.
When people can safely walk, cycle, roll or use mobility devices to get where they need to go, it supports physical and mental health, independence, affordability and connection with other people and the places where we live. It also contributes to vibrant public spaces and a strong downtown economy by getting more people out into the community.
People are much more likely to choose active transportation when routes feel comfortable and safe, including children, older adults and people who are less confident cyclists. During my time on Council, I have consistently supported investments in cycling and active transportation infrastructure, and I regularly ask whether we are choosing the safest option available when projects come before us.
If re-elected, I would continue supporting a connected network of safe active transportation routes and making active transportation part of how we think about land use, neighbourhood design and infrastructure investment. I also want us to design for the people who are already using this infrastructure in different ways. We have a significant number of people using bike lanes with mobility scooters in the Comox Valley, and their safety, comfort and ability to get around independently need to be part of our planning.
Warmly,
Jenn
Sent from my mobile device
“Grace happens when we act with others on behalf of our world.” ― Joanna Macy
I respectfully acknowledge that I am privileged to live on the Traditional Territories of the Pentlatch, E’iksan, Sahtloot, Sasitla and K’ómoks people. I am grateful for their stewardship of this to which I am a visitor.
Wendy Morin – Courtenay – Council
As a current Courtenay councillor who has championed active transportation improvements over the last two terms, I believe it should (and does) play a vital role in the health and livability of our community. I am very pleased that we have been able to complete projects that languished over many years, such as the Lake Trail Multi Use path and 6th St pedestrian bridge. These two pieces of infrastructure have already been game-changers – providing safer access to/from school, and providing a safer and more pleasurable experience crossing the river, especially for those in mobility scooters and who are pushing strollers. Active transportation is getting more and more popular and utilized, with the surge in e-bike use, and as we build out the Cycling Network Plan and make safety improvements for pedestrians, those on mobility devices, and rolling. These improvements provide opportunities for not just physical health, but for enhancing mental health as well – by increasing social connection and reducing isolation, by increasing independence for young people and seniors alike, and by enjoyment of the natural surroundings.
If I am elected, I would push for increased advocacy to the province for them to complete necessary connections that are within the city’s boundaries – such as Ryan Rd and the bypass. I would also support and prioritize the full build out of the cycling network plan, and also the continuation of the Safe and Active Schools Program. I sincerely hope we elect a council that continues these priorities, and does not revert back to car-centric practices and projects.
Thank you for the opportunity to answer the question.
Wendy
Arzeena Hamir – CV Regional District B – Director
Thank-you for the question,
Active transportation includes walking, cycling, rolling in wheelchairs and motorized wheelchairs and any other modes of transportation that get us out of our cars. As former Area B Director, I have already successfully advocated for active transportation routes on Lazo & Knight Rds and I am happy to see designated shoulders on the new Bates Rd paving project. We do need more so that everytime Ministry of Transport brings forward a paving project, we ensure that there is enough shoulder space to travel on foot, bike or other vehicle.
The Comox Valley Cycling Coalition does a fantastic job of highlighting and identify which routes should be a priority and I would lean on you to help make those decisions.
In addition, I am a huge advocate for greenspace connection. Routes from Black Creek, Merville, into Courtenay & Comox that are not along the roads but within parks would support residents not comfortable moving alongside traffic. This means that the Regional District, working with Parks staff to identify routes and properties that would enable connections.
I do cycle from my farm of 19A into town and it can sometimes be a harrowing experience. I personally would love to see Headquarters widened to allow designated shoulders for cycling but right now, I do find the route quite dangerous and stick to 19A instead.
Arzeena Hamir
Candidate, Area B Director
Nick Ward – Cumberland – Council
Thanks for making this a single question – it makes it a lot easier to get you an answer than some of the requests we get.
Always a supporter – here’s my answer.
Cheers
Nick
Cumberland is well suited to active transportation in all its forms. The ability to walk, cycle, scooter and otherwise move around a community in safety adds to physical and mental health for all ages. I have and will support the creation of safe sidewalks, cycling infrastructure and alternatives to road routes that allow people to enjoy getting to school, work and wherever without needing to take the car. A safe cycle route from Cumberland to Courtenay remains a council priority and I’d keep working on that, piece by piece and whenever an opportunity arises.
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250-331-2288
nickforcumberland.ca
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As a visitor on this land, I strive to deepen my understanding of the local Indigenous communities and respectfully acknowledge that I am an uninvited guest on the traditional unceded territories of the Pentlatch, E’iksan (eye-‘ick-sun), Sasitla (sa-‘seet-la), and Sathloot (‘sath-loot) people, now collectively known as the K’omoks First Nation.
Neil Borecky – Cumberland – Council
Thank you for the question.
I feel that it’s an exciting time for active transportation in the valley. We are seeing increasingly-connected routes and trails proliferating through the valley, and I’m a fan of the 6th street bridge in Courtenay. I will continue to advocate, whether re-elected or not to Cumberland Village Council, for a safer route from Cumberland to Courtenay. It’s something our present council has been working on with various local governments and the Ministry of Transportation and Transit. I feel we would see a sharp increase in commuters between these communities were this dream to be realized. I appreciate the education and advocacy that the Comox Valley Cycling Coalition does on behalf of our communities.
All the best,
Neil Borecky
Kevin Snaden – Cumberland – Council
Active transportation should make it safer and easier to get around Cumberland, especially for kids, seniors and people using mobility devices.
I support a safe separated connection to Courtenay and a better walking and cycling route along Comox Lake Road. I’ve biked both. The connector sucks, and we’ve had a cyclist killed on the Parkway. Comox Lake Road can be fine until a speeding truck with a boat trailer comes around the corner at dinner time.
I also support lowering the speed limit in Cumberland. The speeders ruined it for everyone.
Cyclists need to follow the traffic rules too. Not stopping at intersections is becoming a concern in Cumberland.
My concern is cost. We already have major road, water, sewer and facility needs. I’d focus on fixing gaps, adding active transportation when roads are already being rebuilt, and using grants and regional partnerships for the bigger connections.
Some good work has been done. We also went a little overboard in places like First Street.
Thanks,
Kevin Snaden
Troy Therrien – Cumberland – Council
Active transportation is vitally important to a healthy community. As a councillor, I have advocated for bike paths where they’re suitable, sidewalks on our new street improvements, and generally connectivity on new development projects. I am also currently trying to work with the Ministry of Transport and Transit on a possible cycling route to Courtney that would avoid the bypass. If re-elected I fully intend to continue to advocate for active travel infrastructure that will connect the valley from the base to the lake.
Kelly Matthews – Courtenay – Council
Sorry for the late response. Here is my answer to your question.
What role do you believe active transportation should play in improving quality of life in our community and how would you support active transportation in your role as a municipal decision maker?
First, let me state my bias. I love cycling! I started road riding at 16 and have not stopped. I have bicycle commuted all over Canada. Gander was probably the sketchy-ist. I will strongly support further cycling and active transportation in Courtenay and the Valley overall.
For years I regularly commuted to the base from the Tin Town area. Climbing Ryan Road at 6am in the dark was my scariest part of the day and I was a SAR Tech who was jumping out of planes and helicopters. I am sure you are aware of the tragedy last year on the sidewalk. We need to lobby the provincial government as best we can to find solutions to that issue. One voter reached out to me to at least push for proper lighting on the sidewalk so pedestrians can be seen. That is a good start.
As a municipal decision maker, I would actively support this active transportation by prioritizing the goals laid out in the Connecting Courtenay Transportation Master Plan. Specifically, I would work hard towards achieving the city’s target of having 30% of all local trips made by walking, cycling, or transit by 2030.
I hope this answers your question.
Thanks for supporting active transportation in the Valley and please keep up the pressure in the future on both council and in the community.
Increased active transportation is a win for everybody in the Valley, even if they don’t know it.
Kelly Scott Matthews
Candidate for Courtenay City Council
c: 250.207.7422
e: kellyscottmatthews02@gmail.com
website: https://kellyscottmatthews.nationbuilder.com/
Protecting today. Preserving tomorrow.