The City of Courtenay is inviting the public to share feedback on two concept designs that reimagine Harmston Park as a dynamic community hub. This engagement opportunity is part of the broader Downtown Vitalization Local Area Plan (DVLAP), which aims to create a more connected, inclusive and vibrant downtown.
Located at 832 Harmston Avenue in downtown Courtenay, Harmston Park is currently a greenspace used by local residents and surrounding businesses. The two proposed concept designs introduce a range of features including a playground, dog park, community garden, gathering space and civic plaza that could host events such as concerts and community markets. The plans also include new public spaces and improved green space connections to support potential future mixed-use and residential developments in the area.
To help bring this vision to life, the City is hosting a pop-up engagement event at Harmston Park on Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Community members are encouraged to drop by, view the draft designs and share their ideas through hands-on activities, surveys and conversations with project staff.
Two distinct concept plans are available for review:
• Concept 1: Community Park and Civic Plaza – Features a flexible plaza created by closing part of Harmston Avenue to traffic, surrounded by gathering spaces, gardens and mixed-use development.
• Concept 2: Community Park – Focuses on a more passive design with open green space, a playground and a main entrance plaza, surrounded by potential commercial and residential uses.
Both concepts reflect local values and priorities identified through previous community engagement, including a desire for more inclusive gathering spaces, stronger connections and programming opportunities that reflect local culture and identity.
Community feedback will directly influence the final design direction.
A short survey is available online at engagecomoxvalley.ca/harmston-park until August 25, 2025. Paper copies will also be available at the pop-up event and, starting July 22, 2025, at City Hall, the Lewis Centre and Courtenay Library.
Courtenay Mayor Bob Wells is encouraging the community to share feedback on the Harmston Park concepts. “Harmston Park offers an incredible opportunity to imagine and build a community gathering place,“ said Wells. “This would serve residents and businesses alike in the neighbourhood and downtown – an area identified as needing increased access to green spaces and parks.”
The pop-up event will feature family-friendly activities including a “Build your dream park” collage station and mural ideas wall.
The Harmston Park concept development aligns with the broader goals of the City’s Official Community Plan and the Downtown Courtenay Playbook.
Learn more and stay up to date at engagecomoxvalley.ca/harmston-park
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