Courtney employs a strategic cultural plan to enhance the arts, culture and heritage of the community.

Courtney has a new roadmap that will guide priorities and investments in arts and culture over the next decade. The Courtenay Council adopted a new strategic cultural plan, “Culture Connces Us,” at its Council on March 12th.

Developed over the past two years through extensive involvement with local residents, arts, cultural partners and equity prioritization groups, the plan prioritizes reconciliation, relationship building and investment in arts and culture, particularly in downtown Courtney. It highlights the need for advocacy and policy development at the local and local level, and the important role arts and culture play in the economic and social structure of communities. The five key goals of the planning are:

Arts and Culture Building Strengthen the development of the community arts strategic cultural sector, promoting truth and reconciliation through the resilience of communities and developing accessible and affordable cultural spaces.

Courtney Mayor Bob Wells said the plan reflects his passion and commitment to the community. “We have heard loudly and clearly how much our residents value arts and culture, and that it plays a role in bringing us together through the development of this plan,” Wells said. “This plan was shaped by the inputs of the broad public and cultural sectors, which support the long-term stability of our cultural landscape through many concrete and practical actions that support investment in culture as a benefit to our economy, tourism and social well-being.”

“Culture Connects Us” reflects the consistent themes we have heard throughout the development of the plan. Residents shared how arts and culture connect people to celebrate, share and tackle difficult topics. The plan weaves the theme through recommendations, focusing on the possibilities of arts and culture that connect communities.

Implementation strategies are underway that use step-by-step approaches, investments, partnerships, long-term meaningful relationships, and sustainability to guide the implementation of the plan. The main next steps include hiring a cultural and event coordinator and conducting a needs assessment of city-owned cultural facilities.

For more information about the plan, please visit www.courtenay.ca/cultureplan.