Public Event

Our Network hosted an update event on June 10, 2019 to report back to the community on the work that has been done since our last forum in March 2018. The gathering began with a welcome and blessing from Kómoks First Nation Elder Barb Whyte followed by some of the history of the Kómoks First Nation from Councillor Katherine Frank. Following the opening there was a short moderated panel focused on some of the projects already underway in our community. At the end their was an opportunity for people to provide feedback on our draft Strategic Plan.

Some of the comments from participants were:

· "I appreciated the conversations with people - it felt like people were engaged and had great comments. I also really liked the Indigenous welcome with information about K'ómoks First Nation - I think some version of that could be done at all network events"

· "I enjoyed hearing from the panel, questions from the audience and the feeling that our community is in good hands"

· "great community energy - sense of working together, momentum"

We will be doing regular update meetings twice a year so watch for the next one!

Pride in the Park

The Network had a presence at the LGBTQIA2+ annual Pride in the Park on July 27.

We came equipped with LGBTQIA2+ health stats and information to share with people attending its booth. Circle members spent much of the afternoon chatting with children, youth and adults about services available in the Valley, supports required for the queer community, and providing encouragement to the occasional person. A button maker, on hand for people to design and create their own personal messages, helped facilitate discussion with some children and youth.

The Network’s experience at Pride in the Park showed where information gaps sometimes exist in the community and will allow the Network the opportunity to address them with community partners and local support programs.

Website Launch

Want to find out more about the Network and what we’re up to? You’re in luck, because we launched our website this summer!

Find our operational documents, learn about our history, get a refresher on the determinants of health, and even apply to participate in the Coordinating Circle online! See what it’s all about at www.cvchn.ca

Comox Valley Coalition to End Homelessness

The Comox Valley Regional District has received $105,000 from the Union of BC Municipalities to conducting a Housing Needs Assessment. The Coalition is looking forward to working with the consultants onced hired in November. We will keep you updated on ways you can be involved as this process moves forward.

The Comox Valley was also invited to submit a formal application to become a Designated Community through the Federal Reaching Home Program. We are in competition with 15 other communities across Canada and if selected would mean hundreds of thousands of dollars of funding for the Comox Valley to programs and initiatives to reduce and prevent homelessness.

The grant is due Sept 20 and we'd find out by the end of 2019. The Coalition is partnering with the Regional District on this project as well.

Learn More

Comox Valley Early Years Collaborative

Childcare Assessment and Planning Project

Our Regional District in partnership with the municipalities of Comox, Courtenay and Cumberland are all engaged in projects to plan for childcare needs in the Comox Valley. As a part of this process, they are looking for input from parents and families.

If you have children under 12 or are planning to have children in the near future, please complete this quick survey:

Take Survey Here

This survey should take approximately 10 minutes to complete. Those who complete the survey will be eligible to win one of three draw prizes of $50 each.

The Building Connections for Valley Families Project

This project is founded on the belief that we can work together as a community to increase early years’ outcomes for children in the Comox Valley. Our research and community engagement efforts will focus on one neighbourhood in the Comox Valley.  The project aims to determine a) the current strengths of family supports and resources in the area, b) additional needs identified by families, and c) the current barriers to accessing resources and care in this community. The learnings from this project will be applicable to areas throughout the Comox Valley.

Comox Valley Food Policy Council

With support from the Comox Valley Regional District, LUSH Valley has been working with the community to create and coordinate the emerging, first ever, Comox Valley Food Policy Council.

The Council, comprised of 18 members from all aspects of our local food system as well as local, regional and territorial government representatives, will have its inaugural meeting October 2nd. An innovative collaboration between citizens and government officials, the goal is to provide a forum for advocacy, policy development and planning that works towards the creation of a regional food system that is ecologically sustainable, economically viable and socially just.

The council will focus specifically on policies and processes that work towards increases in community food security, food systems education and local food production and consumption.

Learn More

Join the City of Courtenay - Official Community Plan Advisory Committee

The City of Courtenay is currently looking for community members to join an advisory committee to provide input on their Official Community Plan.

The committee will be made up of individuals who represent the following topic areas: Environmental Stewardship Organizations, Development Industry,  Business Community, Economic Development, Health and Social Services including Housing, Arts and Culture and Youth and/or young adult representation (Grade 11 and up, aged 25 years and under)

The purpose of the committee is to provide Council with meaningful, integrated, technical input on a range of community issues related to the creation of the City of Courtenay climate friendly Official Community Plan. 

Learn More

Comox Vally Food Policy Council Meeting

Wednesday, October 2

A Food Policy Council is an innovative collaboration between citizens and government officials. This will be the inaugural meeting.

For more information please contact:
Maurita at maurita@lushvalley.org