Budget simulator: City of Courtenay invites public input

The City of Courtenay has asked residents to share their priorities for City spending. The City recently launched a virtual tool giving residents a DIY approach to simulate financial planning, and an opportunity to influence budget choices for 2025.

A statement on the City’s website said the simulator is a way for residents to see how their choices could impact the budget, and provide feedback before the 2025 financial plan is considered by Council.

Residents shared their thoughts on the City asking for public input.

“ Oh, that's great,” said one resident. “Yeah, it'd be interesting to see. I'll probably check it out.”

“ I think it's great! Yeah, I think it's great that they're asking for community input,” said another. 

Another resident stressed the need for engagement and transparency, “oh, I think community engagement is fantastic. We need to see more of it, and transparency.”

Individuals shared what topics they may put more funding into, if they were to try out the simulator themselves; affordable housing was a priority for some.

“I don't know if housing fits into that, but just affordable housing would be one of them,” said one resident.

A second resident said “definitely towards housing and the right kinds of housing that we need for our community members.”

Others were interested in funding for recreation. “ Social stuff, I would guess. And doing fun things with your family.”

Residents of Courtenay who are interested in trying the budget simulator for themselves, and sending their feedback to the City, can find more information on the City website at courtenay.ca/budget. The deadline to participate is January 15th, 2025.

Funding Note: This story was produced with funding support from the Local Journalism Initiative, administered by the Community Radio Fund of Canada. Reporting done in the Comox Valley is done in partnership with CVOX.