Brian "Fuzz" Morissette awarded Freedom of the City

The City of Courtenay has awarded its highest honour, Freedom of the City, to a long-time community volunteer, music advocate and behind-the-scenes organizer.

The City says Brian “Fuzz” Morissette’s contributions have helped shape the community over the past five decades.

The honour was announced during the opening ceremonies of Courtenay’s Canada Day celebrations at Lewis Park, where Morissette was recognized for his significant contributions to the cultural and social life of the Comox Valley.

Whether working as a musician, audio technician, supporting fundraisers or mentoring fellow musicians, the City says Morissette is known for his warmth, humility and commitment to community service.

Mayor Bob Wells says “Fuzz exemplifies the qualities of integrity, compassion and dedication that are integral to the fabric of our society.”

Wells says his humility, generosity and contagious enthusiasm has brought people together for 50 years.

In the early 1970s, Morissette and his wife, Dianne, invested their savings in a Fuzzy Orange franchise, a citrus drink kiosk they opened at the then newly built Driftwood Mall.

They later helped launch six additional locations for other operators across Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland before selling the business a decade later.

Morissette also volunteered as an RCMP auxiliary officer, joining local officers in the field to ensure they weren’t responding to calls alone.
In a release, the City of Courtenay says while his early ventures established his roots in the region, it’s Morissette’s decades of volunteer work that have had the greatest impact.

Since 2013, Morissette has helped coordinate the Simms Summer Concert Series as a producer and musician, supporting many other musicians of all ages and helping foster a welcoming and inclusive music scene in Courtenay.

He is also the longest-serving volunteer with the Comox Valley Child Development Association, contributing to all 50 of their annual telethons and helping raise millions of dollars in support of children, youth and adults with diverse abilities.

Freedom of the City is the highest recognition a municipality can bestow.

The award honours individuals who have made outstanding, enduring contributions to the well-being of their community.

A formal presentation will take place at a Council meeting this fall.

For more information, visit City of Courtenay.