An open house tonight as the City of Courtenay plans for future growth and new possibilities for the downtown area.

It’s taking place from 4pm to 7pm at the Florence Filberg Centre as the City works on the Downtown Vitalization Local Area Plan. A short presentation will start at 5 p.m.

The focus will be on design concepts for four distinct planning districts: Riverfront, Downtown Core, Fitzgerald Corridor and Harmston Park, including proposals for public spaces, mobility, housing, and community life.

Mayor Bob Wells says Downtown is the heart of the community, and it’s expected that much of Courtenay’s housing growth will occur in that area over the next 20 years.

Courtenay’s population is expected to reach about 42,415 residents by 2041 up from 29,530 in 2021 – a 30 per cent increase.

Wells says the project builds on previous work through other projects, such as the Official Community Plan and Downtown Playbook.

The plan options will integrate and build upon several high-profile capital projects already underway, including a new BC Transit exchange, 6th Street corridor and bridge, Harmston Parks Plan and flood risk management along the Courtenay River.

A survey is also going up at Engage Comox Valley.