The City of Courtenay and the Town of Comox are among 54 communities across British Columbia receiving funding through the federal Build Communities Strong Fund.

Courtenay will receive $382,000 to develop a Recreation Facilities Strategic Plan.

The City says the plan will help guide future investment in recreation infrastructure by assessing existing facilities and identifying priorities for repairs, upgrades, replacements, and future expansion as the community continues to grow.

Meanwhile, the Town of Comox is receiving $5 million to help upgrade the Comox Fire Station.

The nearly 50-year-old facility will be modernized to improve emergency response, firefighter health and safety, and community resilience.

The new station will be built to post-disaster standards with backup power and will serve as the Town's Emergency Operations Centre during major emergencies.

The project also includes expanded training and office space, improved accessibility features, and 5 affordable on-site lodging units to support faster overnight emergency response.

The funding is part of more than $152 million for 54 projects announced by the federal and provincial governments and the Union of BC Municipalities to support community infrastructure and capacity-building across British Columbia.

For more information, visit City of Courtenay or Town of Comox.