Help Shape The Future Of Harmston Park

The City of Courtenay is hosting a pop-up at Harmston Park this weekend as it looks for feedback on concept designs that reimagine the park as a dynamic community hub.

It’s part of the broader Downtown Vitalization Local Area Plan, which aims to create a more connected, inclusive and vibrant downtown.

Two proposed concept designs introduce a range of features including a playground, dog park, community garden, gathering space and civic plaza that could host events such as concerts and community markets.

The plans also include new public spaces and improved green space connections to support potential future mixed-use and residential developments in the area.

Two distinct concept plans are available for review:

• Concept 1: Community Park and Civic Plaza – Features a flexible plaza created by closing part of Harmston Avenue to traffic, surrounded by gathering spaces, gardens and mixed-use development.
• Concept 2: Community Park – Focuses on a more passive design with open green space, a playground and a main entrance plaza, surrounded by potential commercial and residential uses.

The City says both concepts reflect local values and priorities identified through previous community engagement, including a desire for more inclusive gathering spaces, stronger connections and programming opportunities that reflect local culture and identity.

The pop-up takes place on Saturday, August 16, from 10am to 2pm.

Residents are encouraged to drop by, view the draft designs and share their ideas through hands-on activities, surveys and conversations with project staff.

A short survey is available online at Engage Comox Valley until August 25.