With new sections for members, a new look and ensuring it is mobile-friendly, the Comox Business in Action has a new website just in time for a series of events in downtown Comox.
Mary Ruth Harris of the BIA explained to council Wednesday the site redesign cost under $4,000 and will aid in attracting more people to the Town, particularly boaters who can explore various business on their tablet or phone on their boat.
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One of the many upcoming events the BIA is planning is their annual tree lighting ceremony scheduled for Nov. 28.
Additionally, noted Harris, the BIA is taking over the Christmas Village formerly put on by the Comox Valley Boys & Girls Club, and will take place in the Comox Centre Mall from Nov. 27 to Dec. 18.
In February, Harris said they are planning events around Heritage Week from Feb. 16 to 22, but will extend events by one week prior to coincide with the Island Agriculture Show.
“There will be five museums and three BIAs participating, along with the Airforce, Filberg Lodge Association and the Heritage Association,” she noted.
Along with a heritage and military village in the mall, there will also be a ceremonious flag run celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Canadian flag with a running group running around the Valley gathering runners as they go.
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The Marina Park Vitalization Plan along with the stage 2 application for submission to the Island Coastal Economic Trust was approved Wednesday, but some councillors questioned some of the designs being submitted.
Coun. Patti Fletcher inquired why in the overall plan the playground was not included.
Town Chief Administrative Officer Richard Kanigan explained the ICE-T application would address the first phase of work, which includes buildings and walkways.
“There is definitely the potential of a playground and water feature, they just don’t make up part of this application,” he added.
Coun. Barbara Price asked how finalized the design would be, as she explained she hopes the public can be further consulted.
“Yes, the detailed design will come with confirmation from Western Economic Diversification,” said Mayor Paul Ives.
Kanigan added when the ICE-T grant application for $400,000 is successful, they will prepare another application for Western Economic Diversification for the second half of funding ($800,000), and they will have a more detailed design, which will give the community an opportunity for additional input.