Dear editor,
Courtenay is a vibrant city, nestled among spectacular mountains and rolling farmland with the ocean at its doorstep.
Those of us who are lucky enough to live here know that, and lots of other people from across Canada are starting to realize it, too.
A recent study by the Island Coastal Economic Trust looked to see which cities in Canada were attracting newcomers - which cities had a net inflow of people. While Toronto and Montreal lost more than 50,000 people each, Courtenay attracts more people every year. Older Canadians are choosing Courtenay in large numbers. It is the sixth most popular place to move in the whole country (with age comes wisdom). And younger Canadians are choosing Courtenay too - our city was 14 out of 147 Canadian cities in attracting 25-49-year-olds. According to the Island Coastal Economic Trust, Courtenay gained over 1,200 25-49-year-olds - the economic engine of a growing community.
The word is out; Courtenay is a destination. Let’s build a lively, prosperous and sustainable city and welcome those, young and old, who choose to make it home.
David Frisch
Courtenay