Moving Area A Forward:
2026–2030 Priorities for Denman Island, Union Bay, Hornby Island, Royston, & Fanny Bay
As your representative for Area A, I am always looking ahead and working with community organizations and leaders in Royston, Union Bay, Fanny Bay, Denman and Hornby to identify priorities for the future.
Setting priorities is important because they ultimately guide directions to CVRD staff, grant applications to senior governments, and partnerships with other local governments and First Nations. While the below does not include all items that will be covered across the CVRD’s 100 services, hopefully the top three priorities for each Area A community will give you an idea of where I will focus extra attention.
DENMAN ISLAND
Priority 1 → Begin renewal of the Denman firehall
The existing Denman firehall is finally at the stage where renewal can move forward. Over the past two years, planning for either a new firehall or a substantial renovation has begun. This will be a once-in-a-generation project, and I look forward to working with the Denman Fire Department, CVRD staff and the Denman community on a proposed redesign and initial cost estimates, while ensuring the community is thoroughly involved throughout the process. A referendum should be forthcoming this term for the community to make an informed decision.
Priority 2 → Support the Denman Community Housing Society
Two years ago, I worked hard at the regional level to establish a new Comox Valley Housing Authority, wholly owned by the CVRD. The Housing Authority is now getting established.
Connections have already been made with the Denman Community Housing Society, and I hope we can find a way to make a substantial contribution toward financing new affordable housing on Denman Island. It has been a pleasure working with the DCHS board, and I consider this a top priority.
Priority 3 → Support DIRA, Denman Bus and Denman Works! as they combine efforts
I will continue to support collaboration between DIRA, Denman Works! and other community organizations as they look to a possible merger, and continue work on projects and initiatives that benefit Denman.
UNION BAY
Priority 1 → Open the new Union Bay firehall and support community access to the new gym
The new Union Bay firehall is a major investment in the community. During this term, I helped secure close to $3.4 million in grants for the project, representing over 60% of its total cost. Later this fall or early winter, I look forward to seeing the new facility open and serving Union Bay. I will also continue to support opportunities for community access to the new gym, and ensure that the Fire Department has the resources they need as they settle into the new space.
Priority 2 → Support Renewal of Union Bay’s “Downtown”
The Union Bay Historical Society is doing important work to preserve the community’s history, including its efforts around Frontage Road and the Post Office and Gaol House buildings.
The Society also has a compelling vision for bringing Union Bay’s heritage to life in the community’s historic downtown.
I have agreed to explore with the Society the possibility of saving and repurposing the Union Bay school, and I have been in touch with our School Trustee to begin developing ideas. I also expect the Vancouver Island Regional Library may become a more active part of these conversations.
Further north, I will continue to support capital investments in the Union Bay Community Hall. It was great to help secure a number of upgrades and a new playground during this past term, but there is more work to do. For example, a new opportunity is that the CVRD now owns Union Bay Nature Park behind the hall. I believe there is potential to gradually improve the entire area for the benefit of Union Bay residents and visitors, working in collaboration with UBCC.
Priority 3 → Advance Union Bay Parks, Trails, and Highway 19A improvements
Another priority for Union Bay and Mystery Beach is getting movement on safer pedestrian and cycling crossings along Highway 19A. People should feel safe crossing the highway to access the boat ramp and Joe Walker Park. While the CVRD does not control the highway, I will continue advocating for concrete solutions from the Ministry of Transportation and Transit.
HORNBY ISLAND
Priority 1 → Support HIRRA, HICEEC and other community organizations
Many important initiatives are being led by HIRRA, HICEEC and other community organizations on Hornby.
As the funding entity for these organizations, I will continue to stay engaged with their work and support their efforts to address community needs and pursue new opportunities.
Priority 2 → Secure regional contributions to the Recycling Depot
As CityWest completes the $7.8 million fibre optic project, for which I helped secure approximately 90% grant funding, we have negotiated for 20% of the annual net profit from subscriptions to go toward non-profit organizations on Hornby and Denman.
I look forward to establishing the criteria and structure for this new funding program and ensuring that the benefits of the fibre project flow back into the communities.
Priority 3 → Consider CVRD supports for the four corners and new roadside trail investments
I will continue to support Hornby Island Water Stewardship and other community organizations working to better understand and protect Hornby’s water resources.
If supported by the CVRD, I would also be interested in exploring the potential for a rebate program for rainwater collection or storage tank systems.
ROYSTON
Priority 1 → Complete the switch from Cumberland to Comox Lake water
Several years ago, the Village of Cumberland advised that because of its growth it would no longer be able to provide water to Royston. Since then, I have worked with CVRD staff, the Comox Valley Water Committee, the City of Courtenay, K’ómoks First Nation and the Village of Cumberland to bring a new water main from Comox Lake to Royston.
The $20 million water project will run from Arden Road along the Comox Logging Road, the E&N Railway and sections of Highway 19A. Royston residents will be responsible for about $4 million of the project, with the remainder supported through partnership contributions and secured grants. Construction is expected to begin within the coming months, and the most visible part will be on Livingston Road, and a new Pump Station at the corner of Livingston and Royston Road.
This project also creates an opportunity to begin work on a pedestrian and cycling trail along the E&N that could connect Courtenay and Royston. I intend to support the “Rotary to Royston” project and work with the Island Corridor Foundation, the City of Courtenay, K’ómoks First Nation, Friends of Rails to Trails and the Comox Valley Cycling Coalition to explore and hopefully create a safe active transportation route between the two communities.
This work can build on the safety improvements already planned around Royston School, for which the CVRD and the Royston PAC received a Provincial grant in 2024.
Finally, I will continue efforts to connect the Laurel Heights neighbourhood to Royston Road along the E&N, providing safer and more direct access for residents.
Priority 2 → Reach a final decision on the South Sewer Project
After decades of work, we are getting closer to a final decision on the South Sewer Project.
In 2025, we lost a key partner when Union Bay Estates withdrew from the project. They had been expected to contribute millions of dollars. However, we still have a $30 million grant from the Province, along with willing partners in the Sewage Commission and K’ómoks First Nation.
This fall, the CVRD is completing archaeological investigations in Royston and Craigdarroch. These investigations will help inform the final phasing and cost estimates for the project. If everything comes together, construction could begin by the end of this term (2030). There are still important steps before a final decision can be made, including further public consultation.
Priority 3 → Complete Royston Parks, Trails, and Highway 19A improvements
The old pier on Marine Drive was removed this past year after it was determined that the structure was unsafe.
As we rejuvenate the park, there is an opportunity to introduce new features that improve its usability and benefit residents.
In 2026, the CVRD completed a similar waterfront park redesign and renewal at Qapoje on Comox Road. I intend to apply the lessons learned from that project, including its strong community engagement, to help guide the renewal of Royston Seaside Park.
Together, the initiatives above respond directly to what we heard from Royston residents at the community session in at Royston Hall in April 2026, which was attended by close to 200 residents.
FANNY BAY
Priority 1 → Continue to support Fanny Bay Hall and Little Hall
Both Fanny Bay halls have significant capital needs ahead, and I intend to ensure the CVRD continues to contribute to their renovation and improvement.
These halls are important recreational and cultural centres for the community. Over the past several months, I have worked with the Fanny Bay Community Association and helped secure capital contributions toward foundation replacement — another important step in updating the hall for the coming decades.
Priority 2 → Support local groundwater and watershed stewardship initiatives
Water scarcity is increasingly becoming a summer reality in rural areas of the Comox Valley.
During the coming term, I intend to strengthen CVRD support for the work of the Fanny Bay Water Collaborative, Hornby Island Water Stewardship, Beaufort Watershed Stewards, Ships Point Improvement District and other groups working on groundwater and small water systems.
We need to plan for the future, and I am grateful for the work these organizations are already doing. I am also ready to advocate to the Province for stronger support.
Priority 3 → Continue to advocate for stewardship of Baynes Sound
Issues such as shipbreaking and derelict vessels, including the Rhododendron, continue to threaten the environment and economy of Baynes Sound. I intend to continue holding the Provincial and Federal governments accountable and advocating for the establishment of a Special Management Zone for the area.
COMOX VALLEY / REGIONAL PRIORITIES
Area A does not exist in isolation. Decisions made by the CVRD as a whole have a direct impact on our communities — from recreation and housing to water, wildfire preparedness and taxation. To this end, I will continue to be an engaged voice at the CVRD Board table, especially on the following topics:
Priority 1 → Update the Rural Areas Official Community Plan, Zoning Bylaw and Regional Growth Strategy
The CVRD will undertake important work during the coming term to update the Rural Areas Official Community Plan, Zoning Bylaw and Regional Growth Strategy.
I look forward to helping guide these long-term planning processes and ensuring strong public engagement for Area A residents.
Priority 2 → Provide leadership on upcoming Comox Valley Recreation & Regional Parks Investments
The Comox Valley will make some major decisions during the coming term about existing regional recreation facilities, including the arena and swimming pools.
I will provide leadership on how these decisions are made and ensure that the interests of rural residents are properly represented.
Recreation is a major cost centre for Baynes Sound residents. To help inform future decisions, I successfully brought forward a Board motion for the region to begin collecting usage statistics by jurisdiction so we can better understand how these facilities are used by residents from different areas.
With potentially $100 million in capital decisions ahead, I intend to bring my A game to the table.
Priority 3 → Champion Landscape-Level Wildfire Readiness and Long-Term Water Supply Planning
Wildfire risk and water security are becoming increasingly important issues across the Comox Valley.
I will continue to champion landscape-level wildfire preparedness and sound, long-term planning for our water systems.
Moving Area A Forward
If you have read this far, you know there is always work to do in Area A.
Some of that work involves completing projects that are already underway. Some involves responding to new challenges and opportunities as they emerge. My commitment remains the same: to be responsive, proactive and accessible to everyone across Area A. I look forward to the next four years of work, and thank you for your support and suggestions as we move along.
Daniel