VOTE JOHN DACOMBE FOR COURTENAY COUNCIL

News Release

John Dacombe for Courtenay Council: Focus on Lowering Taxes, Reducing Criminal and Anti-Social Behaviour, and Improving Pedestrian Safety

September 8, 2026

The Comox Valley is one of the best places in one of the best countries in the world. But like everywhere, we have challenges, and we need realistic, achievable, cost-effective solutions.

That’s why John Dacombe is running for Courtenay Council.

John Dacombe will:

· in the first 100 days, introduce Council motions that will lower your property tax burden, reduce criminal and anti-social behaviour, and keep our kids and seniors safe as they walk in our city;

· explain his decisions in writing to voters on a weekly basis;

· work collaboratively with Council members from across the political spectrum to achieve solutions, because nothing succeeds at Council without at least four votes;

John Dacombe will not:

· vote for any development proposal that will negatively affect Courtenay residents, taxpayers, or the local environment.

“These policies will ensure a more affordable, safer, and more livable Courtenay, and one that is better prepared for climate change, the Trump regime, and other threats to our city and valley,” said Dacombe. “I’m running a self-funded, low-cost campaign, so will not accept your donations. Instead, please give to our many local, hardworking non-profits and charities.”

Dacombe, a career Canadian Forces veteran and public servant, has lived in and been an active volunteer in Courtenay since 2021, including as a Director with the Comox Valley Land Trust, a member of the Comox Valley Sewer Service Liquid Waste Management Plan advisory committee, and as Editor-in-Chief of popular satirical outlet The Puntledge News.

For John Dacombe’s detailed, costed platform, please visit JohnDacombe.ca or contact his campaign at vote@JohnDacombe.ca

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Backgrounder

Lowering Taxes

1. Finally reduce the City’s largest and fastest-growing operational cost by fast-tracking water metering over 5 years, with average and below-average users rewarded with lower taxes and fees, saving $1M-$3M/year;

2. Bylaw enforcement with fines, not warnings, so residents who do the right thing pay less in taxes, those whose actions threaten the health, safety, or environment of our community pay more through fines, saving $1M/year;

3. Replace the outdoor pool only if other CV municipalities pay their fair share, saving $20M-$31M;

4. Cancel at least $28.5M in specific capital projects and reduce costs of other projects where possible;

5. Reduce outside consultants;

6. No further municipal boundary extensions, the single biggest cause of long-term property tax increases;

7. End some tax exemptions.

Reducing Criminal and Anti-Social Behaviour

1. Much stronger bylaw enforcement with more and larger fines, as above, including against nuisance and drug properties;

2. Increase support for the Mobile integrated Crisis Response team and advocacy for treatment beds;

3. More red-light cameras and speed cameras in school zones.

Improving Pedestrian Safety

1. Low-cost solutions to separate pedestrians from traffic;

2. Ensure connectivity where it is currently lacking;

3. Listen to what neighbourhoods need.

John Dacombe also has detailed policies to reduce fees for businesses, protect local food production, and increase administrative efficiencies and accountability at City Hall, details of which can be found at JohnDacombe.ca.