New Courtenay Mayor Manno Theos after council voted down his list of regional board appointments | Photo by Leif Jason
Courtenay City Council majority overrules new Mayor Theos’s appointments
The battle lines were drawn early at Courtenay City Council’s inaugural meeting Wednesday night, when the new council rejected Mayor Manno Theos’s recommendations for appointments to boards and committees.
It was an open salvo for the four progressive councillors, who demonstrated their potential to control council decisions.
It’s traditional that the mayor meets individually with council members in advance of making appointments to discuss which assignments interest the councillor and if that differs from what the mayor has in mind. This is a negotiation usually sorted out prior to the inaugural meeting.
But not this year. It appears Theos had not consulted all council members and had not reached any agreement with others.
When the council voted down Theos’s list of appointments, it took the new mayor by surprise. And it was clear Theos had prepared no strategy to deal with a council majority that was not aligned with him during the campaign.
The key point of contention in the two competing lists of appointments centered on the Comox Valley Regional District board and committees.
Mayor Theos’s appointment list placed him on the top five Comox Valley Regional District boards, commissions and committees.
But the new Council Majority came with their own list of proposed assignments, which did not include appointing Theos to the Comox Valley Regional District Board of Directors, except as an alternate. The council list only put him on the Sewerage Commission and the Regional Hospital District board as a sitting director.
It was a blow to Theos, who most likely saw appointing himself to the full CVRD board as an expansion of his political influence. It also comes with significant additional compensation.
FOCUS ON THE CITY
Pleading with the council to approve his list, Theos said he had consulted with all the councillors and believed his appointments were fair and equitable.
“I’m hoping you’ll support this list, being as it’s our first day and this is an opportunity to have unity and to show that we’re all ready to work together for the betterment of our community,” Theos said.
But it was clear the council would not agree to giving Theos the regional district positions he wanted.
Speaking in favor of the amended list, Councillor Wendy Morin said it had been the practice for several years that the mayor did not sit on the full CVRD board. Former mayor Bob Wells chaired the board for one year and then stepped down, as promised, for the rest of his term.
“I think that being mayor of the largest municipality in the Comox Valley is a huge responsibility and warrants full attention,” she said.
Noting that the regional board requires almost an equal amount of meeting time and more than twice as much reading and preparation, Morin questioned whether a mayor, especially a new mayor, could do both jobs effectively.
“The mayor’s main role should be dealing with the challenges and priorities of the city. It is pretty much a full-time job,” she said.
Councillor Evan Jolicoeur said he agreed.
“I’m genuinely quite excited about having you as mayor focus on the important work of the city. There’s a lot of major issues and you spoke about them in your opening address. I would love the full attention of our mayor to be on that,” he said.
Jolicoeur also justified giving new council members Kelly Matthews and Thomas McDevitt regional committee assignments because of the preparation work they had done.
“I was quite surprised to hear from two colleagues how much research and time had gone into their platform on their websites, all publicly available, with a significant amount of regional thinking,” he said. “I can’t say that I’ve heard that from others on council.”
In supporting the amended appointment list, Councillor McDevitt said he felt the mayor had other important work to do.
“I think we have to remember that 55 percent of this community did not vote for you as mayor,” he said. “So there is a lot of work to do in terms of you reaching out to the community, because over half does not feel connected.”
McDevitt said he thought being on the CVRD would distract Theos from that work.
New Councillor Dick Clancy, who ran on the slate with Theos, said he thought the mayor’s appointments were fair and well-balanced.
“To undermine that at the inaugural is beyond belief,” he said.
Morin later corrected Theos’s claim that he had consulted with all council members, saying he had not consulted her. Theos responded that he knew she was on vacation and didn’t want to bother her.
“I spent 10 hours of my vacation attending the (council) orientation meetings,” Morin said. “I was available.”
McDevitt added that he saw Morin more engaged at the orientation than “others at this table.”
New Councillor Rosanna Chamberlin, also on the Theos campaign slate, attended only 1.5 days at the orientation sessions. She has a physiotherapy business in Victoria with another office in Courtenay. She lives in the Capital City part of the week.
When the council majority’s amended list of appointments came up for vote, Theos made one last plea. He proposed the council postpone approving any appointments until a later date in order to have more discussions.
“People who voted for me want representation at the CVRD,” he said. “Please indulge me.”
Council passed the amended list of appointments with Theos, Clancy and Chamberlin opposed.
THEOS INAUGURAL REMARKS
Earlier in the meeting Mayor Theos gave his inaugural address. He noted that an election is one way residents make their voices heard, but he said the public’s engagement shouldn’t end on election day.
He said over the coming term, the council has a responsibility to hear from the people with different experiences and perspectives, including those who may not always feel connected to local government.
Theos said what residents want is simple.
“They want to be able to walk the streets and feel safe. They want services that are delivered affordably and efficiently. They want to be listened to and heard,” he said. “Businesses need a reduction of bureaucracy and red tape in order to remove hurdles to getting things done.”
Theos said council members will not always agree.
“That is part of the democratic process,” he said. “What matters is how we work through those differences with respect, openness and a shared commitment to the community that we serve.”
Theos concluded by saying he was optimistic about what the council can accomplish together and to build on the work already underway.
Those remarks all came before the conflict over regional board appointments.
You can watch the meeting here.
The appointments discussion begins at the 51:00 mark.
HOW YOUR CITY
COUNCILLOR VOTED
Courtenay council votes, August to September 2026
13 votes, from the adopted minutes
Click any vote to see how each member voted, or open the council scorecard below for attendance and dissents.
Courtenay council scorecard
August to September 2026: all 13 published votes, from the adopted minutes
| Member | Voted against (split votes) | Votes missed | Meetings attended |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bob Wells (Mayor) | 0 of 0 | 0 | 2 of 2 |
| David Frisch | 0 of 0 | 1 | 1 of 2 |
| Doug Hillian | 0 of 0 | 12 | 1 of 2 |
| Evan Jolicoeur | 0 of 0 | 0 | 2 of 2 |
| Melanie McCollum | 0 of 0 | 0 | 2 of 2 |
| Wendy Morin | 0 of 0 | 1 | 1 of 2 |
| Will Cole-Hamilton | 0 of 0 | 0 | 2 of 2 |
A split vote is one where at least one member voted against. Counts cover every vote in these months, not only the ones listed in the block.
September 9, 2026 · minutes
Regular Council Minutes - August 26, 2026 Carried unanimously
September 9, 2026 · Council Meeting
THAT Council adopt the August 26, 2026 Regular Council minutes.
Moved by Will Cole-Hamilton, seconded by Wendy Morin
For (6): Bob Wells, Will Cole-Hamilton, David Frisch, Evan Jolicoeur, Melanie McCollum, Wendy Morin
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Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEAs) in Public Recreation Carried unanimously
September 9, 2026 · Council Meeting
THAT Council receive the "Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEAs) in Public Recreation Research Project: Progress Update".
Moved by Evan Jolicoeur, seconded by Melanie McCollum
For (6): Bob Wells, Will Cole-Hamilton, David Frisch, Evan Jolicoeur, Melanie McCollum, Wendy Morin
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Comox Valley Community Art Council Fee for Service Agreement Carried unanimously
September 9, 2026 · Council Meeting
THAT Council authorize the Director of Recreation, Culture and Community Services to execute the Fee For Service Agreement (Attachment 1), funded by gaming revenue starting in 2027; and THAT Council authorize the Director of Recreation, Culture and Community Services to review and update Schedule A of the Fee for Service Agreement annually, ensuring alignment with the Strategic Cultural Plan, with all other amendments to the Fee for Service Agreement requiring Council approval; and THAT Council approve the establishment of an annual Incubator Grant Program, funded by gaming revenue in the amount of $5,000 per year, and that the associated funding be incorporated into the annual operating budget beginning in 2027; AND THAT Council authorize the Director of Recreation, Culture and Community Services to develop and execute the agreements to administer the Incubator Grant Program starting in 2027.
Moved by David Frisch, seconded by Will Cole-Hamilton
For (6): Bob Wells, Will Cole-Hamilton, David Frisch, Evan Jolicoeur, Melanie McCollum, Wendy Morin
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Facilities Energy Upgrades Grant Support Carried unanimously
September 9, 2026 · Council Meeting
THAT Council direct staff to submit an application to the Building Communities Strong Fund Local Impact Stream in British Columbia to support building energy upgrade projects in 2026 and 2027.
Moved by Will Cole-Hamilton, seconded by Melanie McCollum
For (6): Bob Wells, Will Cole-Hamilton, David Frisch, Evan Jolicoeur, Melanie McCollum, Wendy Morin
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1st Street Culvert Upgrades – Morrison Creek Carried unanimously
September 9, 2026 · Council Meeting
THAT Council direct staff to include costs to rehabilitate the Newbury Weir downstream of the 1st Street culvert for Morrison Creek, in the 2027 Financial Plan for Council consideration.
Moved by Melanie McCollum, seconded by Evan Jolicoeur
For (6): Bob Wells, Will Cole-Hamilton, David Frisch, Evan Jolicoeur, Melanie McCollum, Wendy Morin
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Council appointed MNP LLP as 2026 auditors and approved the 2026 audit service plan Carried unanimously
September 9, 2026 · Council Meeting
THAT Council appoint MNP LLP as the City's auditors for 2026; AND THAT Council approve the 2026 Audit Service Plan as presented for the year ending December 31, 2026.
Moved by David Frisch, seconded by Melanie McCollum
For (6): Bob Wells, Will Cole-Hamilton, David Frisch, Evan Jolicoeur, Melanie McCollum, Wendy Morin
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Council endorsed New Westminster's UBCM call to fund infrastructure for housing targets Carried unanimously
September 9, 2026 · Council Meeting
WHEREAS the Province of BC has passed legislation that mandates housing and density targets, that places significant pressures on municipalities' infrastructure and amenity needs; WHEREAS the City of Courtenay has provided the majority of new housing units in the Comox Valley over several years, and is on track to meet mandated housing targets, but requires significant new infrastructure and upgrades at great expense to accommodate future growth; WHEREAS the City of New Westminster has submitted a resolution to the Union of BC Municipalities calling on the BC government to provide the necessary funding for infrastructure and amenities to achieve housing targets; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the City of Courtenay endorse the resolution submitted to UBCM by the City of New Westminster; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT copies of this resolution be forwarded to the Province of British Columbia including the Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, the Premier, and the MLA for Courtenay, advocating that any provincial legislation requiring housing targets or density be directly tied to infrastructure and amenities funding.
Moved by Wendy Morin, seconded by Will Cole-Hamilton
For (6): Bob Wells, Will Cole-Hamilton, David Frisch, Evan Jolicoeur, Melanie McCollum, Wendy Morin
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Council asked staff for options on a multi-year funding agreement with Citizens on Patrol Carried unanimously
September 9, 2026 · Council Meeting
THAT Council direct staff to report back on options for a multi-year fee for service agreement with Comox Valley Citizens on Patrol Society (COPS), to be funded by gaming.
Moved by David Frisch, seconded by Wendy Morin
For (6): Bob Wells, Will Cole-Hamilton, David Frisch, Evan Jolicoeur, Melanie McCollum, Wendy Morin
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Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3230 (3095 Lake Trail Road) Carried unanimously
September 9, 2026 · Council Meeting
THAT Council give third reading to "Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3230 (3095 Lake Trail Road)".
Moved by David Frisch, seconded by Will Cole-Hamilton
For (6): Bob Wells, Will Cole-Hamilton, David Frisch, Evan Jolicoeur, Melanie McCollum, Wendy Morin
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Council gave Housing Agreement Bylaw No. 3246 (3095 Lake Trail Road) three readings Carried unanimously
September 9, 2026 · Council Meeting
THAT Council give first, second and third readings to "Housing Agreement Bylaw No. 3246 (3095 Lake Trail Road)".
Moved by Wendy Morin, seconded by Will Cole-Hamilton
For (6): Bob Wells, Will Cole-Hamilton, David Frisch, Evan Jolicoeur, Melanie McCollum, Wendy Morin
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City of Courtenay Municipal and Regional District Tax Levy Repeal Bylaw Carried unanimously
September 9, 2026 · Council Meeting
THAT Council adopt "City of Courtenay Municipal and Regional District Tax Levy Repeal Bylaw No. 3247, 2026".
Moved by David Frisch, seconded by Wendy Morin
For (6): Bob Wells, Will Cole-Hamilton, David Frisch, Evan Jolicoeur, Melanie McCollum, Wendy Morin
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IN CAMERA RESOLUTION Carried unanimously
September 9, 2026 · Council Meeting
THAT Council close the meeting to the public pursuant to the following subsections of the Community Charter: 90 (1) A part of a council meeting may be closed to the public if the subject matter being considered relates to or is one or more of the following: (c) labour relations or other employee relations; and (i) the receipt of advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose.
Moved by Melanie McCollum, seconded by Will Cole-Hamilton
For (6): Bob Wells, Will Cole-Hamilton, David Frisch, Evan Jolicoeur, Melanie McCollum, Wendy Morin
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August 19, 2026 · minutes
IN CAMERA RESOLUTION Carried unanimously
August 19, 2026 · Special Council Meeting
THAT Council close the meeting to the public pursuant to the following subsection of the Community Charter: 90 (1) A part of a council meeting may be closed to the public if the subject matter being considered relates to or is one or more of the following: (a) personal information about an identifiable individual who holds or is being considered for a position as an officer, employee or agent of the municipality or another position appointed by the municipality.
Moved by Melanie McCollum, seconded by Doug Hillian
For (5): Bob Wells, Will Cole-Hamilton, Doug Hillian, Evan Jolicoeur, Melanie McCollum
Source: minutes
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Council vote data: Zio Advertising's BC Council Votes tracker, from the Courtenay City Council's adopted minutes. Snapshot taken November 4, 2026.
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when I was on Comox Council, 89-05, the Mayor’s made appointments without consulting individual members
Thats not how it’s done anymore, the mayor can suggest but in most places its up to council to discuss and ultimately decide via vote. Ideally the mayor would respect his council by discussing before dropping the list at the first public meeting..
Council must ensure that the most important priority for action is to develop an action agenda which seeks the input from all ages in the community.
A whole to approach to engaging the community on a regular basis is urgently needed. Time is not on our side!
Good luck, Jack Stevens
Yes, keep it simple! Pay attention to the city, since the mayor has never led anything like this. Please read the info before meetings and attend regularly and on time. Thank goodness some of the councillors have the intestinal fortitude to keep the mayor in check. At the first meeting, he proved he is a grifter. I believe the mayor is paid $ 90,000+ a year.
Hi George. Thanks for your follow up.I’ m not aware of any other in depth coverage of Comox Valley issues.
Yes, it is democracy in action on Courtenay Council. Mayor Theos does have a full time Job on the issues of Affordabilty and Public Safety. The number of Chronically unhousable saw growth of 30 percent from 2023-2025, under the former administration. This is a Regional issue as this unfortunate group of chronically addicted take so many resources, and if allowed to continue to grow, will affect all who need timely access to health care . Hoping to see this on the CVRD agenda and also a priority for our new MLA .
I’m very glad to see that the four progressive councillors are making good decisions and voting to support what they know will work. The new mayor and councillor Chamberlain don’t have enough time to represent the people of Courtenay with their businesses or employment being elsewhere.
Perhaps the headline should have read “Dis-appointments” George? 😉
Cheers
B
I’m pleased to see the rational provided by our elected municpal councillors about additional regional district responsibilities. It’s not a surprise to me that Wendy Morin attented an orientation session while on vacation. She will provide leadership and mentoring to all the new folks around the table.