CCEDA Land Working Group
Together with our community partners and supported by a consulting team, the Cortes Community Economic Development Association (CCEDA) is engaging in a public consultation process this fall for what we’ve been calling (for now) the “Village Commons”, the commercial land site adjacent to Manson’s Hall, behind Cortes Radio Station, and across from the old bank. We are looking for creative input on how this site can serve as a commons area, that is, an accessible place where people can gather, stewarded for and by locals. It is important to us that whatever happens on this site respects the land, and reflects the needs of the community of Cortes.

There is a rich history of public consultation for this site reaching back to the 2004 “Growing Beautifully” conversation, and the 2018 Local Economic Action Plan. There are emerging themes and priorities that run through both of those reports, and again repeated themselves in our initial consultation for this visioning process, including:

- Working with natural systems- being in good relationship with the land
- Developing pedestrian trails and walkways
- Providing potential opportunities for local entrepreneurs
- Creating self sufficiency & building capacity for locals

Following consultation, the resulting site design will articulate a common vision, goals, and recommendations built on the understanding that this project is rooted in respect for the land and the commons and that, as such, the vision of the community is reflected in the use of the site. A supporting business plan will follow the site design in 2022.

We are rolling out a variety of engagement offerings- ways you can participate and stay informed- starting this month, October 2021. These activities are designed to be accessible and foster community connection – we are not expecting anyone to attend every single one of these events (unless you want to!) but hopefully one or two will be accessible & enjoyable for you.

Virtual Community Café / Thursday, October 28th on Zoom from 6:30-8pm

This is an opportunity to learn more about the project, and provide input on key themes and priorities to inform a draft site design. It also provides an opportunity for those who are uncomfortable gathering in person to participate in the consultation process. Registration required by emailing infocced.ca.

Community Workshop / Sunday, November 14th from 4-7pm Manson’s Hall

As this is an in-person event, we are asking people to pre-register by emailing infocced.ca. A maximum of 40 attendees may participate in accordance with current Island Health Public Health Orders. Masks will be required to be worn throughout the workshop. This workshop will start with a walk on the land, so please wear comfortable/weather appropriate footwear and gear.

“Sounding Boards" will be placed at various locations on the island (such as the stores and post offices). These are simply large posters that anyone passing by is encouraged to scribble down their ideas for the site in the boxes provided.

Hard-copy Site Maps for sketching will be available on bulletin boards for people to take and sketch up their own dream plan for the land.

A virtual idea board has been set up for any folks who want to share their ideas from the comfort of their homes or phones! Please go to this link to access: https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/efBkSoZn

We will also be out and about the community chatting with folks, hanging out on the land, and posting updates to the Tideline, Cortes Radio, and this project page.

The land working group is made up of folks who serve on CCEDA’s board as well as other people from the community, bringing a diversity of perspectives and ideas forward to guide this project.

Interested in learning more or joining our land working group? Send us an email at infocced.ca, or join our newsletter for updates.

CCEDA is very thankful to the Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET) for financial support to make this project possible.

We look forward to your input!