Komuckway means “plenty” in the local Native tongue and there certainly is plenty of wildlife and natural resources in the Comox Valley. European settlers adapted the name to Komoux, then finally to Comox. Comox has long been a proud Military Town, with roots going back to it’s first Navel Training Base in 1876. Today the Canadian Armed Forces base operates the airfield and the Bi-Annual Airshow attracts people from across the continent. The Town of Comox is located directly East of Courtenay, extending out onto the Comox Peninsula that creates the Comox Harbor. The Comox land area is 14.20 square km (5.48 square miles or 1420 hectares) Comox was Incorporated on January 14, 1946. According to BC Stats annual population estimates, the population of Comox in 2003 was 11,937.
Both Courtenay and Comox have intertwined economies with residents using services from each area regardless of their home location. The most seaside-like community of all of the jurisdictions within the Valley, Comox has many marinas and water based businesses and attractions. The Town is home to the Canadian Armed Forces Base CFB Comox 19 Wing, St. Joseph’s Hospital and the B.C. Ferries terminal to Powell River.
(Information courtesy of Comox Valley Economic Development Society)