It was created on February 15, 2008, encompassing the northern and western portions of the former Regional District of Comox-Strathcona.

Its current territory has a land area of 18,329.948 km2 (7,077.232 sq mi) and a 2016 census population of 44,671 inhabitants.

During a transitional period, much of its administration was carried out by the Comox Valley Regional District, based in Courtenay, British Columbia but it is now self-administered.

It is governed by a board of directors comprising representatives from each of the 5 municipalities and 4 electoral areas within its boundaries.

It is anticipated that the board will expand to include representatives from some of the First Nations governments within its boundaries following treaty settlements.