By Grant Warkentin
Campbell River’s mayor says he’s proud of what his council has accomplished since they were elected in 2022.
In the city’s latest annual report released this week, he says several initiatives council has been working on since 2022 bore fruit last year.
“We took meaningful steps forward to support local businesses and a revitalized downtown core, expand housing options with strategic investments, and tackle community safety head on,” he says in the report. “We’ve also continued advocating for resources and support for the community and explored opportunities to collaborate on projects.”
Downtown Revitalization
Improving the downtown core and helping businesses bounce back post-COVID has been a main focus for the current mayor and council. Last year, the “Reimagine the Row” project began, which has since removed the old Haida Inn and neighbouring buildings on Shoppers Row to make way for a major redevelopment project that will include affordable and market rental housing, commercial space, and civic amenities.
The CR Live Streets program continues to be popular. Last year it attracted 10,000 visits and generated significant economic activity; the Spirit Square Concert Series were also well-attended.
The city also extended downtown parking limits from one to two hours to encourage people to spend more time downtown for events and shopping.
Community Safety
Bylaw enforcement was expanded to seven days a week, with daily foot patrols and regular cleanups downtown. The RCMP presence was also increased. Last year’s data shows a decline in property crime and police calls. CCTV coverage was also expanded at key downtown locations.
Housing
The Homewood village expanded by eight spaces and now has capacity to provide housing and supports for 48 residents. It’s operated by Lookout Housing and Health Society in partnership with BC Housing.
The city continued finding the best ways to use $10.4 million from the federal Housing Accelerator Fund to create more homes in Campbell River, and is targeting 1,277 new housing units by January 2028. Last year, 221 building permit applications were processed, resulting in 349 new residential units.
Infrastructure
The city received $1.68 million from the Canada Community-Building Fund and spent it on roads, bridges, park enhancements (including Nunns Creek Park), and pedestrian and traffic safety upgrades.
The Development Cost Charges Bylaw was updated to ensure new developments pay their fair share of infrastructure costs.
Economic Development
The Campbell River Airport (YBL) Strategic Plan was completed; it’s intended to guide long-term growth for the airport. The city was able to secure expanded air service commitments from WestJet and Harbour Air, including a seasonal Vancouver–Campbell River route.
Livability and Parks
New off-leash dog parks were created at Robron Park and the former Evergreen school site, in partnership with School District 72.
Public washrooms were added at Holm Road and Dogwood Street (in partnership with Rotary Club).
Two publicly accessible AEDs were installed at Robron and Willow Point parks.
The River Route trail was expanded, and a new community park and playground were built in Campbellton River Village.
Leave a Reply