The City of Campbell River acknowledges that we are on the territory of the Laich-Kwil-Tach people of the Wei Wai Kum First Nation and We Wai Kai Nation.
Here are the highlights from the March 10 and 12, 2026, Council and Committee meetings, including important community initiatives and Council decisions. Watch City Council meetings live or view recordings at www.campbellriver.ca/webcasts.
Operations Update
Erickson Road Renewal Project
The City is moving forward with a major infrastructure upgrade on Erickson Road. Council approving the award of Tender 25-65 Erickson Road Renewal – Phase 1 to Windley Contracting Ltd. for $5.78 million (excluding GST). Phase 1 of the project will renew aging underground infrastructure along approximately 1.1 kilometres of roadway, including replacement of the watermain and storm sewer system, removal of outdated asbestos pipe, and installation of new hydrants, valves, services, and manholes. Sidewalks will also be added where pedestrian infrastructure is currently missing.
The work is funded through the City’s 2026–2035 Financial Plan and is within the approved $10.01 million project budget for 2026. Construction is anticipated to take place from early to mid-May and be completed in late 2026. This investment addresses long-standing infrastructure challenges and supports reliable water and drainage services. Further improvements to this section of Erickson Road will be contemplated under Phase 2 of this project.
For more information on this project, visit: Erickson Road Renewal Project | Get Involved Campbell River.
Economic Development Update
Upgrades to the Campbell River Airport
Departure Lounge
Council approved $30,000 in capital funding from the Airport Reserve for targeted upgrades to the departure lounge at the Campbell River Airport.
The improvements include two new glass boarding gate doors and a customer service kiosk to support increased air service, improve passenger flow, and allow multiple aircraft to board at the same time. The upgrades will reduce congestion, enhance the customer experience and safely accommodate higher passenger volumes. The work is expected to be completed ahead of service increases in late spring 2026.
Arrivals Façade
Council approved the installation of a permanent glass art panels on the airport arrivals façade area. The project will feature a high-quality glass art installation created by a local business to welcome visitors and showcase Campbell River. Council approved up to $36,000 in funding from the Airport
Reserve to support the installation.
Parking
Council approved up to $195,000 in capital funding for a parking lot reconfiguration and expansion at the Campbell River Airport, with funding from the Airport Reserve.
The 2026-2035 Financial Plan will be amended accordingly.
Financial Updates
Quarterly Financial Update - Q4 2025
Council received the Quarterly Financial Report for the fourth quarter of 2025 for information. The report outlines the City’s financial performance against the approved Financial Plan and identifies variances to support decision making.
Council approved amendments to the 2025 - 2034 Financial Plan to:
- Increase funding associated with two operating projects and three capital projects that exceeded their budget by more than $10,000;
- cancel two operating projects and two capital projects; and,
- amend the funding source for the Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw Update by reallocating $256,175 to the Capacity Funding for Local Government Housing Initiatives Grant and returning an equivalent amount to the Community Works Reserve.
By year end, City revenues reached 103.2% of budget, while operating expenditures were at 88%, lower than the same period in 2024 due primarily to year end investment interest and capital transfers still in progress. Overall, City operations continued as planned, with work advancing on both carried forward and newly approved initiatives.
In 2025, 76 operating projects totaling $8.54 million were approved, with 54.5% of the budget expended by year end. Most projects are complete or substantially complete, many under budget, with remaining projects carried forward into the 2026–2035 Financial Plan. Additionally, 115 capital projects totaling $71.03 million were approved, with 21.8% of the budget spent to date, reflecting the multi year nature of many initiatives. Most capital projects are complete or underway, with some delays and a small number identified for cancellation.
User Fees and Charges Bylaw Amalgamation and Parcel Tax Update
Council gave first, second, and third readings to the Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 4007, 2026, the Parks Parcel Tax Amendment Bylaw No. 4012 2026 and the Stormwater Management Parcel Tax Amendment Bylaw No. 4013, 2026.
The proposed bylaw consolidates a range of non-development related fees into one transparent and accessible document. It brings together fees for services such as fire protection, water, sewer, solid waste, recreation, parks, cemetery services, police services, and other administrative functions.
This work builds on the City’s 2023 fees and charges review and is intended to streamline administration, and ensure fees remain current and equitable. One new fee is proposed: an $80 Special Event Permit fee to help recover a portion of staff costs while remaining affordable for community organizations.
The report also recommends amendments to the Parks Parcel Tax and the Stormwater Parcel Tax, with the stormwater rates increasing by approximately five percent annually from 2026 through 2028. This will help address historical underfunding while a broader stormwater utility model review is underway.
The 2026-2035 Financial Plan will be amended accordingly.
Community Safety Update
Public Safety Petition from the City of Prince George
Council received correspondence from Mayor Simon Yu, City of Prince George, and expressed support for the City of Prince George’s public safety petition. Council also directed that the City write a letter of support for the City of Prince George's petition, and that the City take steps as the mayor and City Manager deem reasonable within the process. The petition is seeking tougher criminal justice measures for repeat offenders who are responsible for significant damage to local businesses and ongoing street disorder affecting the safety of citizens and downtown spaces. It calls for changes to the Criminal Code of Canada, appointment of more judges and prosecutors to end court backlogs, and additional federal funding and resources for provincial correction centres to detain criminals. The petition was shared with every BC municipality.
Development Services Updates
Notice Registered Against 1780 Mo Road
Council approved the registration of a notice against the title of the property at 1780 Mo Road to record that a residential duplex largely constructed under BP001270 remains incomplete and without a valid occupancy permit.
Development Cost Charges Bylaw
Council gave first, second and third readings to Development Cost Charges (DCC) Bylaw 4009, 2026 and directed staff to send the bylaw to the Inspector of Municipalities for approval. The bylaw will be brought back to Council to be considered for adoption in September 2026. DCCs are a financing tool that enables local governments to collect funds for development-related capital infrastructure projects, including roads, storm drainage, sewers, water systems, parkland acquisition and park improvements, and fire protection. This infrastructure is required to support new development and its impacts on municipal services.
Council also directed staff to explore options for a mechanism to provide Council with feedback about the impact of DCCs on development and on the City’s projections for anticipated charged revenue from development.
Mayor and Council Update
Leave of Absence
Council approved an unpaid leave of absence request from Councillor Tanille Johnston for the period of time from March 10 to March 30, 2026.
Correspondence
Forestry Is a Solution Initiative
Council received correspondence from Kim Haakstad, President and CEO, BC Council of Forest Industries, regarding the Forestry is a Solution initiative. This initiative is led by a coalition of organizations in the forest sector. The letter requested a motion from Council to endorse the campaign; to encourage residents to sign a petition and write to their Member of the Legislative Assembly, the Minister of Forests, the Premier and the Official Opposition Forests Critic; and to encourage staff to share information about the campaign.