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 April 28 and 30, 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.
Finance Updates
BC Budget 2026 – Impacts to Property Taxes and City Finances
Council directed staff to prepare draft resolutions for consideration and potential submission to the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) regarding the BC Budget 2026. The provincial budget introduces property tax changes that will affect Campbell River taxpayers and City finances beginning in 2026 and 2027. For residents, changes include higher interest rates on newly deferred property taxes starting in 2026, and further impacts in 2027 such as the elimination of the Northern and Rural Homeowner Benefit and higher additional school tax rates for highvalue homes. For the City, the primary impact is the expansion of PST to professional services in October 2026, which is expected to increase operating and project costs and will be reflected in future budgets. Staff will provide proactive communications to help residents understand these changes and will continue to monitor provincial implementation.
User Fees and Charges Bylaw Amendment
Council adopted an amendment to User Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 4017, 2026 that corrects a 2025 bylaw update by reinstating a long-established fee for non-metered institutional and commercial utility users. The amendment also aligns the bylaw with the sewer utility rate increases approved for 2026 to 2030.
2026 Tax Rates Bylaw
Council gave first, second, and third readings to Tax Rates Bylaw No. 4019, 2026. Following adoption of the Financial Plan Bylaw, the City is required under the Community Charter to adopt a Tax Rates Bylaw before May 15, 2026.
The bylaw enacts the 2.70 per cent tax increase previously approved to support the City’s 2026–2035 Financial Plan. This increase funds the base operating budget and supports essential investments in capital infrastructure.
Council also approved an amendment to the Financial Plan to reflect a higher than anticipated non market change, resulting in a one time increase of $80,557 in taxation revenue. These funds will be allocated to strategic initiatives at the discretion of the City Manager in 2026, used to reduce the potential tax increase in 2027, or directed to other corporate priorities as approved by Council.
Corporate Services Update
Council Remuneration Bylaw
Council gave first, second and third readings to Council Remuneration Amendment Bylaw No. 4018, 2026. This amendment to the Council Remuneration Bylaw would adjust the Mayor’s annual salary to $98,600 and councillors’ salaries to $35,500, effective the first pay period of 2027. This Council Remuneration Bylaw update follows the mandated four-year review and aligns with Council’s commitment to transparency and responsible financial planning. Council will consider adoption of the bylaw amendment at an upcoming Council meeting.
Economic Development Update
Aircraft Summer Parking Fees
Council gave first, second, and third readings to Airport Operation, Maintenance and Management Amendment Bylaw No. 4016, 2026. The amendment updates the Airport Fees and Charges Bylaw to introduce a weight based aircraft parking surcharge during the peak summer months of July and August.
This change addresses a long standing equity issue, as the current flat summer surcharge has a greater impact on smaller general aviation aircraft. Under the amended bylaw, summer paved parking fees would be reduced for smaller aircraft, while maintaining the existing surcharge for larger aircraft that require more apron space. Commercial aircraft would not be affected, as overnight parking on operating stands would continue to be provided at no charge.
The amendment is expected to be revenue neutral while improving fairness and better aligning fees with aircraft size and apron usage.
Community Safety Updates
RCMP Resourcing Strategy
Council approved the RCMP Resource Strategy, which aims to help policing resources keep pace with population growth and public safety needs. Due to recruitment challenges, hiring delays, and long-term absences outside of the City’s control, actual staffing levels have consistently remained below the authorized and funded strength. The strategy increases the authorized strength of the detachment by six positions, bringing the total to 55 members. This will not increase the City’s funded complement of 44 regular members; rather, it will help the detachment more consistently reach the existing funded level of 44 members by improving the RCMP’s ability to recruit, hire, and retain officers, supporting effective policing services in the community.
Development Services Update
Major Development Permit with Variances Application for 1302, 1342, 1352 Shoppers Row and 1362 16th Avenue
Council approved a Major Development Permit with Variances application for 1302, 1342, 1352 Shoppers Row and 1362 16th Avenue. This will permit construction of a six-storey, mixed-use building consisting of one storey of commercial, retail and civic space, two storeys of parkade (first and second floors), and four storeys of residential rental units (184 units total, including 18 affordable units). As part of the development proposal, the applicant is requesting to:
- increase the maximum lot coverage from 75 per cent to 92.5 per cent
- reduce the number of required loading stalls from three stalls to two stalls
The development generally complies with the City’s Form, Character and Performance design guidelines and the proposed variances are not anticipated to significantly impact the surrounding properties.
The Development Permit will not be issued until there is confirmation that a lot consolidation plan has been registered at the Land Title Office. A $126,520 financial landscape security (representing 125 per cent of the landscape cost estimate) will need to be paid before a building permit is issued.
Telecommunication Tower at 2490 Dogwood Street South
Council gave concurrence for the installation of a 63 metre self supporting wireless communications tower (including a 3 metre lighting rod) at 2490 Dogwood Street South.
The proposed site is owned by the Province and leased long term by the City for a water reservoir. As part of the City’s application process, the applicant requested the City’s support to surrender a small portion of its leased area so the applicant could apply to the Province for land tenure. The City provided its consent and the required documentation to allow the Province’s review to proceed.
The applicant conducted initial public consultation in 2021. However, the Province later put the land tenure application on hold, noting it was incomplete. When the applicant returned in 2024 to resume the process, the Province and the City requested additional public consultation due to the time that had passed since the original engagement. A second round of public consultation was completed in spring 2025.
The final decision on the placement of telecommunications towers rests with the federal government through Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. An Environmental Development Permit from the City will be required before any ground disturbance can occur.