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 July 14 and 16, 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.
Community Safety Updates
Community Safety and Well-Being Plan Update
Council received an update on implementation of the Community Safety and Well-Being Action Plan. The update referenced the progress on priority initiatives from the Action Plan which was endorsed by Council in July of 2025. Implementation has spanned several different areas including crime prevention, housing, downtown revitalization, youth engagement and others. Key to implementation has been the creation of a Community Safety Working Group to help focus on critical safety and wellbeing gaps through more effective ways of working together and new initiatives. More information on the Plan is available at Community Safety and Well-Being Plan | Get Involved Campbell River.
RCMP Annual Performance Plan and Community Policing Priorities
Council received a report on the Campbell River RCMP Detachment's 2026-2027 Annual Performance Plan along with proposed Community Policing Priorities for 2026-27. The new initiatives proposed to the RCMP include a seasonal policing presence in the downtown core for 2027 along with a proposal to create a Community Policing Office as part of the Reimagine the Row project. Council also supported two additional priorities of improving the response to intimate partner violence and relationship building with First Nations communities and citizens. Council endorsed the updated priorities and proposed initiatives set out in the letter to the Officer in Charge of the Campbell River RCMP Detachment and authorized the Mayor to sign the letter to the RCMP.
Remedial Action Notice for 335 Simms Road
Council issued a resolution to defer consideration of a remedial action notice for the owner of 335 Simms Road to the next Council meeting. Council asked staff to look into the situation further with respect to the current owners and to report back on any mitigating circumstances that may need to be considered with respect to the timelines to complete remedial measures.
Economic Development Updates
Destination Campbell River’s Strategic and Tactical Plans
Council approved Destination Campbell River's 2027–2032 Tourism Strategic Plan and 2027 Annual Tactical Plan, providing a roadmap to guide tourism investment and destination development over the next five years. Council also endorsed the City's application to renew its three per cent Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) designation.
Renewal of the MRDT will allow visitor-generated accommodation tax revenues to continue being reinvested locally to support destination marketing, tourism development, visitor experiences, and economic growth in Campbell River.
Staff will submit the application to Destination British Columbia as part of the City's MRDT renewal process.
Airport Flightway Clearing Budget
Council approved a budget amendment to support an expanded aerial LiDAR survey of protected airspace surrounding Campbell River Airport. The survey will map obstacle limitation surfaces, Airport Zoning Regulation protected areas, and associated outer surfaces to help identify and manage potential obstructions that could affect aviation safety.
The project builds on successful partnerships with organizations such as the BC Wildfire Service and BC Forest Safety Council, which have helped advance vegetation management around the airport in recent years. Updated survey information will support ongoing discussions with Transport Canada, the Province of British Columbia, and neighboring property owners regarding future airspace protection and vegetation management opportunities. This work supports the Airport’s long-term commitment to aviation safety, regulatory compliance, and proactive management of lands surrounding Campbell River Airport.
The Airport had previously budgeted $30,000 for an obstacle survey. Council approved an additional $30,000, funded through unused WestJet-readiness contingency funds. This will allow the Airport to complete a more comprehensive survey and maximize the value of potential partnerships aimed at protecting airport airspace. The 2026-2035 Financial Plan will be amended accordingly.
Development Services Update
Development Variance Permit for 1661 Redwood Street
Council approved Development Variance Permit (P2600029) for 1661 Redwood Street. The permit is to vary Section 4.12(c)(i) of the Zoning Bylaw No. 3250, 2006, and increase the maximum allowable floor area for all ancillary buildings on a lot from 80 square meters to 110.2 square meters.
Community Planning and Livability Update
Community Beautification Grants
Council approved three 2026 partnering agreements for community beautification. The City will provide 2026 Community Beautification Grant funding to the Campbellton Neighbourhood Association (CNA), Downtown Campbell River Business Improvement Association (DBIA), and Willow Point Business Improvement Association (WPBIA).
The 2026 Community Beautification Grants Program will provide matching funding of $10,000 to the CNA, $10,000 to the WPBIA, and $14,978.50 to the DBIA. These grants will support local beautification projects that enhance public spaces and contribute to a more welcoming and attractive community. Improvements will include initiatives such as maintaining planters, roadside landscaping and cleanups, maintaining downtown cigarette butt receptacles, installing art, repairing heritage signs, hosting community events and more.
Financial Services Updates
Aerial Fire Truck
Council approved awarding RFP 26-01, for a new 107-foot aerial ladder fire truck, to Commercial Emergency Equipment Co. in the amount of $2.67 million, excluding GST. The vehicle will replace the City’s existing 33-year-old aerial ladder truck, which has exceeded its expected service life. The new apparatus will enhance the Campbell River Fire Department’s ability to respond to emergencies and serve the community’s growing number of taller buildings.
Council also approved an increase of $287,840 to the project budget, increasing the overall project budget from $2.5 million to $2.787 million; the additional funding will be provided from the Fleet and Heavy Equipment Reserve. The difference between the amount awarded to Commercial and the total budget recognizes additional project costs such as staff travel, procurement of radios and project contingency. Given industry lead times exceeding three years, project funding was deferred to 2029 to align with the anticipated delivery schedule of 38 to 41 months. The decision secured the replacement apparatus and supported the continued delivery of reliable fire protection services for the community.
Campbellton Sewer Upgrade
Council approved awarding Tender 26-28 Campbellton Sewer Upgrade to Hazelwood Construction in the amount of $4.22 million, excluding GST. This project will increase sewer capacity in the Campbellton area and support future growth on We Wai Kai Nation lands, along Quinsam Road, and throughout Campbellton. The project includes installation of a new 450-millimetre sewer main and is intended to address existing capacity constraints, improve long-term system reliability, and ensure continued compliance with regulatory requirements.
Council also approved an increase of approximately $1.28 million to the project budget. The tendered work represents only a portion of the overall project costs. The tender does not include project contingency, contract administration services, or paving costs, all of which remain the responsibility of the City, bringing the total project budget to approximately $5.1 million. The increase was primarily driven by contaminated soil and groundwater conditions that were identified after the original budget was developed, increased PVC pipe costs, and required archaeological assessments and permits. Funding will be provided through the Sewer Reserve.