The City of Campbell River acknowledges that we are on the territory of the Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ people of the Wei Wai Kum First Nation and We Wai Kai Nation.
Here are the highlights from the November 12, 2026, Council meeting, including important community initiatives and Council decisions. Watch City Council meetings live or view recordings at campbellriver.ca/webcasts.
Development Services Update
Development Applications Procedures and Delegation Bylaw
Council gave first, second and third readings to the Development Applications Procedures and Delegation Bylaw No. 4025, 2026. Council directed staff to circulate the draft bylaw within the development community and to provide an update on any feedback received before the bylaw comes back for consideration of adoption by Council.
Standard municipal practice is to review new bylaws one to two years after adoption to assess if they are functioning as intended. Staff reviewed Development Applications Procedures and Delegation Bylaw No. 3955, 2024 and proposed Bylaw No. 4025, 2026 to replace the current bylaw based on this review. The updated bylaw looks to improve clarity, efficiency, and alignment with current provincial legislation. Key changes include expanded delegated authority to the Director/their delegate for certain minor variances, the consolidation of major and minor development permits into a single category, and clearer requirements for landscape, environmental, and hazardous condition securities.
Develop Variance Permit for 580 Island Highway
Council approved a Development Variance Permit for 580 Island Highway, allowing an increase in the maximum permitted fence height from 1.2 metres to 1.8 metres within 5 metres of the front lot line.
The approved variance will provide additional privacy and screening from Island Highway and the adjacent sidewalk, while taking into account the property’s grade and the elevation of the dwelling relative to the fence.
Agricultural Land Commission Application for 4567 Gordon Road
Council approved supporting an Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) application for Placement of Fill within the Agricultural Land Reserve. This application is to allow the fill placement and associated construction of a second dwelling unit at 4567 Gordon Road. The proposed second dwelling unit is consistent with the Rural Residential land use designation policies in the Official Community Plan and with the Rural Three (RU-3) zoning. Staff will forward Council’s recommendation to the ALC so that the Commission can complete their review and make a final determination.
Public Hearing Waived for Zoning Amendment Bylaw for 700 Petersen Road
Council waived the public hearing for a proposed zoning amendment at 700 Petersen Road.
Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 4026, 2026 would allow one additional hotel room in the hotel on the property, increasing the permitted total from 200 rooms to 201 rooms. It would also update the property's legal description in the Zoning Bylaw. Council determined the proposal is consistent with the Official Community Plan and directed staff to proceed with the required public notifications before the bylaw is considered for readings and adoption.
Permits for 220 Island Highway South
Council approved a Development Variance Permit and a Development Permit for a proposed four-storey, 83-room hotel at 220 Island Highway South.
The approved variances relate to retaining wall height, loading spaces, building height relative to the ridge, and the location of parking and loading areas. The Development Permit addresses the building's form and character, and streamside and steep slope conditions associated with the site.
Development Variance Permit for 590 11th Avenue
Council approved a Development Variance Permit for 590 11th Avenue. The approved variances allow an increase in fence height from 2.43 metres to 2.75 metres to provide additional privacy and security for a proposed outdoor contrast therapy area, including a sauna and cold plunge tubs. Council also approved a reduction in the required loading spaces from one to zero, as the proposed use is not expected to generate regular delivery or loading activity.
Corporate Services Update
Local Government Election Results
Council received a report from the Chief Election Officer providing a summary of the 2026 Local Government Election results as required by section 158 of the Local Government Act.
Correspondence
Staff to Report on Opportunities to Expand Shelter Options in Campbell River
Council received correspondence regarding the displacement of people experiencing homelessness during severe weather. The correspondence referenced video circulating on social media that appeared to show individuals being directed to leave an area outside a business during heavy rain.
Staff followed up with the RCMP after the incident, and after reviewing the body camera footage and audio, were informed that the RCMP officer involved in the incident had advised those present that camping was not permitted at the location. The RCMP officer then communicated that the individuals could remain until the weather subsided.
Council directed staff to report back on existing shelter options in Campbell River, including temporary overnight, winter and extreme weather shelter options provided or supported by the City, and opportunities to expand or enhance shelter capacity. The report will consider potential locations and service models, costs, funding opportunities, operational requirements, partnerships and anticipated timelines.
Staff to Report Back on Pinecrest Park Parking for Strathcona Gardens REC-REATE Project
Council received correspondence raising concerns about the potential use of Pinecrest Park for parking as part of the Strathcona Regional District’s (SRD) REC-REATE Phase Two arena improvements.
Council directed staff to report back on the project status and proposed parking design, including timing, design considerations, potential impacts to Pinecrest Park and alternative parking options. The report will also consider opportunities for shared-use or parking agreements with neighbouring properties, including faith-based organizations and School District 72.
For more information about REC-REATE, which is a Strathcona Regional District project, visit recreatesg.ca. Visit campbellriver.ca/pinecrest-robron to learn more about the City’s role in this project.
Mayor and Council Reports
Remembrance Day
Mayor Kermit Dahl and members of Council attended the 2026 Remembrance Day ceremony on November 11. Mayor Dahl laid a wreath on behalf of the City. Gratitude was expressed to the local branch of the Royal Canadian Legion for putting on the ceremony and to all those who wore a poppy, attended and reflected.