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 May 12 and 14, 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 Planning and Livability Updates
Refreshed Downtown Renewal Grant Program
Council received a report about a refresh of the City’s Downtown Renewal Grant program. Over the past year, the City has worked with the Downtown Campbell River Business Improvement Association (BIA) to improve and promote existing downtown renewal grant programs. The new Downtown Renewal Grant program represents an improvement in how the City supports downtown businesses and revitalization efforts. It consolidates multiple underutilized programs into a single, clearly structured grant with defined outcomes. The City will promote the revised program to encourage uptake. Early results demonstrate increased interest and application activity, suggesting that the refreshed program is more accessible and better aligned with business needs.
This streamlined approach strengthens partnerships with the Downtown BIA, enhances administrative efficiency, and supports Council’s priorities related to economic vitality, safety, and community connection. The Downtown Renewal Grant is well positioned to deliver greater impact and contribute to a more vibrant downtown Campbell River.
Bid to host 55+ BC Seniors Games
Council directed staff to proceed with a joint bid with the Comox Valley Regional District to host a future 55+ BC Seniors Games, with events held in both communities. Hosting the Games aligns with Council’s Strategic Priorities, including economic development, livability and partnerships, and staff have the capacity to support delivery. The bid will target the 2028, 2029 and 2030 Games. Council also approved $37,500 in funding to the BC Senior Games Society, funded through the Financial Stabilization Reserve and directed the 2026-2035 Financial Plan be amended accordingly.
Road Closure and Dedication Removal Bylaw No. 4000, 2025
Council approved Road Closure and Dedication Removal Bylaw No. 4000, 2025. This bylaw will close and remove the highway dedication of a portion of Pease Road.
Economic Development Updates
2025 MRDT Performance Report
Council received the 2025 Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) Performance Report and directed staff to submit it to Destination BC, as required under the Provincial MRDT program.
MRDT revenues for 2025 totalled $667,755.92, representing a 7.7 per cent increase year over year. MRDT funds were reinvested locally to support destination marketing, visitor services, destination development, and stewardship initiatives, consistent with Council‑approved plans. Activities delivered in 2025 align with Destination Campbell River’s Five‑Year Strategic Plan (2022–2027) and the approved Annual Tactical Plan.
Aircraft Summer Parking Fees
Council approved the 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 summer flat surcharge has a greater impact on smaller general aviation aircraft. Under the amended bylaw, summer paved parking fees will be reduced for smaller aircraft, while maintaining the existing surcharge for larger aircraft that require more apron space. Commercial aircraft will not be affected, as overnight parking on operating stands will 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.
Finance Updates
Council Remuneration Bylaw
Council adopted Council Remuneration Amendment Bylaw No. 4018, 2026. This amendment to the Council Remuneration Bylaw adjusts 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.
2026 Tax Rates Bylaw
Council adopted 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.
2025 Year-End Financial Statements
Council approved the City's audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2025. The financial statements received an unqualified audit opinion from MNP LLP, confirming the statements are fairly presented in accordance with Public Sector Accounting Standards and are free from material misstatement. The City’s financial assets increased by approximately $8.2 million to $150.6 million, while financial liabilities increased by about $3.3 million, leaving the City well positioned to meet its obligations while continuing to invest in core services and infrastructure.
In 2025, the City reported an annual surplus of $8.6 million, compared to $16.5 million in 2024. The majority of the surplus, $6.6 million, relates to nonoperational accounting items associated with capital activity and funding, including amounts tied to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) Housing Accelerator Fund and capital asset transactions. Just under $2 million is attributable to general operations and is planned for transfer through the Financial Stabilization Reserve to address emerging risks or to continue investment in capital infrastructure. The City continued to make significant capital investments of nearly $14.6 million during the year, while overall financial indicators improved, with strong sustainability and flexibility and reduced vulnerability due to lower reliance on senior government transfers.
Asphalt Paving Services Agreement
Council authorized staff to negotiate and execute a five-year Asphalt Paving Services Agreement (2026–2031) with Tayco Paving Company. A Notice of Intent (NOI 26-18) was publicly posted from March 23 to April 10, 2026, to confirm whether any other suppliers could provide equivalent asphalt paving services on Vancouver Island; no objections were received.
The agreement would provide asphalt paving services on an as-needed basis to support annual overlay and road repair programs, routine maintenance, and capital projects, including all materials, labour, equipment, supervision, and traffic control. The agreement is expected to exceed $1 million and will be structured using unit rates applied to Council-approved projects, with annual adjustments tied to liquid asphalt market conditions and the applicable cost of living index.
Community Safety Updates
Remedial Action Notice for 501 Colwyn Street
Council approved issuing a remedial action notice to the owner of 501 Colwyn Street requiring that the property be brought into compliance with Public Nuisance Bylaw No 3543, 2014. Council authorized City contractors to enter onto the property to perform the work to achieve compliance if required.
Remedial Action Notice and Nuisance Property Designation for 820 Homewood Road
Council approved issuing a remedial action notice to the owner of 820 Homewood Road requiring that the property be brought into compliance with Public Nuisance Bylaw No. 3543, 2014 and declared 820 Homewood Road a nuisance property pursuant to Nuisance Abatement and Cost Recovery Bylaw No. 4002, 2025. City contractors are authorized to enter onto the property to perform the work required to bring the property into compliance with the Public Nuisance Bylaw in relation to unsightliness and to abate any activity on the property that is a nuisance or that causes a nuisance, and any nuisance calls subsequent to notice of the declaration will generate a fee of $250 per attendance under the bylaw.
False Alarm Fees Amendment Bylaw
Council gave first, second and third readings to False Alarm Fees Amendment Bylaw No. 4014, 2026. The proposed amendment would change the definition of “Security Alarm System” within the bylaw to include false alarm attendances received via a third party such as an alarm monitoring service. The amended definition would remove ambiguity about the obligations of owners or occupiers regarding repeated false alarm attendances that arise from third-party notifications. It would allow the City to recover a cost for repeated false alarm activations.