Here are the highlights from the May 26 and 28, 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.
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.
Community Planning and Livability Update
Official Community Plan Update
Council received a presentation on the draft Official Community Plan (OCP) and referred the OCP to a Special Council meeting on June 3, 2026, to allow for further discussion on the draft plan.
The OCP is an important long-term plan that will help guide how Campbell River grows and develops over the next 20 years. It reflects community input and provincial requirements, and will support more coordinated decision-making, clearer priorities, and stronger accountability.
Highlights of the current draft plan include:
Promoting greater infill development by directing higher density developments along the Dogwood Street Corridor, Quinsam Heights, Downtown and within the City’s existing neighbourhood centres like Willow Point and Campbelltown.
Continuing to advance Campbell River Airport lands as a regionally significant employment area by supporting aviation-related light industrial and commercial uses.
Supporting a range of housing types to meet the needs of a growing population, particularly for families, seniors and vulnerable residents.
Supporting investment in the City’s transportation network, especially in higher growth areas like Quinsam Heights, for all road users - vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.
Continuing to support the City’s resource-based economy while supporting economic diversification.
Promoting the management of natural areas by balancing conservation with responsible development.
As part of the process, the OCP bylaw will be considered alongside related bylaws, including the City’s Financial Plan and regional and waste management regulations, as required under the Local Government Act.
The draft OCP has been shared with partner organizations and agencies—including local First Nations, School District 72, and the Ministry of Transportation and Transit—for review.
Staff are looking to bring the Bylaw back to Council for 1st and 2nd reading next month, then, after a formal 30-day referral to the Agricultural Land Commission, host a Public Hearing, allowing the community to provide feedback.
Visit Official Community Plan | Get Involved Campbell River for more information and to view the draft OCP.
Hilchey Corridor Safety and Bike Lane Review
Council is moving forward with safety and bike lane upgrades along Hilchey Road, including allocating $750,000 for a new neighbourhood bikeway.
In 2022, parking-protected bike lanes were added to Hilchey Road as part of a watermain upgrade. Since then, the City has heard ongoing concerns from residents about road function and safety. In response, Council requested a full safety review in early 2026. Following that direction, McElhanney Ltd. reviewed the corridor and explored options to improve safety for all road users. Based on this work, Council supported the following changes:
Remove the existing bike lanes from Hilchey Road, restoring two travel and parking lanes for vehicles
Create a neighbourhood bikeway along Simms and Parkway Roads
Adding a two-way cycling path on Hilchey Road beside the sidewalk between Penfield Road and South Dogwood Street
Adding flashing lights to the existing crosswalk at Hilchey Road and Fern Drive
In addition, Council also directed staff to update the Master Transportation Plan to complete a “Penfield School Zone Warrant Assessment” as a short term priority action, which review further safety improvements to Hilchey Road near Penfield Elementary School
Taken together, this approach is expected to address broader safety concerns on Hilchey Road, provide a more comfortable cycling route, and respond to concerns raised by the Penfield School community.
Funding will come from existing 2026 cycling infrastructure funds, including the Community Works Fund and the Carbon Neutral Reserve, along with an additional contribution from the Carbon Neutral Reserve. Detailed design will now begin with construction anticipated later this summer.
BC Transit 2026/2027 Annual Operating Agreement
Council endorsed the 2026/2027 BC Transit Annual Operating Agreement and authorized the Corporate Officer to execute it on behalf of the City.
This agreement outlines how transit services are delivered and funded in Campbell River and Area D. Costs are shared between partners, with the City covering 53.31% of conventional transit and 33.31% of custom transit services, while retaining all fare revenue.
For the 2026/2027 service year, the City’s share is estimated at about $2 million for conventional transit and $325,000 for custom transit, with roughly $325,000 in annual contributions from regional partners helping offset these costs.
Transit service levels will stay the same for the coming year. A proposal to expand service, aligned with the Transit Future Action Plan will follow future City Financial Planning.
BC Transit, the City, and operating partner Keolis Canada will continue working together to look for ways to improve transit service and amenities.
Economic Development Update
Destination Campbell River 5‑Year Strategic Plan 2027-2032
Council endorsed a draft five‑year strategy to guide tourism in Campbell River. The strategy sets the long‑term direction for how the community attracts visitors, supports local businesses, and grows the visitor economy in a sustainable way. The plan was developed with input from Council, and local hotels, tourism operators, and businesses.
It will support the City’s application to renew the Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT), which funds Destination Campbell River’s marketing and tourism initiatives.
Next steps include additional engagement with tourism partners before the final strategy is submitted to Destination BC.
Community Safety Updates
False Alarm Fees Amendment Bylaw
Council adopted False Alarm Fees Amendment Bylaw No. 4014, 2026. The amendment changes 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 removes ambiguity about the obligations of owners or occupiers regarding repeated false alarm attendances that arise from third-party notifications. It also allows the City to recover a cost for repeated false alarm activations.
Development Updates
Development Variance Permit at 908 Galerno Road
Council approved a Development Variance Permit for 908 Galerno Road to allow a reduced side yard setback along the road.
The Zoning Bylaw requires a minimum setback of 3.5 metres, but this permit allows the setback to be reduced to 1.82 metres. This change will support a proposed addition that includes an attached garage with living space above.
Development Variance Permit Application at 2365 Quinsam Road
Council approved a Development Variance Permit for 2365 Quinsam Road to allow an increase in the height of part of a retaining wall.
The permit allows an 18.9-metre section of a 31.8-metre-long shotcrete retaining wall to increase in height from 1.5 metres to 3.1 metres. Based on its location on the property, the change is not expected to impact neighbouring properties.
As a condition of approval, the property owner must register an easement and covenant confirming they are fully responsible for all maintenance, repairs, and liability related to the retaining wall.
Mayor and Council Reports
Business Walks with Local Businesses
The City recently completed a business walk involving staff and members of Council, visiting and surveying 19 local businesses. During Council, the Mayor shared highlights from these visits, noting the value of connecting directly with local businesses.
These visits provided a meaningful opportunity to better understand the opportunities and challenges businesses are experiencing. Business walks are a key economic development tool used by municipalities to strengthen relationships with the local business community and gather first-hand insights that help inform programs, policies, and priorities.
The City appreciates the time and input shared by participating businesses and looks forward to continuing these conversations. Additional business walks are planned in other areas of the community to ensure a broad range of perspectives are heard.
Correspondence
McIvor Lake Safety Concerns
Council received correspondence from Blair McLean regarding safety at McIvor Lake and referred the letter to staff for consideration.