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 June 9 and 11, 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.
Delegations
Timberline Secondary School Interact Club
Council received a presentation from Timberline Secondary School Interact Club students regarding improving transportation in Campbell River. The club shared results and recommendations from a recent student survey they conducted about transportation options in the community, providing feedback on transit and bike lanes. Council expressed their appreciation for the students’ initiative and presentation and will consider the feedback received. It was recommended that the school district work with BC Transit directly on the transit concerns and that safety concerns should be referred to the police as appropriate.
Financial Update
Quarterly Financial Update—Q1, 2026
Council received the Quarterly Financial Report for the first quarter of 2026 for information. The report outlines the City’s financial performance against the approved Financial Plan and identifies variances to support decision making.
Council approved amendments to the 2026-2035 Financial Plan to approve increased funding associated with one capital project that is expected to exceed its budget by more than $10,000 and cancel one capital project originally included in the 2026-2035 Financial Plan.
As of the first quarter of 2026, both revenues and expenditures are tracking below budget compared to the same period in the prior year. These variances are largely attributable to timing differences of reserve-related transactions that are expected to occur in later quarters.
Department operating results are within expectations for the first quarter. City operations progressed as planned during Q1, with continued focus on advancing both ongoing projects carried forward from 2025 and new initiatives approved for 2026. Overall, the City is actively managing a broad portfolio of operating and capital projects. Most are underway, some have been completed, and there are a small number of delays or projects that are under review.
2025 Statement of Financial Information
Council approved the 2025 Statement of Financial Information and staff will file the report with the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs, as required by legislation under the Financial Information Act, Community Charter, and Local Government Act.
The City is required to report on all remuneration paid to elected officials, all employees paid in excess of $75,000 annually and all contractors paid in excess of $25,000 per year. Individuals or organizations not meeting the thresholds identified within regulation are combined and presented in aggregate on their applicable schedules.
The total amount paid to employees and Council as remuneration and expenditures in 2025 was $30.4 million (2024 – $27.1 million). The total amount paid to external suppliers in 2025 was $59.9 million (2024 – $67.1 million). Excluded from the Schedule of Suppliers of Goods and Services are the contributions in community grants. In 2025, there were seven local organizations that received grants over $25,000, which totaled $707,500. There were nine local organizations that received $25,000 or less, which totaled $73,100. Total contributions in community grants in 2025 was $780,660.
User Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw
Council give first, second, and third readings to Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 4023, 2026. The amendment corrects an administrative oversight from the recent consolidation of bylaws by updating sewer and water rates for commercial and institutional users. The revisions align with rates previously approved by Council in late 2025, and which have not yet been implemented.
Community Planning and Livability Update
Official Community Plan Bylaw
Council considered the draft Official Community Plan (OCP) at a Special Council meeting on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. At that meeting, Council provided feedback to staff on changes they wished to see incorporated into the plan. Staff subsequently revised the document and brought it back to Council on Thursday, June 11, 2026, where Council gave the draft plan first and second readings.
The draft plan and proposed changes and amendments are available in the staff report on the June 11, 2026, Regular Council Agenda.
The draft Official Community Plan provides a modern, legislatively compliant, and community-informed framework to guide Campbell River’s growth over the next 20 years. Direction from Council at this stage helps ensure the final document reflects local priorities while positioning the City to meet provincial requirements, manage growth strategically, and improve implementation and 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 Campbellton.
- 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 referral process, staff have also circulated the draft OCP to key external agencies, including School District 72, Strathcona Regional District, Vancouver Island Health Authority, Ministry of Transportation and Transit, the Agricultural Land Commission, and local First Nations. A public hearing will be held prior to adoption of the OCP, the hearing is anticipated during the week of July 13 to 16, 2026, with final adoption targeted for late July or early August.
Visit Official Community Plan | Get Involved Campbell River for more information and to view the draft OCP.
Community Beautification Grant Applications and Proposed Partnering Agreements
Council approved in principle three 2026 partnering agreements for community beautification. The program will provide $10,000 in matching funds to the Campbellton Neighbourhood Association, $14,978.50 in matching funds to the Downtown Business Improvement Association and $10,000 in matching funds to the Willow Point Business Improvement Association. Improvements will include maintaining planters, roadside landscaping and cleanups, maintaining downtown cigarette butt receptacles, installing art, repairing heritage signs, hosting community events and more.
The proposed partnering agreements will be brought back for final consideration by Council following completion of the statutory notification requirements.
Hilchey Corridor Safety and Bike Lane Review
Council received a report with options for moving forward with safety and bike lane upgrades along Hilchey Road and increased the 2026 budget for cycling infrastructure to $750,000, $236,333 of which is to be allocated from the Carbon Neutral Reserve.
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 approved the following changes:
- Create a neighbourhood bikeway along Penfield, Parkway and Simms roads that includes separated, two-way bike lanes on Hilchey Road, between Dogwood Street and Penfield Road
- 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” to review further safety improvements to Hilchey Road near Penfield Elementary School. The assessment will be considered as part of 2027 Financial Planning and completed as a 2027 implementation priority. In the meantime, Council directed staff to take steps to implement a temporary speed reduction for a school zone in front of Penfield School on Hilchey Road, between Penfield Road and Fern Drive. The temporary speed reduction would remain in place until the end of the school year.
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.
Development Services Update
Zoning Amendment Bylaw
Council gave Zoning Bylaw Amendment No.4021, 2026 first, second and third readings. The bylaw proposes to rezone the property at 1940 Willis Road from RM 2 to RM 4 to facilitate the development of two apartment buildings. Prior to adoption, the applicant will be required to register a Section 219 covenant to secure grading of the northern portion of the site and installation of a crosswalk at Willis Road and Fisher Road, and provide a cash contribution of $500 per dwelling unit towards park improvements. Prior to adoption, the owner must also dedicate 2.5 metres of road frontage along Willis Road and 10 metres at the rear of the property for future road connection. The proposed amendment aligns with the OCP. Submitted correspondence was received by Council.
Cannabis Retail Store Licence Application
Council supported issuing a cannabis retail store licence at Unit A and B, 859 12th Avenue. Notices were delivered to neighbouring property owners and tenants, and Council considered the public feedback received. Staff will advise the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch of Council’s support for the licence.
Community Safety Update
Fire Dispatch Centre Renovations
Council approved renovations to the Fire Dispatch Centre in the amount of $96,000 and amendments to the 2026-2035 financial plan as required. The renovations will ensure the dispatch space meets current and future operational needs and ergonomic requirements. Staff at the Fire Dispatch Centre provide services to 81 fire departments. The City has been providing services on behalf of the North Island 9-1-1 Corporation since 1995. The City and North Island 9-1-1 are taking a shared funding approach to renovations and upgrades to the Fire Dispatch Centre.
Economic Development Update
Destination Campbell River 5-Year Strategic Plan
Council endorsed the draft Destination Campbell River 5-Year Strategic Plan. Partners & Hawes developed a draft five-year strategy for Destination Campbell River (the City’s destination marketing brand), informed by input from Council, local accommodation providers, tourism stakeholders, and Indigenous owned businesses. The draft strategy establishes the long term direction for tourism in Campbell River. A draft of the 5-Year Strategic Plan has been shared with community partners and their feedback is being incorporated. A revised report will be brought back for Council’s consideration in July 2026, and staff will incorporate feedback from Council before submitting the plan to Destination BC.
Mayor and Council Reports
Mayor and members of Council reported that they attended the recent Heritage Conservation Act Consultation Process and the Mayor spoke at an event by the Private Forest Land Owners Association. Council also discussed property tax notices and property tax increases, highlighting the informational sheet that was sent along with property tax notices.
Correspondence
District of Central Saanich’s Request for Provincial Funding
Council received correspondence from Mayor Ryan Windsor, Corporation of the District of Central Saanich, to the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs requesting dedicated provincial fund to support municipalities that achieve provincially mandated housing targets. Council directed staff to report back with information about whether the City is also striving to meet the same goals.
Support for Tanoshii Japan Club Initiative at Carihi School
Council received correspondence from Carrie La Pierre and Nancy Hwang and approved a funding request for $7,000 to support the Tanoshii Japan Club at Carihi. This will be funded through the City’s International Relationship Reserve. The funds will be used to offset costs for an educational trip to Ishikari, Campbell River’s sister city in Japan, and surrounding areas.
Replacement of Facilities at Carihi School
Council received correspondence from the Honourable Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure, responding to Mayor Dahl’s letter of support for the replacement of the gymnasium, drama program area and stage, culinary arts and band room at Carihi school. Minister Ma confirmed that funding to support this project is confirmed in BC Budget 2026 and the Ministry of Infrastructure is working with School District 72 on plans for the project.