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 and We Wai Kai First Nations.
DELEGATIONS/PRESENTATIONS
Energy Landscape Study of Northern Vancouver Island
Sebastian Patton presented the Energy Landscape Study of Northern Vancouver Island to Council. This study assesses energy supply and consumption in the region, future projections, and infrastructure readiness and makes recommendations for the future. Council received the study and presentation for information.
80th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands
Pieter Koeleman, Marie-Louise Mulder, and Jacob Koomen, 80th Anniversary Committee, presented on the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands by Allied forces during the Second World War. May 5 is an official holiday in the Netherlands and a Dutch Heritage Day in Canada. On May 5, 2025, commemorative events in Campbell River will mark the occasion. A flag raising and ceremony will take place at the Cenotaph with members of the Royal Canadian Legion, and there will be a flag raising at City Hall (301 St. Ann’s Road).
COMMUNITY PLANNING AND LIVABILITY UPDATE
Transit Future Action Plan Update
Seth Wright, Senior Manager, Government Relations, and Jacob Burnley, Transit Planner, BC Transit, presented the Transit Future Action Plan: Update to Council. The Transit Future Action Plan, which is being developed in partnership with the City, will identify transit service and infrastructure improvements over the next five to seven years. Subject to future Council endorsement and funding, potential improvements being reviewed include:
- Improved evening service and the introduction of expanded statutory holiday service
- Improved inter-regional service between Campbell River and the Comox Valley
- Increased service frequency along Routes 1, 2 and 3
- Expansion of transit service to the airport and Ocean Grove (via route 15)
- Improved service to Shelter Point and Stories Beach (via route 6)
- Improved service to Quinsam Heights (via route 8)
Council received the update for information and provided comments, particularly support for service level improvements along the Number 1 (Dogwood Street) bus route, which will be incorporated as the plan is developed.
Official Community Plan Update — Communications and Engagement Strategy
The City is conducting a comprehensive review and update of its Official Community Plan (OCP) to guide growth and development in the community over the next 20 years. The OCP is the strategic vision for the future of Campbell River— it guides how neighbourhoods are designed, how people move around the community, how land is used, and the amenities the City provides.
The last full review of the OCP took place in 2012, with minor updates made in 2015. Since then, Campbell River has experienced rapid growth and other significant changes, making this OCP review timely for addressing the community’s current priorities. The Province requires municipalities to review and update their OCPs by December 31, 2025.
Nancy Henderson, from Urban Systems, presented a proposed Communications and Engagement Strategy to Council. The strategy includes plans to collect community input through a community survey, interest-holder workshops and open houses. Council endorsed the plan and a report on strategic direction will be brought back to Council in the future.
Parking Time Limit on Shoppers Row
Council approved increasing the parking time limit in all one-hour zones downtown to two hours, as requested by the Campbell River Downtown Business Improvement Association (Downtown BIA). The change is intended to support downtown businesses. The City will work with the Downtown BIA to notify affected businesses and will monitor how often parking stalls are used after the change is implemented.
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES UPDATE
Update to Storm Drain and Sanitary Sewer Connection Bylaws
Council gave first, second and third readings to Sanitary Sewer System Connections Amendment Bylaw No. 3981, 2025, and Storm Drain System Connections Amendment Bylaw No. 3982, 2025. These bylaws specify when properties must connect to the City’s systems and the cost for the work if it’s performed by the City. The existing charges are dated and do not cover the actual cost incurred by the City on the rare occasions when it is required to complete this work on behalf of property owners. The proposed bylaw amendments would update all charges to capture the City’s actual cost, plus a 10 per cent administrative fee.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATE
Airport Fees and Charges
Council gave first and second readings to Airport Operation, Maintenance, and Management Amendment Bylaw No. 3983, 2025. The proposed adjustments to the City of Campbell River Airport’s fee structure would look to address operational costs and enhance revenue generation. Key recommendations include:
- Aircraft fees
- Fuel incentives
- Miscellaneous and callout fees
- Parking fees
If approved by Council, the proposed changes would come into effect on April 1, 2025, and are projected to increase annual revenue by approximately $61,500. No fee changes are proposed for commercial airlines, maintaining affordability for commercial passengers.
Airport 2025 Tactical Plan
Council endorsed the Airport's 2025 Annual Tactical Plan, a roadmap designed to advance the Airport’s strategic goals of fostering economic growth, enhancing operational efficiency and building strong partnerships throughout 2025. The plan supports the Airport’s vision of being a thriving transportation hub that meets regional needs and fosters innovation in the aviation industry. Initiatives in the plan are organized under four key strategic objectives:
- Nurture a Positive Business Climate: Focus on enhancing services for aviation businesses, securing new air routes, and upgrading essential infrastructure, such as jet fuel systems and terminal facilities.
- Foster a Culture of Innovation: Promote sustainable aviation technologies, invest in low-carbon infrastructure, and expand community engagement through amenities like the public observation deck.
- Prioritize Open, Transparent, and Effective Marketing Initiatives: Implement a targeted marketing plan and launch a bi-annual Airport newsletter to inform and engage stakeholders.
- Build Strong Partnerships: Strengthen relationships with tenants, government agencies, and developers through open houses, outreach programs, and improved resources for land development at the Airport.
CORRESPONDENCE
Letter of Support for BC Association of Farmers' Markets
Council approved sending a letter of support for the BC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program following a request from Heather O'Hara, Executive Director, and Wylie Bystedt, Board Chair, BC Association of Farmers' Markets.
Letter of Support for Rivercity Inclusion
Following a request from Sue Reid, Program Director, Rivercity Inclusion, Council approved sending a letter for support for Rivercity Inclusion’s grant application for funding to purchase two wheelchair accessible vans.
COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS - FEBRUARY 25 AND 27, 2025 - NEWS RELEASE