City Works with Community Partners to Successfully Re-House Over 40 Residential Tenants and to Deliver Hygiene and Food Supports
In late 2024, the City of Campbell River (the City) purchased three properties located downtown, including 1342 Shoppers Row (Harbourside Inn), 1352 Shoppers Row (vacant lot) and 1362 Shoppers Row (commercial building) to support their work to revitalize Downtown Campbell River, increase its livability, animate its streets and reinvigorate its role as a community and cultural hub.
The next phase of the Reimagine the Row Project will begin in the coming weeks as existing tenancies end and the City prepares the building for demolition.
The City, alongside provincial partners like BC Housing and Island Health, has completed vulnerability assessments for all tenants and continues to match tenants with housing that reflects their needs. The City has been able to rehome 40 of the original 45 residents. There are five tenants remaining, the majority of which are currently in the process of transitioning to long-term care or supportive housing. Many relocated residents are experiencing improved living conditions, including better on-site supports, such as accommodating mobility needs and locations that are more desirable—such as housing closer to family members, essential services and community amenities. The City has provided funding and continue to support relocation efforts through rent subsidies and other forms of financial assistance.
To ensure that vulnerable community members are supported, the City is working alongside community partners to close any service gaps that may be created by the end of the tenancies of social service providers.
• The City is organizing a dinner program that will be run by the Salvation Army and provide sandwiches and wraps for takeaway from June 30 to August 31, 2025.
• The City will provide free access to showers at the Community Centre, as well as increasing the number of showers available throughout the day, until August 31, 2025.
• The City will provide $5,000 in funding towards vouchers to local laundromats.
“This project is a significant step forward for our community and we look forward to creating a safer and revitalized downtown,” shared Mayor Kermit Dahl. “This development will enhance the vibrancy of Shoppers Row through reinvesting in our spaces, people and our community. Throughout this project, we have also prioritized the more vulnerable members of our community, including the current residents of Harbourside Inn, who have been receiving continuous rehoming support from the City, and other community members who are reliant on social services. These new meal, laundry and shower programs are just a few of the ways that we are addressing community well-being.”
City staff, Mayor and Council will be at several upcoming community events and pop-ups to engage with Campbell River residents on the Reimagine the Row project and all downtown revitalization and community safety initiatives. The first pop-up will take place on Sunday, June 15, at the Campbell River Farmers Market. The City invites citizens to look out for Mr. Tyee and other City staff to speak about this project, alongside other downtown initiatives. Future dates and locations will be shared on the City’s Get Involved page and posted to City social media channels.
The City is in the process of selecting a development partner, with the proponent expected to be announced in summer 2025. Demolition of the existing buildings will start later in the summer.
More information on the project is available at getinvolved.campbellriver.ca/reimagine-the-row.
Work to Reimagine The Row Progresses - News Release - June 2025