Watch City Council meetings live or view recordings at 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.
Community Planning and Sustainability Updates
Official Community Plan Update
Council received a report and update on the Official Community Plan (OCP), including the review process and what has been learned from community engagement to date. Council endorsed the updated draft OCP Vision, Guiding Principles, and future land use map and designations.
The City is conducting a comprehensive review and update of its 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.
For more information about the OCP review and update, visit getinvolved.campbellriver.ca/official-community-plan.
Community Beautification Grants Applications and Proposed Partnering Agreements
Council approved in principle three 2025 partnering agreements for community beautification. The program will provide $10,000 in matching funds to the Campbellton Neighbourhood Association, $10,000 in matching funds to the Willow Point Business Improvement Association (Willow Point BIA) and $17,566.06 to the Campbell River Downtown Business Improvement Association. Improvements will include planters and flowers, art, events, an updated downtown map, maintenance of cigarette butt receptacles downtown, utility box wraps and more.
The proposed partnering agreements will be brought back for final consideration by Council following completion of the statutory notification requirements.
Community Safety Updates
Draft Community Safety and Wellbeing Action Plan
Council received a presentation and endorsed the Community Safety and Well-Being Action Plan (the Plan).
The Plan incorporates insights and feedback from community partners, social service providers, law enforcement and the general public that was collected throughout 2024. This feedback helped to focus the recommendations, actions and initiatives included in the Plan, which look to enhance safety, sense of safety and overall well-being within Campbell River for all residents and visitors.
The Plan identifies 39 of the most critical actions to be implemented over the next one to two years and identifies the City’s role, including leading, partnering, advocating and/or supporting. The City will lead 17 different projects and initiatives, some of which are already underway. These projects cover housing, homelessness, revitalization of public spaces and collaboration, among other priority areas. Council directed staff to establish a Community Safety Working Group to support the implementation of the actions outlined in the plan, coordinate next steps, monitor progress and measure results.
Visit getinvolved.campbellriver.ca/cswb for more information about the Community Safety and Well-Being Action Plan.
Amendment to Animal Control Bylaw
Council gave first, second and third readings to Animal Control Amendment Bylaw No. 3992, 2025, which formally designates Evergreen Dog Park and Robron Dog Park as official off-leash areas for the purposes of enforcement.
The City, in partnership with School District 72 (SD72), established these two new, temporary designated off-leash dog parks within the community with an agreement that allows for this use for up to five years. The agreement outlines that the City will operate and maintain the dog parks, which will be located on SD72 land at:
- the field adjacent to the Robron Rotary Field House, accessible via Birch Street South, and
- the corner of Petersen Road and Evergreen Road.
The new dog parks will open in the summer of 2025 and will operate on the same schedule as the Penfield Dog Park and open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Operations Updates
Erickson Road Phase One ― Utility Renewal Project Update
Council received a presentation and report with an update about Phase One of the Erickson Road Utility Renewal Project.
Phase One of this project focusses on replacing the aging watermain and improving the storm drainage system in the area, from the Pressure Reducing Valve Station near Nature Park Drive to Larwood Creek Crossing. The project is currently in the planning stage while the archaeological permitting process is underway. Utility-renewal work is anticipated to begin in August 2025.
Financial Services Updates
Quarterly Financial Report ― Q1, 2025
Council received the City’s Quarterly Financial Report― Q1, 2025, for information. The report measures the City’s financial performance against the Financial Plan and outlines any notable differences in revenue and expenses as compared to the budget. Overall financial results for the City’s departmental operating budgets are within expectation for the first quarter (Q1) of 2025.
Q1 revenues totalled eight per cent of the budget and Q1 operational expenses totalled 24.6 per cent of the budget. City operations were carried out as scheduled, and work on projects carried forward from 2024, as well as new capital and operating projects, continued as budgeted for 2025.
Seventy-three operating projects were approved during 2025 Financial Planning; three have been completed or are substantially complete, 66 are in progress and four have been delayed. These projects have a combined budget of $7.86 million, and $633,000, or 8.1 per cent of the budget, had been spent at the time of this report.
One hundred and fifteen capital projects were approved in 2025. Six are complete or substantially complete, 96 are in progress, 13 have been delayed. These projects have a budget of $66.98 million, and $2.58 million, or 3.9 per cent of the budget, had been spent at the time of this report.
Delayed or incomplete operating and capital projects that were not completed in 2024 were carried forward in the 2025-2034 Financial Plan.
Corporate Services Updates
City of Campbell River 2024 Annual Report
Council approved the 2024 Annual Report.
The City of Campbell River published its draft 2024 Annual Report on June 11, 2025. The report offers an overview of City activities and financial statements, as required by the Community Charter.
The financial statements and year-end results demonstrate that the City’s financial position continues to increase, with a focus on continuing to deliver over 100 services to a growing community, enhancing services and amenities, and investing in infrastructure through tax and user fee increases.
The report identifies the core services the City provides and highlights the progress made towards Council’s 2023 to 2026 Strategic Plan in 2024.
The 2024 Annual Report, alongside archived editions, is available online at campbellriver.ca/annual-report, and paper copies are available upon request in City Hall.
Development Services Updates
OCP and Zoning Amendments to Establish Riparian Setbacks and Protection Measures
Council gave first and second readings to Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 3994, 2025, and Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3995, 2025, that will establish setbacks and protection measures for ditches within City rights of ways.
These measures would offer a level of riparian protection that aligns with the Riparian Areas Protection Regulation (RAPR) and streamline the process for property owners doing work on their property with adjacent roadside ditches.
Council directed staff to proceed with scheduling public hearings for both amendment bylaws.
Development Cost Charge Draft Rates and Municipal Assist Factor
Council received a report about, and endorsed, proposed updates to the City’s development cost charge (DCC) rates and a proposed municipal assist factor of one per cent.
The City is undertaking a review and update of its DCC projects and rates. DCCs are intended to help to pay the cost of new infrastructure and facilities needed to accommodate future growth.
The City’s proposed new rates are in line with those of comparable communities. More information about the proposed DCC rates and municipal assist factor are available in the Development Cost Charge Draft Rates and Municipal Assist Factor report that’s on the agenda for the June 26, 2025, Regular Council meeting at campbellriver.civicweb.net.
Council directed staff to begin engagement, which will be conducted before the Development Cost Charges Bylaw is brought to Council for its first three readings.
Development Permit for 502 Island Highway South
Council approved a major development permit with variances to construct a five-storey, 16-unit, multi-family building at 502 Island Highway South.
As part of the proposal, the applicant is requesting to vary sections of Zoning Bylaw 3250, 2006, to:
- Reduce the side yard setback from 3 metres to 2.35 metres and the front yard setback from 7.5 metres to 5.6 metres
- Reduce visitor parking from three parking stalls to two parking stalls
- Increase the height of a retaining element on a residential parcel from 1.5 metres to 3.9 metres at the rear of the property
Council also approved executing an encroachment agreement between the City and the property owner for the proposed landscaping that is situated within the City’s road right of way.
Written correspondence was received and considered by Council.
Proposed Telecommunications Tower at 1800 Alder Street South
Council supported the siting and design of a 30-metre telecommunications tower and installation of associated equipment at 1800 Alder Street South. Cypress Land Services Inc., on behalf of TELUS, is seeking to replace an existing 25-metre field light with a 30-metre light pole with nine antennas and an equipment shelter to improve service coverage in the Willow Point area, for the general public.
Communication providers are regulated by the Federal Government. The City may make recommendations about siting and design, but the installation and operation of towers fall under federal jurisdiction.
Correspondence
Campbell River & District Collaborative Services Committee Regarding Complex Care Housing
Council received correspondence from the Campbell River & District Collaborative Services Committee (CSC) regarding complex care housing. Mayor Dahl acknowledged the letter and supported the call to the BC Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs and the Ministry of Health to address the critical need for complex care housing in Campbell River. While acknowledging and supporting this need, Mayor Dahl also highlighted that the letter inaccurately represented the relocation efforts and progress for former tenants of Harbourside Inn, adding that every resident that required support and provided consent has been offered housing should they want it — many with improved supports, accessibility, and proximity to services and family. The Mayor thanked City staff and partners for their work to complete assessments ad match individuals with better housing.
Mayor and Council will keep calling on the Province and other levels of government to step up and deliver the supports Campbell River needs and deserves.
Indigenous Survivors Day — National Blanket Ceremony Day
Council proclaimed June 30, 2025, as Indigenous Survivors Day ― National Blanket Ceremony Day as requested in correspondence from Troy Abromaitis that was received at the May 22, 2025, Regular Council meeting.
2SLGBTQIA+ Pride Day
Council proclaimed June 28, 2025, as 2SLGBTQIA+ Pride Day as requested in correspondence from the North Island Pride Society that was received at the May 8, 2025, Regular Council meeting.
Council and Committee Meeting Highlights - June 24 and 26 2025 - News Release