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.
Finance Update
2026 Permissive Tax Exemption Recommendations
Council gave first and second readings to Permissive Exemption from Taxation Bylaw No. 3998, 2025.
The City’s Permissive Tax Exemption (PTE) program supports local organizations that operate community arts, culture, recreation, social, emergency, and spiritual facilities and programs that enhance quality of life in Campbell River.
For 2026, the City received 114 PTE applications, which were reviewed using the new Financial Assistance Policy (FAP) eligibility and evaluation criteria. Following Council direction and informed by staff recommendations:
• 88 applications are proposed to receive a 100% exemption
• 8 applications are proposed to receive a 50% exemption
• 18 applications are not recommended and are not included in the proposed bylaw
• The total value of proposed exemptions is $592,586.
Throughout 2024, the City developed and adopted the FAP, which consolidates policies for grants, PTEs, and leases into a single framework. The policy streamlines processes, improves transparency and accountability, and expands financial assistance across sectors.
To ease the transition, staff engaged with organizations throughout 2024 and 2025, hosted two open houses, and brought the Thriving Non-Profits program to Campbell River to help local charities and non-profits build financial resilience.
Council also directed staff to send a letter to the Strathcona Regional District, requesting the creation of a Regional Grant Policy to support organizations serving the broader region.
The City recognizes that some organizations may experience challenges during this transition. The FAP represents an important move toward ensuring long-term financial sustainability and responsible fiscal management.
PTEs must be approved by bylaw and submitted to BC Assessment by October 31, 2025, in accordance with the Community Charter. The bylaw will be considered for third reading on October 9, 2025. Any community feedback received will be shared with Council.
Following Council direction, staff will follow up with several organizations that are not currently recommended for funding about their applications before the Council meeting on October 9, 2025.
Development Services Updates
Major Development Permit with Variance and Flood Hazard Development Permit Area at 1500 Island Highway
Council approved Major Development Permit with Variance and Flood Hazard Development Permit No. P2500046 for 1500 Island Highway. The permit includes a variance to reduce the minimum allowable setback adjacent to a road or highway from 4.5 metres to 2.16 metres. This variance is applicable only to a specified, existing building on the property.
Development Variance Permit for 320 Petersen Road
Council approved Development Variance Permit No. P2500027 to reduce the minimum allowable rear-yard setback from 7.5 metres to 4.31 metres at 320 Petersen Road, for construction of a five-unit townhome. This variance brings the five-unit townhome into zoning compliance.
Delegations/Presentations
Update on the Campbellton Loop and Associated Trails Project
Council received a presentation from Laurel Cronk, Chair of Campbellton Neighbourhood Association and Project Manager of the Campbellton Loop and Associated Trails project. The Campbellton Loop is a 7.2-kilometre loop that features gathering spaces, information stations, storytelling and art. The presentation highlighted the Campbellton Loop and Associated Trails project’s progress over the past two years and thanked the City for its support.
Responding to a request from Cronk, Council directed staff to explore options for providing $30,000 to fund the completion of the loop’s Riverfront Viewing Platform. Completion of the platform is dependent on a tenure application permit approval from the Province.