Attend the ideas fair on January 25 or complete the online survey.

The City of Campbell River has begun the process of updating the Quinsam Heights Neighbourhood Plan (QHNP) that will guide future growth in the area. The process will consist of three phases: Phase 1 – Background Research and Baseline, Phase 2 – Vision, Values and Goals and Phase 3 – Draft and Final Plan. The plan will involve engagement with community partners, Council and the public throughout the process to ensure its goals, policies and growth strategy are technically sound, match Council’s strategic priorities, and meets the needs of the community. The plan is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2023.

WHY IS AN UPDATED PLAN NEEDED?

In 2019, the City completed a required Housing Growth Review, which identified Quinsam Heights as an appropriate neighbourhood for sensitive infill and redevelopment of suitable underdeveloped land. Since 2016, the population of Campbell River has grown steadily at an annual average growth rate of approximately 1.5% (Statistics Canada). A key objective of the QHNP will be to develop a land use strategy to explore a diversity of housing types that will not only address the changing needs of the community but also housing affordability. The plan’s housing strategy will consist of a mix of single-family dwellings, duplexes and townhomes, residential suites, and apartment buildings that will integrate within the existing neighbourhood. The strategy will also explore opportunities for small-scale neighbourhood commercial uses such as a café, corner store, etc., and amenities such as a community hall, small parks and a new school.

“The number of privately owned new housing units breaking ground in Campbell River has far outpaced community growth projections in recent months. The shift in anticipated growth and the demand for housing in the city has affected affordability and availability," says Jason Locke, Long Range Planning and Sustainability Manager. “Infill and redevelopment of lands, through the Quinsam Heights Neighbourhood Plan, presents a unique opportunity to address the city’s housing needs and provide community amenities for the area. We are asking residents to share their ideas and goals for the area so that the plan develops with the community's vision in mind."

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

There will be multiple opportunities for the community to engage and provide input throughout the project.

The City invites residents to join the first round of in-person community engagements on January 25 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Community Centre, 401-11^th Avenue. This drop-in style ideas fair open house will encourage residents to share their vision for the future of Quinsam Heights, including issues and opportunities that the plan should address. Attendees will also learn about the QHNP process and timelines.

An online survey is also available at getinvolved.campbellriver.ca and residents are encouraged to complete it by February 8, 2023. Get Involved Campbell River is the City’s new online engagement platform where residents can learn about, share ideas, and provide feedback on featured City projects. To Get Involved, register, complete the survey, and stay up to date on the latest QHNP developments and other featured City projects.

PROJECT ADVISORY TEAM

The City has also established a Project Advisory Team (PAT) consisting of local organizations, community partners, First Nations, and representation from both youth and older adults. City staff will consult the PAT throughout the project as key advisors and a ‘sounding board’ to test ideas and review policy directions and land use strategies prior to developing the draft and final plan.

For more information on the QHNP project, the open house and how to register, or the online survey, visit getinvolved.campbellriver.ca/quinsamheights, email sustainability@campbellriver.ca or call 250-286-5797.

Figure 1: Map of Quinsam Heights Neighbourhood Plan study area

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Contact: Jason Locke, Long Range Planning & Sustainability Manager | 250-286-5797 | Jason.locke@campbellriver.ca