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.
COMMUNITY SAFETY UPDATE
Update on Extreme Weather Planning for the 2024/2025 Cold Weather Season
Council received a report from the City of Campbell River Fire Department regarding extreme weather planning for the 2024/2025 cold weather season. The City’s role in extreme weather response is mandated under the Emergency and Disaster Management Act. The City is required to activate emergency response procedures when temperature thresholds are reached or during a public health emergency. Council approved the City’s Extreme Weather Plan (EWP) in December 2022, which sets out the City’s overall response to extreme weather events. It seeks to minimize health and safety risks, particularly for vulnerable populations. The EWP was created in collaboration with Strathcona Regional District (SRD) and supplements the SRD’s Master Emergency Plan.
Council authorized the City Manager, or their designate, to open warming centres in the Campbell River Community Centre, or an alternative location, on an as-needed basis during this and subsequent winter seasons. The City may open an overnight warming centre, at the City Manager’s discretion, on evenings when temperatures of -4 degrees Celsius are forecast by Environment Canada or when low temperature, rainfall or storm events trigger the City’s EWP.
Funding for the warming centres is provided by the Province, through Emergency Management Climate Readiness, and by the City.
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES UPDATE
Rezoning of 4405 Island Highway
Council adopted Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3957, 2024. This bylaw contains a text amendment to the current Industrial Two (I-2) zoned parcel at 4405 Island Highway to permit all uses permitted within the Industrial One (I-1) Zone; which would allow a proposed Renewable Energy and Fuel Facility (hydrogen production, biofuel). It also adds the following new uses: Indoor Agriculture, Plants; Renewable Energy and Fuel Facility; and Data Centre. The subject property holds a land use designation from the Official Community Plan (OCP) as Business and Industrial Service. The site-specific text amendment meets the purpose and intent of the OCP land use designation. Staff provided the required statutory notifications.
At a previous meeting, staff highlighted that the proposal is for green hydrogen production that does not emit greenhouse gases or pollutants (carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, or sulphur oxides). If the project proceeds as outlined in the application, the initial phase would be the approximate size of a shipping container with full build out estimated to occupy five per cent of the former mill site.
Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3978
Council received a presentation from staff and gave first and second readings to Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3978, 2024. The bylaw proposes modifications to select uses and definitions in Zoning Bylaw No. 3250, 2006, to provide clarity around the types of uses that are permitted, and to better align with and meet objectives of the Official Community Plan, the Refresh Downtown Plan and Council’s Strategic Priorities which support downtown revitalization, crime reduction and livability.
Proposed amendments would prohibit uses such as supervised consumption sites and other social care facilities, escort services, massage parlours, motels, gas stations and vehicle sales in existing commercial zones in the downtown core, east of Dogwood Street. These uses are not considered to align with efforts to revitalize the City’s downtown; the bylaw aims to enhance the overall downtown experience by encouraging its redevelopment as a pedestrian oriented community gathering place, and address community-safety concerns raised by local businesses and community members. Existing businesses affected by the proposed amendments will be permitted to continue operating at their existing location, as these uses would be considered “legally non-conforming.”
A public hearing will take place at 6 p.m., on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, in Council Chambers at City Hall. To speak during the public hearing, contact the City Clerk’s office via email info@campbellriver.ca or call 250-286-5700. Written submissions, quoting file number P2400068, will be received no later than 4 p.m.
MAYOR AND COUNCIL REPORTS
Mayor Dahl addressed the City’s 2025 budget and associated misconceptions within the community. Dahl highlighted Council’s commitment to keeping the tax increase under 3.5 per cent, which was made at the Committee of the Whole meeting on October 22, 2024, despite significant pressures from inflation and large contractual commitments outside the City’s control. Staff will report back on necessary changes to the budget to keep it in line with this direction at the Committee of the Whole meeting on November 19.
Campbell Riverites interested in the City budget were encouraged to tune into the Committee of the Whole meeting on November 19 and budget deliberations on December 3 for the latest on the City Budget 2025.
CORRESPONDENCE
Proposed Geographical Name Changes
In response to correspondence received at the Regular Council Meeting on September 5, 2024, the City wrote a letter of support to the BC Geographical Names Office regarding an application from Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ Nations (We Wai Kai, Wei Wai Kum and Kwiakah) to change the official names of Discovery Passage to “Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ Passage”, Quinsam River to “Kʷənsəm”, and Tyee Spit to “ʔuxstalis”. This letter was finalized following a presentation from Chief Chris Roberts, Wei Wai Kum First Nation, and Chief Ronnie Chickite, We Wai Kai Nation.
The City values the significance of these proposed changes and recognizes the importance of preserving and respecting the heritage and culture of the Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ people. The letter of support encouraged the Province to hold public information sessions in Campbell River to allow residents to become well-informed and the City hopes to work with the Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ Nations to further community understanding, provide insight into the cultural significance of the name changes and ensure transparency throughout the process. The City also looks forward to collaborating with the Province to ensure a respectful and productive dialogue.
Maritime Heritage Society Request for Funding in 2025
Council received correspondence from Gerrit Keizer, Board President, Maritime Heritage Society, requesting funding of $23,000 in 2025, for operational costs at the Maritime Heritage Centre.
Council and the Community Planning Committee (CPC) have asked for a comprehensive review of the City’s financial assistance and grant policies to ensure they are transparent and reduce subjectivity. Staff will report back with proposed policy changes at the upcoming November 19 Committee of the Whole meeting. Acknowledging the upcoming policy change considerations, Council deferred the request to be considered under the new grant program, which is aiming to review applications in mid-2025.
HIGHLIGHTS of NOVEMBER 7 2024 COUNCIL MEETING - NEWS RELEASE