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.
DELEGATIONS/PRESENTATIONS
BC Salmon Farmers Association Presentation and Reports
(Presented during the Committee of the Whole meeting on February 11, 2025.)
Brian Kingzett, Executive Director of BC Salmon Farmers Association, updated Council on the B.C. salmon farming sector and the impacts of the Draft Transition Plan and process. Kingzett highlighted the need for sustainable development in this important sector, noted the crucial role salmon farming plays in B.C.’s economy, environment and food production, and expressed concern about investment and other challenges.
Kingzett’s presentation highlighted that in 2022, aquaculture generated approximately $1.3 billion in sales and 7,000 jobs in British Columbia. It offers over 400 jobs in Campbell River and supports many others. This industry is vital to Campbell River's economy; it provides economic stability and plays a key role in producing sustainable seafood for local and international markets.
Understanding the importance of this industry and the proactive steps needed to ensure its growth and success, Council directed staff to request a meeting with British Columbia Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, Randene Neill, and Minister Diana Gibson, Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, and Premier David Eby to explore opportunities for collaboration, identify challenges, and develop actionable plans to ensure the sustainability and expansion of the aquaculture sector in our region.
Council also received the BC Salmon Farmers Association Sector Overview and the Economic and Financial Impacts of the Draft Transition Plan for BC Salmon Farms. View the BC Salmon Farmers Association's Modern Salmon Farming in BC: A Review at www.bcsalmonfarmers.ca/science-review/.
City Update on U.S. Tariffs
Mayor Dahl shared a video where he speaks to the challenges surrounding potential U.S. tariffs. Dahl shares how local businesses and residents can prepare for the impacts that these additional duties and fees could have, and how the City is preparing and actively supporting the community.
Watch the full video at Campbell River Business Resources or email invest@campbellriver.ca to learn more about available City support.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATES
Airport Fees and Charges
(Presented during the Committee of the Whole meeting on February 11, 2025.)
Council received a report on Airport Fees and Charges that looked to address operational costs and enhance revenue generation.
Council directed staff to move forward with all fees proposed in the Airport Operation, Maintenance, and Management Amendment Bylaw No. 3983, 2024 except for the lease fees, which will be further reviewed by staff. The Airport Operation, Maintenance, and Management Amendment Bylaw No. 3983, 2024 will be brought back for Council's consideration at a future meeting.
Airport 2025 Tactical Plan
(Presented during the Committee of the Whole meeting on February 11, 2025.)
Council endorses the City of Campbell River Airport's 2025 Annual Tactical Plan; a roadmap designed to advance the Airport’s strategic goals of fostering economic growth, enhancing operational efficiency, and building strong partnerships throughout 2025. Initiatives in the plan are organized under four key strategic objectives:
1. Nurture a Positive Business Climate: Focus on enhancing services for aviation businesses, securing new air routes, and upgrading essential infrastructure, such as jet fuel systems and terminal facilities.
2. Foster a Culture of Innovation: Promote sustainable aviation technologies, invest in low-carbon infrastructure, and expand community engagement through amenities like the public observation deck.
3. Prioritize Open, Transparent, and Effective Marketing Initiatives: Implement a targeted marketing plan and launch a bi-annual Airport newsletter to inform and engage the YBL community.
4. Build Strong Partnerships: Strengthen relationships with tenants, government agencies, and developers through open houses, outreach programs, and improved resources for land development at the Airport.
CORPORATE SERVICES UPDATE
Amendments to Council Procedure and Public Notice Bylaws
Council gave first and second readings to Council Procedure Amendment Bylaw No. 3987, 2025, and Public Notice Amendment Bylaw No. 3988, 2025. Council had previously directed staff to implement changes in the public notice process and amend the Public Notice and Council Procedure bylaws at the Committee of the Whole meeting on January 28, 2025.
City practices look to meet all requirements in the Community Charter and Local Government Act and to inform the public in modern, effective, flexible and efficient ways. This helps foster open, transparent and accessible public communications.
The proposed bylaw amendments include:
• Two required public notices will be posted: one on the City’s social media channels and another on the City’s website.
• A third notice will be posted in the local newspaper. This notice will be concise and refer readers to the first two posting locations and the public notice board for more information.
• The public notice posting place will be the agenda holder in the foyer at City Hall (301 St. Ann’s Road) and a public notice board outside of City Hall.