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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.
COUNCIL UPDATE
Councillor Johnston Requests a Leave of Absence
Council granted Councillor Tanille Johnston’s request for an unpaid leave of absence from March 21 to May 5, 2025, during the federal election period.
CORPORATE SERVICES UPDATE
Amendments to Council Procedure and Public Notice Bylaws
Council adopted Council Procedure Amendment Bylaw No. 3987, 2025, and Public Notice Amendment Bylaw No. 3988, 2025.
The amended bylaws specify that:
• 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.
• 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 refer readers to the first two posting locations and the public notice board for more information, as shown in the example.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATE
Airport Fees and Charges
Council gave third reading to Airport Operation, Maintenance, and Management Amendment Bylaw No. 3983, 2025. The proposed adjustments to the City of Campbell River Airport’s fee structure look to address operational costs and enhance revenue generation. Key recommendations include:
• Aircraft fees
• Fuel incentives
• Miscellaneous and callout fees
• Parking fees
If approved by Council, the proposed changes would come into effect on May 1, 2025, and are projected to increase annual revenue by approximately $61,500. No fee changes are proposed for commercial airlines, maintaining affordability for commercial passengers.
BC Air Access Program Grant Application for Accessibility Improvements
Council approved the Campbell River Airport’s (YBL’s) BC Air Access Program (BCAAP) grant application. If the grant application is approved, the funds would be used to improve accessibility at the airport by purchasing an accessibility ramp to provide safe boarding and deplaning for passengers who have mobility challenges. This is a cost-sharing grant. The total estimated project cost is $87,000. The City has committed to contributing $26,100 and is requesting $60,900 from BCAAP. If the grant request is successful, the City has committed to contributing $26,100 from the Airport Reserve and would request $60,900 from BCAAP.
COMMUNITY SAFETY UPDATE
2025 UBCM Emergency Support Services Regional Grant Opportunity
Council directed staff to work in partnership with the Strathcona Regional District (SRD) to apply to the Union of BC Municipalities for funding under the 2025 Community Emergency Preparedness Fund Emergency Support Services and Emergency Operation Centre grant programs. The SRD will apply on the City’s behalf, and the City and the SRD will also collaborate with various municipalities and First Nations. If successful, the funding will be towards network improvements at the Sportsplex, including Wi-Fi capacity. This will strengthen local emergency response capabilities, particularly during times when group lodging or a regional reception centre is required. This initiative aims to support local communities and First Nations in delivering efficient and effective emergency support services locally in Campbell River.
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES UPDATE
Remedial Notice for 184 Erickson Road
Council directed staff to require the property owners of 184 Erickson Road to comply with a remedial notice and provide the City with an arborist’s assessment and a qualified environmental professional’s memo, under Environmental Protection Bylaw No. 3551, 2014. City staff are authorized to implement the actions required in the remedial notice, including any recommendations contained in the qualified environmental professional’s memo, if required. Council received correspondence from the property owners regarding the remedial action requirements.
Council directed staff to review Eagle Tree Development Permit requirements through the Official Community Plan update process.
Non-Medical Cannabis Retail Licence for 1861B Island Highway
Council supported issuing a non-medical cannabis retail store licence at 1861B Island Highland for an existing non-medical cannabis retail store that is changing locations from 1861A Island Highway to 1861B Island Highway. The proposal is consistent with the Official Community Plan and zoning regulations. As it is a minor location change, the provincial Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch did not require that additional public notification be provided.
CORRESPONDENCE
Letter from the City to Premier Eby
Council directed staff during the closed Committee of the Whole meeting on March 25, to send a letter to Premier David Eby, on behalf of the City, regarding Bill 7, the Economic Stabilization (Tariff Response) Act. The letter encourages the provincial government to introduce provisions that will require legislative consultation and approval for significant actions taken under Bill 7, as well as engagement with municipalities and local businesses. Council acknowledged the need for the provincial government to have mechanisms available to respond swiftly to economic challenges such as international trade disputes but also expressed concern that some of the proposed provisions may inadvertently centralize authority and diminish the role of the Legislative Assembly. The City remains committed to collaborating with the Province to foster Campbell River’s economic resilience.
AVICC Request for Feedback
Council received correspondence from Ben Geselbracht, Association of Vancouver Island Coastal Communities (AVICC) President, requesting feedback as part of an initiative to modernize the Local Government Act. Council referred the request to staff to explore opportunities and report back to Council.