Help shape the future of Campbell River by completing the survey before May 1, 2025.
The City of Campbell River (the City) is updating its Official Community Plan (OCP). The OCP is a community's strategic vision for the future; it guides how neighbourhoods are designed, how folks move around a community, how land is used, and what amenities the City provides.
The last comprehensive review of Campbell River’s OCP took place in 2012, with minor updates made in 2015. Since that time, Campbell River has seen rapid growth, which is expected to continue over the next several years.
Campbell River is home to around 35,000 residents and in the next 20 years, the city’s population is expected to grow to around 42,000. It is crucial that planning starts now so that the necessary infrastructure, parks, and amenities are in place to support this growth.
“We have experienced dramatic change since the last Official Community Plan update, with everything from COVID-19, provincial regulation changes related to Bill 44, community growth, economic diversification and so much more. In the face of such rapid change, we need a clear and concise OCP that builds on the strong foundations that we have already set, that will guide us toward an even brighter future,” says Mayor Kermit Dahl. “As we develop this roadmap we want as many Campbell Riverites to contribute as possible so that we capture the community’s collective vision for the future.”
The OCP update process will involve five phases:
• Phase 1 | Background | Completed
• Phase 2 | Vision and Policy Direction | Underway
• Phase 3 | Draft Plan Development | Spring and Summer 2025
• Phase 4 | Plan Refinements | Summer and Fall 2025
• Phase 5 | Finalization | Fall and Winter 2025
Background research has taken place and the City is now looking for the community’s input to help guide the vision and policy direction for the OCP.
Community engagement is essential as the OCP represents the evolving needs of the community and establishes a foundation for the future. There will be numerous opportunities to provide feedback and comments during the various phases of the 2025 OCP update.
“The Official Community Plan update affects everyone who calls Campbell River home, and I encourage all residents to take this opportunity to provide feedback on what they enjoy about living in Campbell River and what changes they’d most like to see,” says Andy Gaylor, Director of Community Planning and Livability. “This document will assist staff in advising Council and help inform future decision making.”
Visit getinvolved.campbellriver.ca to complete the survey before May 1, 2025, or pick one up from a City facility.
Watch the OCP launch video and subscribe for updates to stay informed on this project.