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.
MAYOR AND COUNCIL UPDATE
Blue Hat Memorial Project
Council is supporting the installation of a commemorative art installation, The Blue Hat Memorial Project: 50,000 Flags, at ʔUxstalis (Tyee Spit) to recognize the ongoing impacts of the opioid crisis across Canada.
The installation is a Council initiative created by artist and Councillor Ron Kerr. The display will include 36,000 blue flags, which represent the approximate number of unregulated drug deaths of men and boys in Canada since the beginning of the opioid crisis in 2016. This represents around 75 per cent of the total unregulated drug deaths in Canada. This display will also include 14,000 purple flags to represent the women and girls whose lives have been lost during this time.
The installation of this initiative is funded through donations from community organizations.
Everyone is also invited to the official opening which will take place on April 15, 2025, at 10 a.m.
Read the full news release at www.campbellriver.ca/news-releases for more information.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATE
Destination Campbell River - 2024 MRDT Program Annual Performance Report and Tourism Highlights
Council approved the Destination Campbell River - 2024 MRDT Program Annual Performance Report from the Economic Development and Indigenous Relations Department. Council directed staff to submit the report to Destination BC by May 31, 2025, as required by Destination British Columbia.
Highlights from the 2024 tourism season include:
- Campbell River hosted the 4VI Tourism Vancouver Island Showcase event, which welcomed representatives from 20 of Canada’s largest tour operators to the city.
- Naturally Pacific Resort officially opened, bringing a new luxury resort experience with 100 guest rooms and extensive travel media interest to Campbell River.
- The BC Trek Gravel Series and BC Bike Race staged events in Campbell River.
- Campbell River was featured as a travel destination in National Geographic, Conde Nast Travel, Travel & Leisure Magazine, and many other high-profile travel publications.
- Destination BC’s wildly popular “Top Places to Spot Whales in BC” online article featured Campbell River.
Airport Fees and Charges
Council adopted Airport Operation, Maintenance, and Management Amendment Bylaw No. 3983, 2025. The adjustments to the City of Campbell River Airport’s fee structure look to address operational costs and enhance revenue generation. Key updates include:
- Aircraft fees
- Fuel incentives
- Miscellaneous and callout fees
- Parking fees
The changes 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.
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES UPDATE
Zoning Amendment at 375 2nd Avenue
Council gave Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3989, 2025, which provides a site-specific text amendment to permit 'apartment' as a use at 375 2nd Avenue, first, second and third reading.
This amendment would permit a development on the hospital grounds of up to two stories that would provide residential accommodation for healthcare professionals and accommodation for families that need lodging while staying with a family member in hospital. The proposed development is located on top of the ridge between the hospital parkade and residential properties on Panorama Crescent.
If adopted, garbage and recycling receptacles for the development will be located away from the existing residential properties as much as is practical.
Accessory Dwelling Unit Permit Fee Clarification
Council gave Building Bylaw Amendment No. 3990, 2025 first, second, and third reading, as recommended in the report from the Long Range Planning Department regarding Minor Amendment to Building Bylaw - Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Permit Fee Clarification.
The minor housekeeping amendment to the Building Bylaw clarifies that the temporary fee waiver for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) applies only to the building permit fee and does not extend to other fees, such as development cost charges. A definition for ADU is also being added to the bylaw to support consistent administration and align with the intent of the original bylaw amendment adopted by Council in September 2024.
CORRESPONDENCE
Future of Local Forest Industry Letter
Council received correspondence from Mayor Leonard Krog, City of Nanaimo, and Mayor Rob Douglas, Municipality of North Cowichan, to the Honourable Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests, regarding the future of the local forest industry. The letter highlights the forest sector as a major local economic driver, raises concerns over current projections, and calls for commitments to Annual Allowable Cuts and streamlined permitting regulatory processes. Council supported the letter and directed staff to add Mayor Dahl’s support and signature.