Campbell River Master Transportation Plan

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Update March 2026: The City of Campbell River recently updated its Master Transportation Plan (MTP), a long-term strategy to improve mobility, safety and accessibility across Campbell River's transportation network over the next 10 years. A final draft MTP was presented to and adopted by Council on March 24, 2026.

Watch the Final MTP Presentation to Council

View the final MTP

Highlights of the plan include recommendations for improvements and added infrastructure for roads, sidewalks, cycling, multi-use pathways, transit and supportive policies and programs.

In the short-term (one to three years), the following improvements are planned:

  • Roads
    • Quinsam Heights Transportation Growth Study,
    • Highway 19 new connection feasibility study,
    • Dogwood Street traffic signal timing update,
    • Safety improvements at Highway 19A / Shoppers Row traffic signal, and
    • Better multi-use pathway pavement markings at intersections.
  • Pedestrian infrastructure
    • New sidewalks on 16th Ave, 7th Ave, and Erickson Rd (pending grant funding),
    • New pedestrian connection on 9th Ave between Thulin St and Pier St (improving access to downtown), and
    • New pedestrian connection on Pinecrest Rd between Carnegie St and Hwy 19A (providing access to the waterfront).
  • Cycling infrastructure
    • Review of the Hilchey Road corridor and implementation of changes to promote safety for all road users,
    • Completion of the neighbourhood bikeway on Birch St, and
    • New neighbourhood bikeways on Cheviot Rd and the Thulin-Murphy-Galerno corridor (from Rockland Rd to downtown).
  • Multi-use pathways
    • Completion of the multi-use pathway on Willis Rd (with the addition of a small section by Highway 19),
    • New multi-use pathways on McPhedran Rd from the north end to 4th Ave, and Erickson Rd (pending grant funding), and
    • Maintenance of the Strathcona Gardens connector.
  • Transit improvements
    • Review of bus stop infrastructure and service frequency improvements.
  • Supportive policies and programs
    • Update designated truck routes,
    • Update Neighbourhood Traffic Management Policy and procedures,
    • Collaborate with SD72 for an Active School Travel pilot program,
    • Update the Zoning Bylaw to include bicycle parking,
    • Undertake an off-street parking review, and
    • Undertake a downtown parking and curbside management study.

The Master Transportation Plan aims to equip residents with transportation options that are safe, comfortable, affordable and accessible for all ages and abilities.

Planning Process

Phase 1 - Research and Consultation: Existing conditions, data collection and first round of public input (2022)

Phase 2 - Vision and Priorities: Refining goals, prioritizing projects and costing (2022-2023)

Phase 3 - Policy and Draft Plan: Developing policy directions and drafting the plan (2023-2025)

Phase 4 - Plan Refinements (Fall/Winter 2025)

Phase 5 - Finalization and MTP adoption (Winter/Spring 2026)

To learn more about transportation at the City of Campbell River, visit www.campbellriver.ca/transportation.


Quinsam Heights Transportation and Growth Study (TGS)

At the Committee of the Whole meeting on May 20, 2025, Council approved the initiation of the Quinsam Heights Transportation and Growth Infrastructure Study, which stems from the work that’s being done to update the Master Transportation Plan.

Campbell River is a growing community, and the Quinsam Heights neighbourhood has been identified as a growth area to help accommodate the community's housing needs. The City is conducting the TGS to guide long-term neighbourhood planning and identify infrastructure upgrades that support growth, mobility, and public safety. This two phase study will evaluate options to address current and future transportation needs in the Quinsam Heights area.

Phase One

Phase one focuses on improvements to Petersen Road, assessing current and future traffic demands related to growth in Quinsam Heights. The study will examine operational challenges, safety concerns, and multimodal connectivity to ensure the corridor can support anticipated development.

The study aims to:

  • Improve transportation safety and connectivity for all users, including residents, pedestrians, and cyclists
  • Identify infrastructure upgrades needed to support future housing, services, and growth
  • Develop a plan that supports long-term neighbourhood development

Data collection along Petersen Road will begin in early 2026 and will include traffic counts, as well as aerial and in person surveys. The study will document existing conditions, assess transportation constraints, and identify opportunities to enhance connectivity, safety, and capacity for growth over the next 10-20 years.

The City will keep the public informed throughout the process and work to minimize any disruptions to residents, pedestrians, and road users.

Phase Two

Following the completion of Phase one and the Petersen Road assessment, and pending approval from Council, Phase two would look at options to increase the capacity of the road network in this area to address current and future transportation needs. Several options would be considered, including exploring the feasibility of upgrading the Elk River Timber (ERT) road corridor to accommodate vehicle traffic, as it did back in 2001, with a separate multi-use pathway for pedestrians and cyclists.

This assessment would examine the pros, cons, and overall feasibility of such a route and include dedicated public engagement, providing data for informed decision-marking. Conducting this study would not mean the ERT reconstruction project will proceed but would rather serve as an evaluation to determine whether further consideration is warranted.

Phase two would involve extensive public engagement and outreach, and would incorporate feedback gathered from previous engagements, such as the Quinsam Heights Neighbourhood Plan, the Master Transportation Plan, and the Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan. It would also include reviewing topographical and environmental constraints and obtaining high-level cost estimates.

Questions? Please call 250-286-5700 or email transportation@campbellriver.ca




Update March 2026: The City of Campbell River recently updated its Master Transportation Plan (MTP), a long-term strategy to improve mobility, safety and accessibility across Campbell River's transportation network over the next 10 years. A final draft MTP was presented to and adopted by Council on March 24, 2026.

Watch the Final MTP Presentation to Council

View the final MTP

Highlights of the plan include recommendations for improvements and added infrastructure for roads, sidewalks, cycling, multi-use pathways, transit and supportive policies and programs.

In the short-term (one to three years), the following improvements are planned:

  • Roads
    • Quinsam Heights Transportation Growth Study,
    • Highway 19 new connection feasibility study,
    • Dogwood Street traffic signal timing update,
    • Safety improvements at Highway 19A / Shoppers Row traffic signal, and
    • Better multi-use pathway pavement markings at intersections.
  • Pedestrian infrastructure
    • New sidewalks on 16th Ave, 7th Ave, and Erickson Rd (pending grant funding),
    • New pedestrian connection on 9th Ave between Thulin St and Pier St (improving access to downtown), and
    • New pedestrian connection on Pinecrest Rd between Carnegie St and Hwy 19A (providing access to the waterfront).
  • Cycling infrastructure
    • Review of the Hilchey Road corridor and implementation of changes to promote safety for all road users,
    • Completion of the neighbourhood bikeway on Birch St, and
    • New neighbourhood bikeways on Cheviot Rd and the Thulin-Murphy-Galerno corridor (from Rockland Rd to downtown).
  • Multi-use pathways
    • Completion of the multi-use pathway on Willis Rd (with the addition of a small section by Highway 19),
    • New multi-use pathways on McPhedran Rd from the north end to 4th Ave, and Erickson Rd (pending grant funding), and
    • Maintenance of the Strathcona Gardens connector.
  • Transit improvements
    • Review of bus stop infrastructure and service frequency improvements.
  • Supportive policies and programs
    • Update designated truck routes,
    • Update Neighbourhood Traffic Management Policy and procedures,
    • Collaborate with SD72 for an Active School Travel pilot program,
    • Update the Zoning Bylaw to include bicycle parking,
    • Undertake an off-street parking review, and
    • Undertake a downtown parking and curbside management study.

The Master Transportation Plan aims to equip residents with transportation options that are safe, comfortable, affordable and accessible for all ages and abilities.

Planning Process

Phase 1 - Research and Consultation: Existing conditions, data collection and first round of public input (2022)

Phase 2 - Vision and Priorities: Refining goals, prioritizing projects and costing (2022-2023)

Phase 3 - Policy and Draft Plan: Developing policy directions and drafting the plan (2023-2025)

Phase 4 - Plan Refinements (Fall/Winter 2025)

Phase 5 - Finalization and MTP adoption (Winter/Spring 2026)

To learn more about transportation at the City of Campbell River, visit www.campbellriver.ca/transportation.


Quinsam Heights Transportation and Growth Study (TGS)

At the Committee of the Whole meeting on May 20, 2025, Council approved the initiation of the Quinsam Heights Transportation and Growth Infrastructure Study, which stems from the work that’s being done to update the Master Transportation Plan.

Campbell River is a growing community, and the Quinsam Heights neighbourhood has been identified as a growth area to help accommodate the community's housing needs. The City is conducting the TGS to guide long-term neighbourhood planning and identify infrastructure upgrades that support growth, mobility, and public safety. This two phase study will evaluate options to address current and future transportation needs in the Quinsam Heights area.

Phase One

Phase one focuses on improvements to Petersen Road, assessing current and future traffic demands related to growth in Quinsam Heights. The study will examine operational challenges, safety concerns, and multimodal connectivity to ensure the corridor can support anticipated development.

The study aims to:

  • Improve transportation safety and connectivity for all users, including residents, pedestrians, and cyclists
  • Identify infrastructure upgrades needed to support future housing, services, and growth
  • Develop a plan that supports long-term neighbourhood development

Data collection along Petersen Road will begin in early 2026 and will include traffic counts, as well as aerial and in person surveys. The study will document existing conditions, assess transportation constraints, and identify opportunities to enhance connectivity, safety, and capacity for growth over the next 10-20 years.

The City will keep the public informed throughout the process and work to minimize any disruptions to residents, pedestrians, and road users.

Phase Two

Following the completion of Phase one and the Petersen Road assessment, and pending approval from Council, Phase two would look at options to increase the capacity of the road network in this area to address current and future transportation needs. Several options would be considered, including exploring the feasibility of upgrading the Elk River Timber (ERT) road corridor to accommodate vehicle traffic, as it did back in 2001, with a separate multi-use pathway for pedestrians and cyclists.

This assessment would examine the pros, cons, and overall feasibility of such a route and include dedicated public engagement, providing data for informed decision-marking. Conducting this study would not mean the ERT reconstruction project will proceed but would rather serve as an evaluation to determine whether further consideration is warranted.

Phase two would involve extensive public engagement and outreach, and would incorporate feedback gathered from previous engagements, such as the Quinsam Heights Neighbourhood Plan, the Master Transportation Plan, and the Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan. It would also include reviewing topographical and environmental constraints and obtaining high-level cost estimates.

Questions? Please call 250-286-5700 or email transportation@campbellriver.ca




  • Attend the Master Transportation Plan Open House

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    The City of Campbell River is in the final stage of updating its Master Transportation Plan (MTP) and invites residents to drop by the Maritime Heritage Centre (621 Island Highway) on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, from 4 to 7 p.m. for an open house to review the draft MTP.

    The draft plan includes priority infrastructure projects and policies in six categories: walking and rolling; cycling; transit; streets and connections; parking and transportation demand management; and emerging mobility.

    “The City’s goal is to work towards a community where residents have transportation options that are safe, comfortable, affordable and accessible to all ages and all abilities,” says Melissa Heidema, the City’s Transportation Specialist. “We want to ensure that we are planning for future transportation needs of all residents in a financially sound, environmentally friendly and socially responsible way.”

    For residents unable to make the open house, a survey will be available online and at City Hall, the Community Centre and the Sportsplex from April 30 to May 30, 2024.

    BC Transit representatives will also attend the open house to engage participants on future transit needs and priorities. This feedback will help BC Transit identify service gaps as they begin work on the Transit Future Action Plan for Campbell River. Starting April 29 and running until May 12, 2024, BC Transit's survey will be open for feedback at https://engage.bctransit.com.

    Following the open house, and when all survey responses have been received, the City will review the feedback and finalize the draft MTP. In late spring 2024, Council will receive the draft MTP for consideration.

    To view the draft MTP, learn more about the process, and complete the survey, visit getinvolved.campbellriver.ca


  • Master Transportation Plan and Dogwood Corridor Study Open House

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    The City of Campbell River (the City) is updating its Master Transportation Plan (MTP) and invites residents to drop by the Community Centre Lounge, 401 11 Avenue, on Thursday, June 15, 2023, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. for an Open House. Join us as the City shares the Draft Phase 2 Master Transportation Plan, which includes priority infrastructure projects and policies in five categories: walking, cycling, taking transit, driving, and parking/transportation demand management.

    The Dogwood Corridor Study will also be presented to the public at the Open House. The City tasked WATT Consulting Group with reviewing the Dogwood Street corridor from the north end (Highway 19A) to the south end (Jubilee Parkway), and to make recommendations to improve operations and safety. The Study recommends changing the lane layout and traffic signal timing.

    “Continued input from residents is vital to ensure we are on track and confirm which projects are important and should be prioritized,” says Mayor Kermit Dahl. “The Master Transportation Plan guides the City’s decisions related to all aspects of the transportation network within a 25-year planning horizon, and we want as many residents as possible to have their say and input on the future of transportation within the community.”

    For residents unable to make the Open House, a questionnaire will also be available online at getinvolved.campbellriver.ca and in person at City Hall in the coming weeks.

    “The City’s goal is to improve transportation options across Campbell River for people of all ages and abilities,” says Melissa Heidema, the City’s Transportation Specialist. “Based on current best practice and community feedback to date, we want to encourage more people to walk, bike and bus, which is better for residents, the community, and the environment. This furthers the goals in the Official Community Plan, the Master Transportation Plan, and Council's Strategic Priorities.”

    For more information on the updated MTP and DCS, and to view the draft plans, visit getinvolved.campbellriver.ca/campbell-river-master-transportation-plan.

  • Master Transportation Plan Community Engagement Report Released

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    The summary and baseline conditions report reflects phase 1 of the MTP.

    The City and WATT Consulting Group have completed Phase 1 of the Master Transportation Plan. Background data and existing land use conditions were collected, and visioning exercises were completed with the community. An online survey, an ‘Ideas Fair’, and a booth at the Farmers’ Market took place. The City received 404 survey responses, and 45 people attended the Ideas Fair.

    A summary of the community engagement results is available on the City’s website. This report includes feedback from the community, grouped in themes, and background information related to existing travel patterns for the pedestrian and trail network, cycling network, transit network, street and traffic conditions, and parking.

    Key themes heard from the community include:

    • Barriers to walking:
      • Lack of sidewalks in some neighbourhoods,
      • Lack of sidewalk maintenance, and
      • Vehicles not yielding/stopping for pedestrians at designated crosswalks.
    • Barriers to cycling:
      • Feeling unsafe cycling on arterial roads without a dedicated bicycle lane,
      • Lack of separation between people and cyclists using the multi-use pathways and trails,
      • Poor east-west connections to key destinations, and
      • Lack of secure bike parking at key destinations.
    • Barriers to transit:
      • Too infrequent to be used reliably,
      • Unfamiliarity with the transit system, and
      • Lack of direct routes to get to usual destinations.
    • Challenges residents experience driving within and through Campbell River:
      • Unsafe intersections, and
      • Too much traffic congestion when I need to travel.

    The next steps include the development of a vision, goals and strategic directions for walking, cycling, transit, vehicle and goods movement based on community feedback and the work completed in Phase 1. In early 2023, the City will seek further input from the community as the planning process progresses.

    “Thank you to everyone who got involved and provided valuable feedback in phase 1 of the Master Transportation Plan,” says Melissa Heidema, Transportation Specialist. “More public engagement opportunities are planned for 2023 and we hope to hear from you so that you can help shape the future of walking, cycling, transit and driving in Campbell River.”

    For more information about the project, the community engagement results, and how to engage in the future, visit getinvolved.campbellriver.ca

  • What do you think about transportation in Campbell River?

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    Calling all walkers, cyclists, bus riders and drivers.


    The City is updating its Master Transportation Plan (MTP) and invites residents to drop by the Community Centre Lounge on Thursday, July 14, 2022, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. for a Community Ideas Fair. Join us for transportation conversation, share your community experiences and help the City understand the barriers to using different modes of transportation in Campbell River.

    “The insights of Campbell River residents are essential contributions to the updated Master Transportation Plan,” says City Manager Deborah Sargent. “In one way or another, the updated plan will affect all Campbell River residents, and we want to hear from as many of you as possible.”

    The new and comprehensive MTP will have sustainability as its guiding principle and will provide a visionary framework for future transportation in Campbell River, including an implementation strategy with financial costs. It reviews current and future transportation needs and alternate transportation choices and opportunities. The plan will explore walking, cycling, transit and car use in Campbell River over the next 25 years.

    In addition to the Community Ideas Fair, a survey will be available online and at City Hall from Wednesday, July 6 to Saturday, August 6, 2022. Pop-up booths will also appear around the community in the coming months, including at the Farmer’s Market on Sunday, July 17, 2022.

    For more information on the updated MTP, and how to get involved, visit getinvolved.campbellriver.ca


Page last updated: 26 Mar 2026, 02:39 PM