Campbell River Master Transportation Plan

Phase 3 Update - May 2025

The City of Campbell River is in the final stage of updating its Master Transportation Plan (MTP).

Read the Phase 3 Master Transportation Plan Final Draft and the Phase 3 Master Transportation Plan Summary Primer in the document library.

The Draft MTP includes priority infrastructure projects and policies, in six categories: pedestrians (walking and rolling); cycling; transit; automobiles (streets and connections); parking and transportation demand management; and emerging mobility.

Thank you to residents who attended the open house and filled out the survey in spring 2024, which was considered when finalizing the MTP - Final Draft.

The City and BC Transit are also working on the Transit Future Action Plan on future transit needs and priorities. This will identify service gaps and help with planning improvements to the transit system.

Quinsam Heights Transportation and Growth Infrastructure Study

Campbell River is a growing community, and the Quinsam Heights neighbourhood has been identified as a growth area to accommodate the community’s housing needs. In the future, the city may need a new north-south connector road as Quinsam Heights and the surrounding area continue to grow.

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

The study, which is split into two phases, will explore options for responding to current and future transportation needs in the Quinsam Heights area.

The first phase, which will be completed in 2025, will include a technical review of Peterson Road and whether it can accommodate the continued growth, which adds much-needed housing to the community, that’s projected for Quinsam Heights.

The second phase, which would take place in 2026 pending the results of phase one and approval from Council, would look at options to increase the capacity of the road network in this area to address current and future transportation needs. While several options would be considered, one option would explore the feasibility of upgrading the Elk River Timber (ERT) road corridor, between 14th Avenue and Evergreen Road, to accommodate vehicle traffic, as it did back in 2001, with a separate multi-use pathway for pedestrians and cyclists.

Phase two would involve extensive public engagement and outreach, and would incorporate feedback gathered from previous engagements, such as 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.

Council is committed to improving transportation for all road users, including those who regularly walk, roll, bike, take transit or drive in Campbell River.

The City is also embarking on an update of its Official Community Plan, which lays out a strategic vision for future growth.

Project Background

The Master Transportation Plan was last updated in 2012 and the City is currently updating it. This document reviews the future transportation needs of the community, alternate transportation choices, and the provision of multi modal transportation opportunities. The Plan will explore walking, cycling, transit and car use in Campbell River, with potential projects over the next 20 years.

In addition to the MTP, a Dogwood Corridor Study looked at Dogwood Street, from the south end (Jubilee Parkway) to the north end (Highway 19A). The Study reviewed all major intersections and recommend short, medium and long term improvements for both operations and safety. No changes are planned for Dogwood Street and the recommendations are no longer being pursued.

Planning Process

The updated Master Transportation Plan will encourage walking, cycling and transit use in order to build a community with less pollution, less congestion, healthier individuals, healthier communities, less reliance on fossil fuels and fewer collisions.

The planning process will consist of three phases:

Phase 1 - Collecting background research, including existing conditions, data collection and the first round of public consultation.

Phase 2 – Refining vision, principles and goals including a prioritization of projects and costing.

Phase 3 - Developing policy directions and drafting a plan.

Plan Adoption - Presenting final plan to Council for adoption.

The planning process involves ongoing engagement with the public, First Nations, community partners, a Project Advisory Team, City staff and Council at key stages of plan development.

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