It's Time for Downtown

The City of Campbell River invests in diverse initiatives that support the activation of our vibrant and dynamic downtown core, and through the “It’s Time for Downtown” campaign we are showcasing recent collaborative projects that represent this important work in our community.

In bringing fresh retail experiences, recreational activities, and diverse community events to life, we are investing in a cleaner, safer, and more enjoyable downtown for everyone. Stay informed and be a part of Campbell River’s downtown.

Here is a look at the projects currently taking place downtown, split into six different public activation categories:

IT'S TIME FOR COMMUNITY

Enhancing the downtown experience with new cultural initiatives, partnerships, and a focus on well-being.

HEALTH AND SAFETY:

• Expanded Security Patrols: Council increased funding to expand the hours of downtown security patrols, ensuring a roving presence in the downtown core. This helps make RCMP officers available for daily patrols downtown every morning and evening, with a 23% increase over last year.
• Additional RCMP and Bylaw staffing: Council approved four new RCMP Officer positions and one new Bylaw Enforcement Officer position to enhance coverage in the downtown.
• Purchased the Downtown Safety Office: 1302 Shoppers Row was purchased by the City to reaffirm investment and commitment to downtown safety, and to ensure that there is a place for residents to go, downtown, when they have questions and concerns.
• Public Nuisance Bylaw: 2023 saw the adoption of an amendment to prohibit the consumption of controlled substances in certain areas where children and families engage in recreational activities, to allow all to enjoy public spaces.
• Community Cleanups: The City's bylaw team conducts frequent cleanups at downtown locations including Spirit Square, Nunns Creek Park, laneways, and other locations where camping and sleeping are prohibited by the Public Nuisance Bylaw.
• Fire Department Support: The City’s Fire Department is actively committed to supporting downtown safety, with 33% of their calls servicing the city centre.
• Development of a Community Safety and Well-Being Plan: This initiative will create an actionable plan to enhance safety and overall well-being within the community, finding long term solutions that benefit the entire community. Find more information on the plan here.
• Homewood (formerly HEARTH Village): The City partnered with the Province, through BC Housing, to deliver 40 units of low barrier housing to address the challenges of homelessness and encampments
• Provincial Advocacy: Council continues to advocate for action on initiatives beyond the City's scope, such as updates to legislation and investments in housing, mental health and addiction support and other avenues to address the root causes of crime, to the Federal and Provincial governments, Island Health, and BC Housing.

BEAUTIFICATION:

The Downtown Business Improvement Association is spearheading vital beautification projects in the Cultural and Waterfront Districts, securing funding to enhance key areas. Initiatives include flowerpot maintenance, mural replacements, hydro box wraps, and the installation of downtown maps and artist plaques. These enhancements are designed to elevate the downtown experience, increase foot traffic, attract tourism, and activate local spaces, ensuring a vibrant and welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike.

Partners – Downtown Business Improvement Association

IT'S TIME FOR ENTERTAINMENT

Hosting performances and events that liven the downtown for both residents and visitors.

DOWNTOWN EVENTS:

• Campbell River Farmers Market: Every Sunday from May to October, this community event brings locals and visitors from throughout the Strathcona region to vend or purchase local products, art, crafts, food, and more.
  • Partners – Campbell River Farmers Market
• River Concert Series: A weekly summer initiative hosting talented musical acts brought in from around the country.
  • Partners – Highways 19 Events, Tidemark Theatre
• Yoga in the Park: A free summer activation series held in Robert Ostler Park that promotes wellness, community, and outdoor recreation for residents.
  • Partners – Session Studio
• Remembrance Day: Activated in conjunction with the Legion and local veterans
  • Partners – Royal Canadian Legion Branch 137
• Canada Day: A full-day celebration that activates many of our local non-profit organizations and businesses across the City’s parks, beaches, and downtown core area.
  • Partners – Campbell River Canada Day Committee
• National Indigenous Peoples Day: An event featuring food, activities for kids, music, drumming, dancing, and more in Spirit Square.
  • Partners – Laichwiltach Family Life Society
• BIA Big Truck Parade: This annual Downtown Business Improvement Association event will now span across an entire weekend! New additions include a Christmas market, carollers, entertainment in restaurants, pancake breakfast, and many more community festivities in the heart of Downtown.

CR LIVE STREETS:

The award-winning Campbell River Live Streets series returns this summer, bringing live music and arts events to our downtown core. Last year's events drew a total of 8,700 attendees, making this a popular summer series with residents and visitors. This weekly community evening energizes downtown Campbell River with vibrant performances and activities for the whole family. Join us to support local businesses, enjoy public spaces, and experience the lively atmosphere of an array of talented performers.

• Partners – Tidemark Theatre

IT'S TIME FOR HOUSING

Temporary and permanent housing initiatives funded by the City of Campbell River.

The Housing Accelerator Fund: Affordable housing is an urgent need across BC, and here in Campbell River we are taking action. The City has secured $10.4 million from the federal Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) to construct 282 new housing units between 2024 and 2026. Funding will support seven key initiatives that aim to rapidly increase housing supply, address development barriers, and enhance affordability by investing in housing and community infrastructure. This initiative will help make housing available in Campbell River, allowing the entire community to flourish. Learn more about this project and the seven initiatives here.

• Partners – Federal Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF)

Homewood (formerly the HEARTH Village): Supporting some of Campbell River’s most vulnerable population supports the entire community. The City and BC Housing are developing new temporary housing units with support services at 1299 Homewood Road, known as Homewood. Stay tuned for upcoming virtual neighbourhood dialogue sessions and broader public engagement opportunities regarding the steps the City is taking to address the unhoused population in Campbell River.

• Partners – BC Housing

IT'S TIME FOR SHOPPING

Fostering local businesses and enhancing visitor attractions in the downtown core.

The Rail Yard Market: The City’s new micro market recently launched in our downtown core. With four micro-units being installed at the corner of 13th and 16th Ave., the initiative provides opportunities for incubating small local businesses and building visitor attraction opportunities. The Rail Yard Market offers short-term, affordable lease rates to small and medium-sized businesses, supporting their growth and providing entrepreneurial programming.

Funded by the Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICE-T) and the Province of British Columbia’s Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program, this project invites input from the community on its design. Learn more here.

Downtown Business Walks: In 2023, Mayor and City staff began conducting a series of downtown business walks in the Tyee Plaza, along Shoppers Row, and into Campbellton and Willow Point. Many businesses have been visited since then, providing valuable discussions on community concerns and City support.

IT'S TIME FOR ADVENTURE

IT'S TIME FOR DEVELOPMENT

The City of Campbell River is advancing multiple development projects, each designed to enhance and diversify the downtown core. Building on the momentum of recent initiatives like the Homewood development and the downtown Micro Market, these forthcoming developments will further strengthen the vibrancy and appeal of the downtown area.

The City has recently announced it is selling the property at 1022 Cedar Street to Alder Heights Holdings Ltd. (AHHL) for the development of a 6-story mixed-use building. The new development will include ground-floor commercial spaces and 65 residential units above. This project is part of the City's effort to boost downtown revitalization by adding much-needed residential and commercial spaces.