The City of Campbell River invests in diverse initiatives that support the activation of our vibrant and dynamic downtown core. 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.

Have you attended a CR Live Streets event this summer? We'd love to hear from you. Take our short survey to share your experience and help shape future downtown events and initiatives.

Take the CR Live Streets Survey!

Here is a look at the projects currently taking place downtown:

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.
• Additional RCMP and Bylaw Staffing: In recent years, Council added four new RCMP Officer positions and additional Bylaw Enforcement Officer positions to enhance coverage in the downtown. Bylaw enforcement services expanded to seven days a week, increasing proactive patrols.
• Community Cleanups: The City's downtown cleanliness team along with the bylaw team conducts frequent cleanups at downtown locations including Spirit Square, laneways, and other locations.
• Community Safety and Well-Being Plan: The City has started implementing actions from the Community Safety and Well-Being Action Plan to enhance safety, well-being and sense of security across the community. Learn more about the CSWBP.
• CCTV Coverage: CCTV coverage has been expanded and upgraded at key downtown locations to support public safety and traffic monitoring.
• 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 matching funding from the City 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.

It's Time for Development

The City partnered with the private sector and began work to ‘Reimagine the Row’ by developing commercial and civic spaces along Shoppers Row and 13th Avenue with new housing—including affordable units—above. To ensure that community members were supported, the City worked alongside community partners to rehome residential tenants and worked to close any service gaps created by the end of tenancies. Learn more about Reimagine the Row.

The City has also completed a Downtown Infrastructure Capacity Study (stormwater and wastewater) to support downtown development.

It's Time for Entertainment

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

CR Live Streets:

The award-winning Campbell River Live Streets series brings live music and arts events to our downtown core each summer. These popular weekly events draw thousands of attendees and energize downtown Campbell River with vibrant performances and activities for the whole family. In 2025 alone, CR Live Streets received 10,000 visits and generated significant economic activity! Join us to support local businesses, enjoy public spaces, and experience the lively atmosphere of an array of talented performers. View the Community Event Calendar for details.

Enjoying CR Live Streets? Tell us about your experience! Complete our short survey and help us continue building a vibrant and welcoming downtown.

Take the CR Live Streets Survey!

• Partner – Tidemark Theatre

Other Downtown Events:

• River Concerts Series: A weekly summer initiative hosting talented musical acts brought in from around the country.
• Lunch in the Square: A weekly summer series featuring live local and regional musical performers.
• Yoga and Pilates in the Park: A free summer activation series held in Robert Ostler Park that promotes wellness, community, and outdoor recreation for residents.
  • Partner – Session Studio
• 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.
  • Partner – Campbell River Canada Day Committee
• National Indigenous Peoples Day: An event featuring food, activities for kids, music, drumming, dancing, and more in Spirit Square.
  • Partner – 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.
• 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.
  • Partner – Campbell River Farmers Market

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 secured $10.4 million from the Government of Canada’s Housing Accelerator Fund to increase the availability of housing in Campbell River. The City’s target is to permit 1,277 housing units by January 2028. This funding is also being used to incentivize the development of and increase the availability of both missing-middle and affordable housing. Improvements to parking regulations and other initiatives are also planned or underway. Learn more about the HAF.

• Partner – Federal Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF)

Homewood: Supporting some of Campbell River’s most vulnerable population supports the entire community. The City and the Province, through BC Housing, partnered to build and develop the Homewood temporary housing facility, delivering low barrier housing with supports to help address the challenges of homelessness and encampments. Eight new spaces were added to Homewood in 2025, increasing capacity to 48 residents.

• Partners – BC Housing and Lookout Housing and Health Society

It's Time for Shopping

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

The Rail Yard Market: The City’s micro market, which recently received the BCEDA Community Project Award, is at the corner of 13th and 16th Ave. The Rail Yard Market offers short-term, affordable lease rates to small and medium-sized businesses, supporting their growth and providing entrepreneurial programming. Learn about The Rail Yard Market.

• Partners - Funded by the Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET) and the Province of British Columbia’s Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program.

Increased Parking Time Limits: Council approved a request from the Campbell River Downtown BIA to support local businesses by increasing all one-hour downtown parking zones to two-hour parking zones. This includes all of Shoppers Row and Pier Street, as well as a few other downtown blocks. The longer parking time limits make it even easier to stay, shop and relax (maybe with a beverage or a bite to eat?) downtown. Longer-term downtown parking is also available at Tyee Plaza, the Maritime Heritage Centre and other large lots downtown.

Downtown Business Walks: Mayor and City staff conduct regular business walks downtown in the Tyee Plaza, along Shoppers Row, and into Campbellton and Willow Point. Many businesses have been visited, providing valuable discussions on community concerns and City support.

It's Time for Adventure