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:

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.
• Additional RCMP and Bylaw staffing: In recent years, Council has added four new RCMP Officer positions and one new Bylaw Enforcement Officer position to enhance coverage in the downtown.
• 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.
• 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. Learn more about the CSWBP.
• 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 DEVELOPMENT

The City intends to ‘Reimagine the Row’ by partnering with the private sector to develop commercial and civic spaces along Shoppers Row and 13th Avenue with middle-income rental housing above. To ensure that community members are supported, the City is working alongside community partners to rehome residential tenants and to close any service gaps that may be created by the end of tenancies. Learn more about Reimagine the Row.

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
• 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
• 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. These popular weekly events drew thousands of attendees and 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. View the Community Event Calendar for details.

• 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 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 and at the time of publication has added 375 units! 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. .

• Partners – Federal Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF)

Homewood: Supporting some of Campbell River’s most vulnerable population supports the entire community. The City partnered with the Province, through BC Housing, to deliver 40 units of low barrier housing to help address the challenges of homelessness and encampments

• 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 (ICE-T) 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