FAQs

The City has purchased and will be redeveloping several properties on the 1300-block of Shoppers Row into purpose-built rental housing with a variety of unit types (studio apartments to 3-bedroom units), with commercial, retail and civic uses on the ground level that will invigorate and animate Shoppers Row and 13^th Avenue.

The primary focus of this project is to advance Campbell River’s downtown revitalization. It will also address Campbell River’s less than 1% vacancy rate through the addition of around 200 middle-income rental units and improve the sense of safety along Shoppers Row.

Downtown is the cultural center of Campbell River and Shoppers Row is the heart of downtown. This area was selected because its potential for economic growth, existing infrastructure and its central importance to the community. It is our hope that revitalizing this space will have positive ripple effects on surrounding neighborhoods.

The City is committed to supporting the residents of Harbourside Inn, Hem'?aelas Community Kitchen, Kwesa Place , and all tenants throughout this transition. Existing leases will remain in place in the short term, and the City will work with all tenants in preparation for summer 2025. 

The City is seeking support from BC Housing and working with local service providers to rehome all current tenants of the Harbourside Inn. As of November 30, 2024, new rentals will no longer be available, however, any long-term rentals currently in place will remain as-is until we identify a relocation option. Our goal is that this will be complete by Summer 2025.

The City recognizes the importance of the social services that Hem'?aelas Community Kitchen and Kwesa Place provides in supporting the unhoused.  The City is committed to working together alongside other community partners to ensure a smooth transition with continuity of services over the coming months.

The acquisition and development of a mixed-use, purpose-built rental project on the City’s “Main Street” is in direct alignment with the 2023-2026 Council Strategic Plan, OCP and Downtown Refresh Plan (“Refresh”).

This has been a priority of many Councils for many years, and the current Council is focused on actively driving it forward during their term; it is the culmination of years of behind-the-scenes work that we can finally announce to the public.

The City is working to revitalize Downtown Campbell River, increase its livability, animate its streets and reinvigorate its role as a vibrant community and cultural hub. The redevelopment of Shoppers Row aims to revitalize the downtown area, attract new businesses, increase rental housing supply and provide more public spaces to improve the overall quality of life for residents and visitors.

The City purchased the select properties in the 1300-block of Shoppers Row for $10.6 million, using a portion of the $10.4 million in funding from the federal government’s Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF). Grants, such as the HAF, and City reserve funds will also be used to advance this project with no direct impact to taxation.

The redevelopment is designed to boost the local economy, offer more housing options and establish an attractive, vibrant downtown that draws residents and visitors alike.

Approximately 200 units are in the initial plan, though the exact number will be determined by the final design.

A variety of unit types including studio apartments to 3-bedroom units will be available for middle income earners.

Yes, there will be commercial, retail and civic uses on the ground level. The City will share more details as the project progresses.

Community feedback is welcome! You can use the ‘Who’s Listening’ section of this page to reach out to City staff and there will be additional public engagement opportunities in 2025.