Reimagine the Row

Seymour Pacific Developments Ltd. and Broadstreet Properties Ltd. will work with the City to bring the ‘Reimagine the Row’ project to life.

Since 2023, the City of Campbell River has been working to advance the Reimagine the Row Project—a downtown revitalization effort that aims to bring much needed rental housing and a variety of active, commercial and civic spaces to Shoppers Row.

In February 2025, the City issued an Expression of Interest seeking a qualified partner to lead the development of the site. Seymour Pacific Developments Ltd. and Broadstreet Properties Ltd. (collectively, the developer) has been selected as the successful proponent.

In addition to supporting the City’s work to revitalize the downtown core, the project will bring new purpose-built rental housing units above the commercial and civic space. At least 10% of these rental units will be affordable housing—defined as rent at or below 30% of household income—subject to final financing and program approval. The new housing aligns with the City’s Housing Accelerator Fund commitments, recognizing that $3.2 million of this fund was used to support property acquisition.

The developer will hold a long-term lease for the residential component, which grants rights to build and manage the residential portion of the development. The City will retain ownership of the land and ground floor civic and commercial premises. The developer will be responsible for all design, financing, construction and operations, following City bylaws and approval processes.

“This partnership is another meaningful step that will strengthen housing options in Campbell River and add energy and vibrancy to Shoppers Row,” shared Mayor Kermit Dahl. “The middle-income and affordable rental housing will help address the City’s low rental vacancy rate and the commercial and civic spaces will support long-term community revitalization. This initiative adds to existing projects that are moving the dial towards a more welcoming Campbell River for all, such as the Homewood supportive housing project, investments in RCMP and Bylaw, the cleanliness program, CR Live Streets, the Rail Yard Market, and much more.”

This joint delivery model allows the City to leverage the developer’s expertise in delivering large, mixed-use rental developments while reducing costs for taxpayers. Additionally, this redevelopment balances the City’s goals for downtown economic revitalization with the creation of additional middle-income and affordable rental housing.

Preliminary designs include up to 200 residential rental units, a large, dedicated area for a civic or institutional use, a new Downtown Safety Office, space for a potential restaurant and patio or other commercial or retail space, and on-site parking. Streetscaping and improvements along Shoppers Row and 13th Avenue to enhance walkability, lighting and landscaping are also proposed.

“Campbell River is our home. My family has been a part of this community for almost 80 years and we are excited to be a part of this landmark development opportunity. This site sits at the heart of downtown and is central to the culture of our city. We look forward to reinvesting locally and contributing to the renewal of the downtown core” said Kris D. Mailman, Chief Executive Officer, Seymour Pacific Developments Ltd. and Broadstreet Properties Ltd. “We want this development to elevate Campbell River’s ‘main street’ experience and look forward to working with the City to bring that vision to life.”

Additional Information

Throughout the summer and fall, the City worked to complete site preparation activities, including hazardous materials abatement and demolition preparation. Demolition of the building at 1342 Shoppers Row is expected to begin later in December 2025, followed by demolition of the remaining City-owned structures within the 1300-block Shoppers Row project area in early 2026.

To help facilitate this work, the laneway behind the project area is temporarily closed until the end of March 2026. The sidewalk in front of 1342 Shoppers Row will also be temporarily closed starting in late December for public safety. Sidewalk closures will expand along the 1300-block of Shoppers Row as demolition progresses to the remaining City-owned structures.

The Downtown Safety Office has been relocated to the Centennial Building at 1235 Shoppers Row during construction to continue to provide essential services to the downtown core. The front counter at this new location has regular opening hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from December 16, 2025. Contact to the Bylaw Department during times that the office is not open can be made by email to bylaw@campbellriver.ca or by phone at 250-286-5776.

City Works with Community Partners to Successfully Re-House Over 40 Residential Tenants and to Deliver Hygiene and Food Supports

In late 2024, the City of Campbell River (the City) purchased three properties located downtown, including 1342 Shoppers Row (Harbourside Inn), 1352 Shoppers Row (vacant lot) and 1362 Shoppers Row (commercial building) to support their work to revitalize Downtown Campbell River, increase its livability, animate its streets and reinvigorate its role as a community and cultural hub.

The next phase of the Reimagine the Row Project will begin in the coming weeks as existing tenancies end and the City prepares the building for demolition.

The City, alongside provincial partners like BC Housing and Island Health, has completed vulnerability assessments for all tenants and continues to match tenants with housing that reflects their needs. The City has been able to rehome 40 of the original 45 residents. There are five tenants remaining, the majority of which are currently in the process of transitioning to long-term care or supportive housing. Many relocated residents are experiencing improved living conditions, including better on-site supports, such as accommodating mobility needs and locations that are more desirable—such as housing closer to family members, essential services and community amenities. The City has provided funding and continue to support relocation efforts through rent subsidies and other forms of financial assistance.

To ensure that vulnerable community members are supported, the City is working alongside community partners to close any service gaps that may be created by the end of the tenancies of social service providers.

• The City is organizing a dinner program that will be run by the Salvation Army and provide sandwiches and wraps for takeaway from June 30 to August 31, 2025.
• The City will provide free access to showers at the Community Centre, as well as increasing the number of showers available throughout the day, until August 31, 2025.
• The City will provide $5,000 in funding towards vouchers to local laundromats.

"This project is a significant step forward for our community and we look forward to creating a safer and revitalized downtown," shared Mayor Kermit Dahl. "This development will enhance the vibrancy of Shoppers Row through reinvesting in our spaces, people and our community. Throughout this project, we have also prioritized the more vulnerable members of our community, including the current residents of Harbourside Inn, who have been receiving continuous rehoming support from the City, and other community members who are reliant on social services. These new meal, laundry and shower programs are just a few of the ways that we are addressing community well-being."

City staff, Mayor and Council will be at several upcoming community events and pop-ups to engage with Campbell River residents on the Reimagine the Row project and all downtown revitalization and community safety initiatives. The first pop-up will take place on Sunday, June 15, at the Campbell River Farmers Market. The City invites citizens to look out for Mr. Tyee and other City staff to speak about this project, alongside other downtown initiatives. Future dates and locations will be shared on the City's Get Involved page and posted to City social media channels.

The City is in the process of selecting a development partner, with the proponent expected to be announced in summer 2025. Demolition of the existing buildings will start later in the summer.

This project, named ‘Reimagine the Row’ is an important piece in the City’s strategic efforts to revitalize Downtown Campbell River

The City of Campbell River (the City) is inviting expressions of interest (EOI) from qualified, visionary proponents eager to invest in Campbell River and collaborate on the redevelopment of four properties within the 1300-block of Shoppers Row in Downtown Campbell River, a cultural centre and hub for the community.

At the end of 2024, the City announced the strategic acquisition of several downtown properties: 1342 Shoppers Row (Harbourside Inn), 1352 Shoppers Row (vacant lot) and 1362 16th Avenue (commercial building). This strategic investment aims to bring vibrancy to Shoppers Row and the surrounding neighbourhood, increase housing supply and further revitalize downtown. This next step in the ‘Reimagine the Row’ project signals that the City is ready to partner with the private sector to advance this development and power Council’s strategic priority of downtown revitalization.

“Inviting expressions of interest is an exciting project milestone as it will help bring to life this Council’s vision for an animated, invigorated downtown,” says Mayor Kermit Dahl. “Revitalizing the downtown has been, and remains, Council’s top priority throughout this term. As this Council drives this project forward, we also continue our efforts in other areas with everything from increased bylaw enforcement hours and coverage, the smooth rollout of the 40-unit Homewood rapid housing initiative, extended parking times downtown to support local businesses, and so much more.”

The EOI lays out the City’s vision for a variety of commercial, retail and civic uses fronting Shoppers Row on the ground level of the new development, with middle-income rental housing above. In partnership with the City, the successful developer will be responsible for financing and constructing the development in line with City’s vision. The City will retain ownership of the ground floor and will look to recoup the capital it invested to acquire the land and prepare the site for development.

Visit the City’s Bid Opportunities Website to learn more and submit your expression of interest. Interested parties have until March 27, 2025, to respond. Background information such as geotechnical, environmental, and market-demand reports will be made available to registered parties.

As part of its work to prepare for developing the properties, the City has obtained a demolition permit for the Harbourside Inn building. Notices to end existing tenancies were given to the remaining residents of Harbourside Inn in February 2025. The City is working with Parallel 50 Property Management to support Harbourside Inn tenants throughout this transition and support exploring options for relocation. The City is also seeking support from BC Housing and is working with community partners to rehome tenants before the tenancy end date of June 30, 2025.

“The City is committed to supporting all tenants during the preparation phase of this project and ahead of tenancies ending in the summer of 2025,” says Andy Gaylor, Director of Community Planning and Livability. “We’ll continue to work with community partners at every step of this process as we move this downtown revitalization project forward and take important steps to ‘Reimagine the Row’.”

Visit www.GetInvolved.CampbellRiver.ca for the latest information on the ‘Reimagine the Row’ project.

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Contact: Andy Gaylor, Director of Community Planning and Livability | 250-286-5707 | Andy.Gaylor@campbellriver.ca

Acquisition of properties on the 1300-block of Shoppers Row fuels next phase of downtown redevelopment.

Downtown is the heart of Campbell River. It's the cultural center of the community, a space for Campbell Riverites to come together. As such, revitalization and investment in the downtown continues to be a strategic Council priority.

To support the City's goals and objectives for the downtown, the City acquired the property located at 1302 Shoppers Row (Downtown Safety Office) in 2023 and is expanding this investment with the purchase of three properties in the 1300-block of Shoppers Row, including 1342 Shoppers Row (Harbourside Inn), 1352 Shoppers Row (vacant lot) and 1362 16th Avenue (commercial building). The City intends to 'Reimagine the Row' with the demolition of existing buildings and by partnering with the private sector to develop commercial and civic spaces along with housing above.

The acquisition and development of a mixed-use, purpose-built rental project in the heart of downtown is in direct alignment with the 2023-2026 Council Strategic Plan and several of Council's Strategic Priorities as well as the OCP and Downtown Refresh Plan. This initiative has been a priority for many years, and the current Council is focused on actively driving it forward during their term. Council is intentionally focusing on Shoppers Row as the epicentre of downtown revitalization and wants to see efforts continue to expand outwards.

"Council has a vision for the downtown. We are reimagining Shoppers Row and bringing back the vibrancy and strong character that Campbell River is known for. This strategic investment will animate the area, increase livability and walkability, and deliver on Council's commitment to downtown revitalization and community safety," says Mayor Kermit Dahl. "The purchase of these properties for redevelopment supports a wide range of businesses and housing opportunities in key locations. It will be home to new commercial spaces which will stimulate our local economy and provide more attainable housing within walking distance of key amenities, while addressing some of the existing safety challenges at this location."

Campbell River has a very low rental apartment vacancy rate, and this strategic land acquisition is intended to deliver purpose-built rental housing with a variety of unit types (studio apartments to 3-bedroom units) for middle income earners. The investment also looks to continue advancing community safety in Campbell River and reduce challenges that area businesses and residents are experiencing. The new development is intended to house the Downtown Safety Office and be a space where residents can speak to bylaw enforcement officers about neighbourhood concerns and be a hub for the regular patrols and clean-up work taking place downtown.

"To support a safe, welcoming and thriving downtown, the City purchased a few key properties to address some ongoing challenges in the area and create opportunities for positive improvements. By thoughtfully investing in these spaces, we hope to encourage a vibrant, inviting downtown that serves as a place for connection and enjoyment for all," says Elle Brovold, City Manager. "The City is committed to working with community partners and BC Housing to relocate existing tenants in the coming months, to support these individuals to be more appropriately housed, and to maintain continuity for these important social services".

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 project is currently in the planning phase. A public process to select a development partner will move forward in the coming weeks. The City will work with community partners to assist in the relocation of existing tenants.