OPERATIONAL UPDATES

Capital and Operating Projects to delay or cancel

Council received a report from the Finance department outlining projects within the 2022-2031 Financial Plan that could be deferred or cancelled. Council directed staff to amend the 2022-2031 Financial Plan to defer the projects and amounts and to amend the 2022-2031 Financial Plan in alignment with the project deferrals/cancellations.

Council reinstates user fees and charges suspended as a COVID-19 relief measure

Council adopted the User Fees and Charges and Miscellaneous Fees and Charges amendment bylaws to reinstate user fees and charges (late payment penalties on metered water and sewer fees,) that were suspended for 2020 and 2021 as a COVID-19 relief measure. At the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Council waived non-sufficient funds fees for returned payments made to the City, as well as late payment penalties on metered water and sewer fees, to address pandemic-related economic uncertainties.

Fire Services Amendment Bylaw No. 3831 and Ticketing for Bylaw Offences Amendment Bylaw No. 3832 to support and enforce compliance with BC Fire Code requirements (Fire Department).

Council gave first, second and third readings to a Fire Services Amendment bylaw to eliminate any ambiguity regarding the intent of the bylaw, and to enhance the fire department’s ability to support and enforce compliance with BC Fire Code requirements.

DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USE UPDATE

Council gives third reading to development application for 1940 Nunns Road

Council gave third reading to allow rezoning at 1940 Nunns Road, with the condition that prior to the bylaw being adopted, the owner ensure that a sidewalk is constructed along the east side of Nunns Road from 1940 to 1921 Nunns Road, and that the western portion of the adjacent lane be constructed to its full width. The application received first and second reading on February 14 and the public hearing was held March 14.

Council gives first and second reading to allow three duplexes at 1266 Island Hwy South

Council gave first and second reading to a Zoning Bylaw Amendment to rezone the property at 1266 South Island Highway to Residential Multiple Two (RM-2) to permit 3 duplexes (6 units). The proposal is consistent with the Sustainable Official Community Plan (SOCP) land use designation of Waterfront and meets the purpose and intent of the RM-2 zone. Council gave 1st and 2nd reading to the bylaw amendment and waived the public hearing.

Council approves major development application at 4277 & 4305 Middle Point Road

Council approved a major development application for a new industrial building and ancillary office for the purposes of a heavy equipment repair service operation, and directed that a covenant be registered prior to the building permit be issued, securing eight parking stalls on 4305 Middle Point Drive.

Council gives first and second reading for a major development application at 387 Arizona

Council authorized a Major Development Permit application) to enable the construction of 47 residential units (duplexes and single-family dwellings).

Recommendations on the proposed downtown and social service zoning amendments (See Item 11.5)

Council received the Community Health and Public Safety Advisory Committee’s April 6, 2022, report and recommendations regarding proposed downtown and social service zoning amendments and the establishment of a complex care facility in Campbell River.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

UBCM Strengthening Communities’ Services Grant – second round

Council supported the Strathcona Regional District second-round funding application to the UBCM Strengthening Communities’ Services funding program, on behalf of the region. In 2021, $100 million in Safe Restart funding was allocated to the UBCM Strengthening Communities Services Grant to support unsheltered homeless populations and address related community impacts.  Approximately $80 million was distributed in the 2021 application intake;  of which approximately $1M went to the Strathcona Region for 13 programs and projects. The second intake of applications will distribute the remaining $20 million. Under this year’s guidelines, the Strathcona Region could garner up to $312,000 (25% of last year’s limit).

RECREATION AND CULTURE

Update on relocation of Minor Baseball to Willow Point Park for the 2022 season

After requesting some additional information from staff, Council deferred their approval of the additional $174,000 budget increase for the temporary lighting modifications for Minor Baseball’s relocation to Willow Point Park until the April 25 Council meeting, and directed that an additional amount of $323,000 be referred to 2023-2032 financial plan deliberations to complete the full lighting system at Willow Point Park.

CORRESPONDENCE

Copy of correspondence from the BC Chamber of Commerce Council received a copy of correspondence from Fiona Famulak, President and CEO, BC Chamber of Commerce, to the Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard regarding salmon aquaculture industry licences and tenures.
District of North Cowichan requesting the donation of old/obsolete fire equipment to the Ukraine for their use. Council received an email from Mayor Al Siebring, District of North Cowichan, requesting the donation of old/obsolete fire equipment to the Ukraine for their use. This item was forwarded to the Fire Chief for consideration.

Full Council Meeting Highlights…
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Events on April 20 and 21 will focus on strategies for addressing staffing challenges.

The City of Campbell River Economic Development’s Modern Entrepreneur Series is returning with a new line-up of events for the local business community in 2022, starting with a speaker event and workshop next week. These two events are aimed at helping employers develop strategies for recruiting and retaining employees in today’s competitive market.

Purchase a stand-alone ticket option to attend only the speaker event (offered in a hybrid format) or a joint ticket to attend both the speaker event and the follow-up workshop.

Why Offering ‘a Job’ Just Isn’t Enough Anymore (hybrid speaker event)—April 20, from 5 to 7 p.m.
Find out how you can refresh your recruitment and retention strategies, and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the types of perks, benefits and workplace cultures that employees are seeking. This event features keynote speaker Crystal Henrickson from Talent Collective, Kelsi Baine from Upper Island Counselling, Christine Lilyholm from Stonehouse Teas and Chris Callanan from North Island Employment Foundations Society. Light snacks will be provided, and the concession will be open for purchasing drinks.

Location: Tidemark Theatre at 1220 Shoppers Row or streamed online
Tickets: $15 for the on-site event at the Tidemark Theatre or $5 for the online event

Creating a Job Success Profile and Recruitment Strategy (workshop)—April 21, from 9 to 11 a.m.
Hendrickson, a leadership and career coach at Talent Collective, will show you how simple changes can transform your hiring process at this hands-on workshop. Building on the previous night’s event, you’ll learn how to create job descriptions, job advertisements and a recruitment strategy that will help you stand out from the competition. Light refreshments will be provided by Stonehouse Teas.

Location: Museum at Campbell River, 470 Island Hwy at 5th Ave
Tickets: $50, including admission to Why Offering ‘a Job’ Just Isn’t Enough Anymore at the Tidemark Theatre on April 20.

“Attracting talent, building the right team and creating a workplace culture where employees will thrive all contribute to a business’s success,” says Rose Klukas, the City’s manager of economic development. “We’ve heard from local employers that they’re struggling with recruiting and retaining employees right now, which is why we’ve decided to make this topic the focus of our first two Modern Entrepreneur events of 2022. Our guest speakers will share their expertise and experience to help employers strategize ways to navigate staffing challenges. Attendees can look forward to insightful discussions and practical tips that they can take away and put into practice in their own workplaces.”

Visit the TECHatchery events page at techatchery.ca/events for more information and to purchase tickets.

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Contact: Rose Klukas, Manager of Economic Development | 250-895-0667 | Rose.Klukas@campbellriver.ca

Full news release…

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The Campbell River Fire Department continues to grow partnership opportunities that benefit our community, the region, and the province. Through developing positive relationships across the province with various stakeholders and working closely with our local First Nation communities, Campbell River was selected as the 2022 Vancouver Island host community for enhanced wildfire training.

The training, called the Engine Boss course, is a two-day intensive training program including one day of online theory and one day of practical field exercises, with all costs covered by the Province.  This program meets the Office of the Fire Commissioner training standards and BC Wildfire training requirements specific to Urban Interface (WUI) deployments under the Provincial Inter Agency Agreement (IAA). Topics include position overview, pre-deployment responsibilities, pre-dispatch preparation, incident responsibilities, administration and reporting, supervision, response assignments, tactics and safety, and demobilization.

Fire Chief Thomas Doherty says, “we are excited to be selected as the Vancouver Island host for this important training that will benefit our community, our First Nation partners and the Region, and are pleased that an estimated 60 firefighters and close to 20 fire apparatus will visit our community on April 9, to participate.” 

The City of Campbell River Fire Department together with Oyster River Fire Department, BC Wildfire, Office of the Fire Commissioner, and the We Wai Kai First Nation have been working together on the logistics of the course to include practical exercises in some of the community’s medium to high-risk interface neighbourhoods.  The main staging location for the course is at the BC Wildfire Quinsam Base on Nursery Rd in Campbell River.  

This opportunity comes on the heels of a recent UBCM Grant approval for FireSmart initiatives, received by the City and We Wai Kai First Nation.

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Contact: Thomas Doherty, Fire Chief | 250-286-6266 | thomas.doherty@campbellriver.ca

Full news release

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“Public Safety Telecommunicators play a vital role in public safety, serving as the “first” first responders. They are an indispensable part of our emergency services team,” says Assistant Chief Stephanie Bremer. “City of Campbell River Fire Department dispatchers are recognized for their expertise and professionalism, demonstrated through their service to 80 fire departments located here on the coast and in the Peace River region of the province.”

Campbell River provides fire dispatch services to eight regional districts (80 fire departments) under contract with the North Island 9-1-1 Corporation. The fire dispatch centre, located in the No. 1 Fire Hall downtown, handled more than 25,000 incidents last year. The centre is staffed 24 hours a day with two professional public safety telecommunicators, serving an estimated 310,000 residents living across more than 180,000 square kilometres from central to northern Vancouver Island, across Powell River and the Peace River Region.

“In Campbell River, the efforts of our dispatchers are complemented by a team of career and paid-on-call firefighters. Their dedication is a hallmark of our community’s commitment to public safety,” Bremer adds.

Every year, the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International sponsors National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week to honour the thousands of people who take calls and dispatch emergency professionals and equipment to people worldwide.

Accidental 9-1-1 calls and non-emergency calls to 9-1-1 divert resources from genuine emergencies and put people’s lives at risk. The Campbell River Fire Department extends a reminder about these guidelines to prevent accidental calls to 9-1-1:

• Don’t hang up when calling 9-1-1. If you called by mistake, let the operator know

• Protect your cell phone by locking and storing it carefully

• Don’t program 9-1-1 into any telephone

• Never give phones to children to play with
9-1-1 is for police, fire and medical emergencies only. Non-emergency calls should be directed to non-emergency phone numbers.

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Contact: Stephanie Bremer, Assistant Chief | 250-286-6266 |Stephanie.bremer@campbellriver.ca

Full news release.

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The City of Campbell River and We Wai Kai First Nation have partnered together to improve FireSmartTM initiatives to help protect our homes and community from wildfire.

A grant was awarded in the amount of $85,577 through the Union of BC Municipalities FireSmartTM Community Funding & Supports program for 2022.

“By partnering with the We Wai Kai First Nation, we were able to maximize funding opportunities and create efficiencies,” says Thomas Doherty, Fire Chief. “Together, we are using the grant funding for our community to provide enhanced Fire & Life Safety education related to wildfires, using FireSmartTM principles.”

Read the full news release attached.

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Read the full news release attached.

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DELEGATIONS
Wild Wise Campbell River Delegation – Lorna Seldon Burd, coordinator, and James Vasilyev, volunteer for Wild Wise Campbell River, gave a presentation on their Bear Smart Program to reduce wildlife-human interaction, and share recommended initiatives. Council approved a donation of $500 from Council’s contingency fund for their educational wildlife program, and referred their report to staff and the Environmental Advisory Committee for review.

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Are you ready to Paint the Town Red, Campbell River?

Sign up your home, school, or workplace for the contest, and show off your hockey spirit with colourful jerseys, hockey sticks and re-usable materials in all colours, especially red.

“Rogers Hometown Hockey is about more than the two-day event. It’s also a chance to showcase Campbell River’s community pride and spirit,” says Mayor Andy Adams. “We are a hockey town! Join the fun and decorate to show off your hockey spirit.”

PAINT THE TOWN RED CONTEST DETAILS

WHAT: Decorate your home, schools, or workplace – windows, storefronts, front yards – with red or hockey-themed items. Please decorate with re-usable materials.

WHO: The contest is open to all community residents, with winners chosen in three categories:

Residential (one prize)
Business and Community Organizations (three prizes)
School / Classroom (one prize)

HOW:     Register through the City of Campbell River website to win prizes.

Online link to the contest is posted at campbellriver.ca/crhometownhockey
Snap a photo of your hockey-themed space – even better with people in the picture.
You can also share your photo on Facebook or Twitter, tagging the City of Campbell River and Rogers Hometown Hockey, using the hashtag #CRhometownhockey

WHEN:   Contest starts April 2 and the deadline for entries is April 16. Winners will be announced on Sunday, April 17.

The free weekend festival April 16 and 17 at the Maritime Heritage Centre will include family-friendly live entertainment, NHL alumni, and hockey-themed activities for all ages. The festival will wrap up with a live viewing party of an NHL broadcast on April 18 from the Sportsnet Mobile Studio.

Get all the details at campbellriver.ca/crhometownhockey.

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Contact: Elle Brovold, Corporate Officer | 250-286-5709 |elle.brovold@campbellriver.ca

 FULL NEWS RELEASE

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911 Emergency lines are still in service and calls will be responded to as normal.

TELUS is working to resolve the issue as soon as possible. 

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MAYOR’S REMARKS

Conflict in Ukraine—Acknowledging the continuing conflict in Ukraine, Mayor Adams expressed concern and sympathy for Ukrainians and their friends and relatives around the world during this difficult time.

Congratulations, Tyler Turner—Mayor Adams congratulated Campbell Riverite Tyler Turner, a medallist at the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games.

Rogers Hometown Hockey coming to Campbell River—Mayor Adams announced that the City of Campbell River and several community partners will be hosting the Rogers Hometown Hockey Tour, which is coming to Campbell River April 16 to 18, in the parking lot at the Maritime Heritage Centre. Returning in a reimagined format, the free festival will feature a weekend full of hockey-themed activities, local vendors and live entertainment—all in compliance with provincial health regulations. Ron MacLean and Tara Slone will be live on site on Monday, April 18. Visit campbellriver.ca/crhometownhockey for more details.

COMMUNITY SAFETY AND SUPPORT

Bylaw Offences Penalty Bylaw considered—Council gave first, second and third readings to the Bylaw Offences Penalty Bylaw. When adopted, this bylaw will update the penalty clauses in the City’s regulatory bylaws to reflect the current maximum penalty provided for in the Community Charter. This will provide the Provincial Court with the discretion to impose a greater penalty for prosecuted offences.

Support for Cups for Cancer—In response to correspondence received from Kandi Wood, founder and president of Cups for Cancer, Council approved a donation of $1,000 from Council’s contingency fund. Marking its 25th anniversary in 2022, Cups for Cancer raises funds for Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock and Camp Goodtimes at equine events.

Full Council meeting highlights…Read More

Many fitness programs will temporarily relocate to the Community Centre or other locations.

The Sportsplex will be temporarily closed for repairs from May 2 to Oct. 31. Repairs will include replacing the building’s roof, which has been leaking. The last day of business at the Sportsplex before the closure will be Sunday, May 1. 

The Recreation and Culture Department is committed to maintaining a high-quality service level — with a complement of programs, activities, classes and special events — for the citizens of Campbell River during the time the Sportsplex is closed.

Some of the Sportsplex weight room equipment will be moved to Gym 2 of the Community Centre at 401 – 11 Avenue.  This includes cardio machines, weights and spin bikes. The anticipated opening date for the temporary Community Centre weight room is Monday, May 16. 

Fitness classes are being relocated to the Community Centre and other locations.  The fitness classes will begin again May 9.  Effective Monday, May 9, the Community Centre’s hours will be extended. It will be open to the public from 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.  On weekends, it will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Individuals who have a fitness pass can continue to use their fitness memberships at the Community Centre. If a fitness-goer chooses not to work out at the Community Centre, they can suspend their pass and have it reactivated when the Sportsplex opens again, request a refund or transfer their pass to someone else for a $5 transfer fee.

Currently, recreation staff are working hard to create summer program schedules, and are looking for alternative spaces to relocate programs and fitness classes for the summer and fall. The finalized schedules will be available at campbellriver.ca/registration.

A full gymnasium will not be available for indoor sports that require use of a full gym during the closure. All sports — including badminton, floor hockey, indoor soccer, pickle ball and soft tennis — may play in half a gym but may experience reduced service levels.

The Splash Park, outdoor courts and fields, and bike and skate parks will all remain open. The Recreation and Culture Department is in the process of hiring skate park leaders to oversee the skate park. Please note, however, that there will be times when there is no supervision of the skate and bike parks.  If you are concerned about your child’s safety, please provide supervision for them.  The Splash Park washrooms will remain open.  The outdoor washrooms at the Sportsplex will be open most of the time, but there will be temporary shutdowns of the outdoor washrooms when the roof is removed and during power interruptions.

Bus passes and garbage tickets will be available for purchase at City Hall and the Community Centre.

“We appreciate the continued support of our community during this change, and look forward to re-opening the Sportsplex for the citizens of Campbell River in the fall,” says Karen Langford, recreation and culture operations supervisor.

For more information, visit the Recreation and Culture Department’s Facebook page at facebook.com/Campbellriverrec.

Contact: Karen Langford, Recreation and Culture Operations Supervisor | 250-286-1161 |  Karen.Langford@campbellriver.ca

Full news release

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Campbell River is excited to announce that we are gearing up to celebrate our hockey spirit, and everyone’s invited to join the fun. The City of Campbell River and several community partners will host the Rogers Hometown Hockey Tour the weekend of April 16 to 18, in the parking lot at the Maritime Heritage Centre property.

Canada’s ultimate hockey festival is hitting the nation’s highways once again to celebrate passionate communities across the country and the cherished hockey memories, heroes, and legacies that connect us.

Returning in a reimagined format, the free, fan-favourite festival will feature a full weekend of hockey-themed activities, local vendors and live entertainment — all in compliance with provincial health regulations.

New this season, the Rogers Hometown Hockey broadcast, hosted by Sportsnet favourites Ron MacLean and Tara Slone, will take place Monday evening, live from the Maritime Heritage Centre. Local hockey fans will be able to take in the sights, sounds and spectacle of a national broadcast in their own backyard.

“Everyone is welcome to get involved by joining in on festival activities and events,” says Mayor Andy Adams. “This is a great opportunity to reconnect our community following a couple of difficult years, and celebrate our shared passion for hockey and sport in general.”

Stay tuned for more details about the festival and events leading up to it. Visit campbellriver.ca/crhometownhockey for details.

Campbell River’s local organizing committee involves Minor Hockey, the Chamber of Commerce, School District 72, Strathcona Regional District, Destination Campbell River and the City.

Contact: Elle Brovold, Corporate Officer | 250-286-5709 | Elle.Brovold@campbellriver.ca

Background Information:

Follow Rogers Hometown Hockey Tour information on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The tour is presented by Scotiabank and Hyundai.

About the Rogers Hometown Hockey Tour presented by Hyundai and Desjardins
The Rogers Hometown Hockey Tour shines the national spotlight on communities across Canada this season with a weekend of free outdoor hockey festivities for all ages. The celebrations culminate Monday night with an outdoor viewing party of an NHL game broadcast on Sportsnet and SN NOW, with Ron MacLean and Tara Slone hosting live on site from the Sportsnet Mobile Studio. For more information on the tour, please follow Rogers Hometown Hockey on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Sportsnet
Sportsnet is Canada’s #1 sports network. Uniting Canadians through sport, Sportsnet’s multimedia offerings include Sportsnet (consisting of 4 regional channels: East, Ontario, West, and Pacific), Sportsnet ONE, Sportsnet 360, Sportsnet World, the Sportsnet Radio Network, Sportsnet.ca, Sportsnet NOW, SN NOW+, the Sportsnet app, and podcasts. Sportsnet is the official Canadian NHL national multiplatform rights holder, and is the regional broadcaster for the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, and Toronto Maple Leafs. Sportsnet also has extensive coverage of the Toronto Blue Jays and Toronto Raptors, as well as NBA, MLB, Grand Slam of Curling, National Bank Open presented by Rogers, IndyCar, WWE, Super League Rugby, Premiership Rugby, Bundesliga, FA Women’s Super League, and FA Cup. Sportsnet is part of Rogers Sports & Media, which is a subsidiary of Rogers Communications Inc. (TSX, NYSE: RCI). Visit Sportsnet.ca.

About Rogers
Rogers is a proud Canadian company dedicated to making more possible for Canadians every day. Our founder, Ted Rogers, purchased his first radio station, CHFI, in 1960. We have grown to become a leading technology and media company that strives to provide the very best in wireless, residential, sports, and media to Canadians and Canadian businesses. Our shares are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B) and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: RCI).

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The City of Campbell River is requesting additional public input on proposed amendments to the Official Community Plan. The revisions will update the Hazard Conditions Development Permit Area (DPA) guidelines for steep slopes to improve human safety, protect property and address the landslide risk. The updates will increase clarity of the development guidelines, and ensure activity on steep slopes meets the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia Guidelines for Legislated Landslide Assessments for Proposed Residential Development in B.C.

The City first asked for public feedback on the proposed amendments in November 2021, using an online survey and a virtual public meeting. Following suggestions from meeting participants, a direct mail out was then sent to nearly 1,800 properties located in the Hazard Conditions (Steep Slope) DPA to provide notice of possible changes and address frequently asked questions. An additional virtual meeting is scheduled for March 31, from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. This online session will address the top questions and comments that have been heard so far and provide additional opportunities for feedback.

“People in the community have told us that updates should focus on landslide risk and human safety,” said Terri Martin, environmental specialist. “We had originally suggested including additional environmental considerations, but we will not be moving forward with those updates at this time.”

Citizens interested in providing input or wanting more details can visit the City’s website. The FAQs are listed and a link allows people to search properties on an interactive map showing the Hazard Conditions (Steep Slope) DPA. A marked-up version of the DPA with all of the proposed amendments is also available.

Register online for the virtual information session on March 31 at 6 p.m.

Please email sustainability@campbellriver.ca if you have any questions or comments about the proposed amendments.

Contact: Terri Martin, Environmental Specialist | 250-286-5711 | Terri.Martin@campbellriver.ca

Full news release…

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Deadline to apply: March 18 at 4 p.m.

The Campbellton Neighbourhood Association (CNA) is asking local artists to submit their proposals for a mural to be painted on the Tamarac Street Bridge. The mural will be a feature of a public parkette that will soon be located next to the bridge. The CNA will commission the successful artist(s) to create a large salmon-themed mural on the east side of bridge, running the full length of the future parkette.

Artists have until 4 p.m. on March 18 to submit their proposals for consideration. Full details of the call to artists can be found on the CNA website at campbellton.net/call-to-artists-1.

The City of Campbell River and the CNA have been working together on plans for the Bridge Viewpoint parkette as part of recent efforts by the CNA to beautify and revitalize the newly re-branded “Campbellton River Village,” and to provide public places for viewing and appreciating the Campbell River.

“Bridge Viewpoint parkette is going to be a beautiful new park that will enhance our riverfront neighbourhood considerably,” says Laurel Cronk, chair of CNA. “With support from the City of Campbell River, Island Coastal Economic Trust, Campbell River Arts Council, and local artists, we hope it will be a welcoming place where locals and tourists can enjoy the river and the art, appreciate the wildlife, and watch the many activities that happen at the river.”

At more than 50 feet long, the mural will help visitors feel as though they’re right in the river with the salmon. The parkette will be enhanced with natural furnishings, decorative placement of rocks and gravel, and additional salmon-themed public art. Artistic enrichment of this parkette is made possible by a $50,000 grant from Island Coastal Economic Trust’s THRIVE grant.

“This is one of many CNA projects bringing pride of place to the Campbellton River Village,” says Councillor Ron Kerr. “The parkette will give access to our Heritage River and provide public art to enhance the visitor’s experience.”

The City’s Parks Department is set to begin building the parkette this spring, and painting of the mural will take place in April and May.

For more information: Laurel Cronk, Chair, CNA | laurel.cronk@gmail.com | campbellton.net

Artist application deadline: Friday, March 18, at 4 p.m.

NEWS RELEASE…

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The Campbell River Fire Department is issuing an important reminder about having working smoke alarms in your home – and recommends replacing smoke alarm batteries each spring or fall with the time change to help you remember.

Clocks will “spring forward” one hour for the start of Daylight Saving Time on March 13.

“While you’re changing your clocks, please make a point of installing new batteries in your smoke alarms,” says fire chief Thomas Doherty. “Working smoke alarms greatly increase the chances of surviving a house fire. We repeat this message year after year but unfortunately homes with no smoke alarms, or no working smoke alarms, are still a common problem.”

Fire and smoke spread incredibly fast, Doherty adds. “Studies show that you may have as little as one or two minutes to escape a fire, so early detection from a smoke alarm is critical.”

Having a sufficient number of properly-located, working smoke alarms in accordance with the British Columbia Building Code will give you the most time to escape a house fire.

“We recommend having a smoke alarm in every bedroom, outside every sleeping area, and on each floor of your home,” Doherty says. “Please make regular smoke alarm testing in your home a priority.”

To keep your smoke alarms working their best, follow the “once-a-month, once-a-year, once-a-decade” rule.

Test your smoke alarms at least once a month, replace smoke alarm batteries at least once a year, and replace smoke alarms at least every 10 years.

Find more information at campbellriver.ca/fire or call the Campbell River Fire Department at 250-286-6266.

Contact: Thomas Doherty, Fire Chief | 250-286-6266 | Thomas.Doherty@campbellriver.ca

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The temporary connector road will ease traffic congestion related to the South Island Highway Sewer Project.

City Council has approved the construction of a temporary roadway that will open up the undeveloped road allowance between Twillingate Road and Nebraska Drive and connect Highway 19A with Willow Creek Road. This road is being constructed to provide temporary access for residents impacted by the South Island Highway Sewer Project, currently underway between Barlow Road and Twillingate Road.

The South Island Highway Sewer Project is currently in its second phase. The first phase was completed in 2021, between Maryland Road and Twillingate Road.

The Willow Creek connector road will provide a second connection point and alleviate traffic congestion in the area. Construction on the connector segment of this roadway will start the first week of March, and it is anticipated that the connector segment will be opened the following week. Reserve funding of up to $130,000 will be accessed to construct the temporary road.

The road will be gravel and wide enough to accommodate two-way traffic. The existing gravel path will be retained to the west side of the roadway for pedestrian use. Nearby residents will likely experience additional noise and traffic in the area over the next few months.

The City will maintain the temporary roadway to a drivable standard, with a reduced speed limit. Once the South Highway Sewer Project is completed, this temporary connector will be closed to vehicular traffic.

Council has requested that the possibility of turning this section of road into a permanent roadway, be brought forward for consideration as a project in the development of the ten-year capital plan for the City’s 2023 Financial Plan deliberations. This undeveloped segment of road was identified in the 2012 Master Transportation Plan as a future residential collector roadway to connect the area to the north of Twillingate Road to Jubilee Parkway.

Contact: Drew Hadfield, Director of Operations | 250-286-5783 | drew.hadfield@campbellriver.ca

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Campbell River residents will soon be able to enjoy additional riverfront public access in Campbellton.

Following direction from City Council, the City of Campbell River purchased a riverfront property at 1890 19th Avenue. Listed for sale in 2021, the property is adjacent to the City’s existing parkette at the end of Spruce Street and will enable the City to further expand riverfront public access in Campbellton.

The property transfer completed at the end of January and the City plans to proceed with demolition of the buildings on the property in the spring of 2022. Following the completion of this work, the City intends to use this property as park space for the public.

In 2015, the City of Campbell River implemented a Waterfront Property Acquisition Strategy to enable the City to actively acquire waterfront properties in an effort to expand waterfront parkland development. This strategy was created to support Council’s strategic plan, which includes a focus on livability, by ensuring a marine and river waterfront that is open and accessible. 

This purchase was the third waterfront acquisition for the City in 2021, and the tenth acquisition since the strategy was adopted in 2015.

“We have made significant progress with our waterfront acquisition program over the past few years,” says Elle Brovold, the City’s manager of legislative services, who oversees the City’s land holdings. “The City is pleased to announce this property purchase in support of the City’s Waterfront Property Acquisition Strategy, and to be able to provide the community with additional riverfront access for future generations to enjoy.”

Background:

The City currently owns 95 properties along the marine and river waterfront, the majority of which are public parkland.

The Waterfront Property Acquisition Strategy prioritizes the acquisition of waterfront property based on proximity to City-owned land, parks or facilities, or as required for the completion of City capital projects.  The Waterfront Property Acquisition Strategy is primarily funded through the DCC Parkland Acquisition Reserve, which is comprised of charges levied on new development.

Contact: Elle Brovold, Legislative Services Manager | 250-286-5709 | Elle.Brovold@campbellriver.ca

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PROPOSED UPDATES WOULD ADD GREAT BLUE HERON NEST TREES TO THE BALD EAGLE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREA, INCREASE CLARITY OF DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES.

The City of Campbell River is requesting public input on proposed updates to the Official Community Plan (OCP). The revisions would update the Bald Eagle Nest Tree Development Permit Area (DPA) to include Great Blue Heron nest trees as well as add clarity to the types of mitigation activities that would be required when developing near eagle or heron nest trees.

The City first asked for public feedback in November 2021, using an online survey and a virtual public meeting. Further public input will be gathered at an additional virtual meeting on Mar. 17, from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. This virtual session will address the top questions and comments that we’ve heard so far.

“People in the community have told us they find value in sharing our coast with the Bald Eagles and Great Blue Herons that live and nest here,” said Terri Martin, environmental specialist. “Before any changes are made to the City’s Development Permit Guidelines, this additional consultation process will allow citizens and professionals to ask questions and get clarification on what the proposed updates might mean for their property as well as the eagles and herons”.

Interested citizens can visit the City’s website, where a list of FAQs provides more details about the proposed changes. A list of links below the FAQs allows you to search for your property on an interactive map that also shows Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagle nest tree locations. A marked-up version of the proposed amendments is also available.

Register online for the virtual information session on Mar. 17.

Please email sustainability@campbellriver.ca if you have any questions or comments about the proposed amendments.

Contact: Terri Martin, Environmental Specialist | 250-286-5711 |Terri.Martin@campbellriver.ca

URLs for hyperlinks:

City’s website: https://www.campbellriver.ca/ocp-great-blue-heron-nests
Register online: https://bit.ly/3hI3FB3

FULL NEWS RELEASE…

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Note: Issues discussed In-Camera are not open to the public.Read More

With the continued spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 throughout communities in British Columbia, the City continues to take steps to slow and limit the spread of COVID-19 and continue delivering services as safely as possible. In early January, following the recommendations from the Provincial Health Officer, the City increased measures for City staff within the workplace to reduce the likelihood of transmission within the work environment and our community. Although service delivery impacts have been limited to date, there may be delays and interruptions due to COVID impacts affecting City staff, even as we see the Provincial restrictions begin to ease on February 16, 2022.

The City wishes to remind residents and businesses that many municipal services are now accessible online or over the phone. Residents may consider making an appointment rather than accessing drop-in front counter service where possible.

“I would like to thank employees for their commitment to maintaining service delivery through these challenging times. COVID-19 and the Omicron variant can impact City employees in a number of ways, not only for those that may need to isolate but also for those that may need to care for family members. As we approach two years of managing through the pandemic we ask for the public’s patience as we continue to make every effort to provide important municipal services to the community”, says Deborah Sargent, City Manager.

To learn more about how to access City services online or over the phone, contact City Hall reception at 250-286-5700 or info@campbellriver.ca.

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Contact: Elle Brovold, Corporate Officer | 250-286-5709

Find more information: www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19. 

Full news release…

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At their Feb. 14 In-Camera meeting, Council appointed the following residents and business owners to continue the work of the Downtown Safety Select Committee (DSSC) for a new term:

Jim Costain
Tim Kraushar
Nancy Gurr
Allison Kilby
Ben Lanyon
Rodney Semkiw
Dan Samson
Heather Gordon Murphy
Jonathan Shead
Patti Webster

The DSSC will be supported by Councillors Ron Kerr and Kermit Dahl as Council liaisons, with meetings beginning Feb. 17.

At the 2021-2030 Financial Plan deliberation meetings, Council committed $225,000 in operating project funds from the City’s gaming reserve for initiatives to improve downtown safety in response to feedback and concerns received from the community. Council then struck a DSSC to report back with recommendations for allocating these funds.

The DSSC met 14 times in 2021, and provided Council with policy and financial recommendations to consider. The committee also recommended that Council re-establish the select committee to evaluate the progress made to date and advise on further actions.

“Council appreciates the hard work and recommendations of the DSSC Committee and has been reviewing and actively implementing their recommendations where possible” said Mayor Andy Adams. “We have supported numerous initiatives that aim to revitalize the downtown and create a business-friendly environment, while also increasing resources for enforcement and security to mitigate problem behaviors, and we know there is more to do”.

To learn more about city committees, visit the City’s website at campbellriver.ca/advisory-committees.

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Contact: Elle Brovold, Corporate Officer | 250-286-5709

Full news release…

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DELEGATIONS

Discovery Passage Aquarium Society—Discovery Passage Aquarium Society representatives Naomi Tabata, president, and Monica Stewardson, board member, presented Council with a 2022 update and information about future planning. The society is exploring the feasibility of a new aquarium. They expressed interest in incorporating ideas and recommendations from City staff and Council; requested that a City representative participate on the Aquarium Expansion Task Force; requested that the City consider a potential, City-owned waterfront property that may be a suitable location for a future aquarium; and asked that the aquarium be considered when existing infrastructure or developments are reviewed. The presentation was recorded as part of the Council meeting and can be viewed on the City’s website  (campbellriver.ca/webcasts).

COMMUNITY SAFETY AND SUPPORT

Community emergency preparedness funding opportunity—Council authorized a regional application, in partnership with the Strathcona Regional District (SRD) and First Nations, to the Union of BC Municipalities’ Community Emergency Preparedness Program. Grant funding would be used to procure six additional mobile Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) function kits, establish emergency communications during tsunami notifications and chairs for City staff at the EOC. If the application is successful, SRD would provide overall grant management on behalf of the City of Campbell River.

Canada Day Committee requests permission to host fireworks—In response to correspondence received Jan. 25 from Carol Chapman, chair of the Campbell River Canada Day Committee, Council approved the committee’s request to host fireworks from a barge positioned off Robert V. Ostler Park on Jul. 1, subject to COVID-19 health and safety considerations. 

Mar. 26 proclaimed Purple Day in Campbell River to raise awareness about epilepsy—In response to correspondence from Deirdre Syms, interim executive director of the BC Epilepsy Society, Council approved proclaiming Saturday, Mar. 26, Purple Day in Campbell River to raise awareness about epilepsy. Mar. 26 is international Purple Day.  

Correspondence from the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions—Council received correspondence, dated Jan. 21, from the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, regarding community mental health and substance use supports. Council will request a follow-up meeting to discuss addictions treatment and beds on the North Island.

Read the full Council meeting highlights…

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