The City of Campbell River is inviting members of the public to share their ideas for the 3.5 acres of City-owned land at the corner of Highway 19A and Roberts Reach.
In June and July, the City held two open house events to invite people to pitch their ideas. More than two dozen proposals have been received so far. Most ideas for this unique location are founded on the principles of public access and public benefit and include art and natural features to complement neighbourhood development and use of the harbour. Along with suggestions to open this area for businesses or a transit hub, presentations for this property have ranged from a performing arts and cultural centre, a waterfront park, or an aquarium and an open-air market to a location for a library, post-secondary education, a sports complex or for a salmon centre of excellence and conference centre.
Another public meeting will be held Sept. 12 to report out to the community. The community engagement process will build on previous efforts to gather public feedback on proposed uses for the property that complement downtown revitalization.
Mayor Andy Adams has consistently stated that Council will continue to collaborate with First Nations partners, local businesses and associations to ensure that any potential development of the City-owned property aligns with plans as identified by the community through the City’s Waterfront Task Force. The task force is working with a company to establish community-endorsed principles for best uses of the 3.5-acre site that support revitalization in downtown Campbell River.
Find more information about the City’s consultation process and see suggestions so far for the 3.5-acre waterfront site at: www.campbellriver.ca/refresh or call City Hall at 250-286-5700.