Four properties have been acquired by the City of Campbell River to help revitalize the downtown area.
On Monday, the City announced they recently got properties located in 1342 Shoppers Row, 1352 Shoppers Row, and 1362 16th Avenue to redevelop them in the hopes of bringing more vibrancy and safety to downtown. This comes after they acquired the property at 1302 Shoppers Row in 2023.
Staff are also planning on developing a mixed-use, purpose-built middle-income rental housing to address the City’s low rental vacancy rate, with hopes of providing unit types ranging from studio apartments to 3-bedroom units for middle-income earners.
The City says this is all part of the Reimagine the Row project, an initiative focused on reimaging Shoppers Row through demolishing existing buildings and working with the private sector to develop housing, civic, and commercial spaces.
Mayor Kermit Dahl says council has a vision for the downtown.
“This strategic investment will animate the area, increase livability and walkability, and deliver on Council’s commitment to downtown revitalization and community safety,” said Dahl.
“The purchase of these properties for redevelopment supports a wide range of businesses and housing opportunities in key locations.”
They say crews are aiming to house the Downtown Safety Office, with hopes it can become a space for residents to talk to bylaw enforcement officers about any neighbourhood concerns and be a hub for patrols and clean-ups.
They say the project is currently in its planning phase, which will last until June 2025.
Demolition is expected to start at a certain time between 2025 and 2026, with construction to begin in 2026.
