The City of Campbell River outlined bold concepts in 2025 for the future of Shoppers Row, proposing substantial changes to the area as part of an effort to revitalise the downtown core.
In early 2025, the city expressed interest in finding a qualified developer after strategically acquiring four properties in the 1300-block of Shoppers Row, including the Harbourside Inn, the vacant lot beside it and the former Dairy Queen site.
According to a city release, the goal of the project is to increase vibrancy and safety downtown through mixed-use development, including middle-income rental housing.
“In addition to housing, the city envisions a variety of commercial, retail and civic uses at the ground level of the development, aimed at invigorating and animating both Shoppers Row and 13th Avenue,” the release said.
The city’s acquisition of the inn required rehousing 40 of its 45 low-income residents.
In partnership with B.C. Housing and Island Health, the city said it conducted vulnerability assessments for all tenants to help provide housing that better reflected their needs.
“City staff and partners have worked tirelessly to complete assessments and match individuals with better housing,” the release said. “Every resident who required support and provided consent was offered housing, should they want it — many with improved supports, accessibility and proximity to services and family.”
With a demolition permit in hand, the city said pre-demolition work has begun, with most activities at this stage taking place inside the building.
In December, the city named Seymour Pacific Developments Ltd. and Broadstreet Properties Ltd. as developers for the redevelopment, which will include up to 200 rental housing units. The city said 10 per cent of the units are slated to be affordable housing.
Looking ahead to early 2026, next steps include completing all remaining demolition activities.
