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Underbrush

The Campbell River Community Plan charts a course to preserve the environment, develop the economy and manage growth. It calls for sustainable policies on housing, infrastructure, transportation, energy and emissions management, and community services. By integrating the three pillars of sustainability — society and culture, the economy and the environment — the 50-year plan will allow the community to address global warming, changes in the resource sector and challenges posed by an aging population. The city partnered with three First Nations in a planning process that involved more than 1,500 members of the community. 

Results

Environmental Economic Social

  • Goals and targets guide land use, ecosystems, water, a skilled work force, social equality and other priorities

  • A sustainability checklist guides rezoning and development permits

  • Green procurement strategy helps reach sustainability goals. 

  • Redevelopment of brownfield sites for a range of residential and commercial uses.

  • Seventy per cent of residents living within a 20-minute walk of stores and other amenities by 2020.

  • Council-to-council meetings held between the City of Campbell River and the Wei Wai Kum, We Wai Kai and Homalco First Nations.

  • Citizens engaged through a wide variety of events and activities, including community workshops and open houses.

Challenges

  • Partnerships with local First Nations — essential to the success of the sustainability plan — were complicated due to long-standing grievances.
  • The three First Nations communities had not been included in previous official plans.
  • The city had to draft a suite of supporting plans for transportation, agriculture, energy and emissions, and solid waste.

Lessons learned

  • The council-to-council meetings with local First Nations were an important starting point.
  • With so many consultants involved, it was important to have a single, accountable project manager. Keeping public consultations focused on the practical steps for the community was essential.

Resources

Partners and Collaborators

Project Contact

Ross Blackwell
Land Use Manager
City of Campbell River
T. 250-286-5748

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