The City of Campbell River has selected a local development team to move ahead with a major downtown revitalization project - Reimagine the Row.

Seymour Pacific Developments Ltd. and Broadstreet Properties Ltd. have been chosen as the successful proponent to lead redevelopment along Shoppers Row.

Work on the project has been underway since 2023, with a focus on bringing new rental housing, commercial activity, and civic space to the downtown core.

The redevelopment is expected to include new purpose-built rental housing above ground-floor commercial and civic spaces.

At least 10 percent of the rental units are planned to be affordable, defined as rents at or below 30 percent of household income, pending final financing and program approvals.

The project aligns with the City’s Housing Accelerator Fund commitments, with $3.2 million from that fund previously used to support property acquisition.

Under the partnership model, the developer will hold a long-term lease for the residential portion of the project and will be responsible for design, financing, construction, and ongoing operations.

The City will retain ownership of the land and the ground-floor civic and commercial spaces, with all development subject to City bylaws and approval processes.

Preliminary concepts show up to 200 rental units, space for civic or institutional use, a new Downtown Safety Office, commercial or retail space that could include a restaurant and patio, and on-site parking.

Streetscape upgrades are also proposed along Shoppers Row and 13th Avenue, with improvements to walkability, lighting, and landscaping.

The City says the partnership allows it to benefit from the developer’s experience with large mixed-use rental projects, while helping manage costs for taxpayers.

Officials also say the project balances downtown economic revitalization with the need for more middle-income and affordable housing in a tight rental market.

Site preparation work has already been completed, including hazardous materials abatement and demolition planning.

Demolition of the building at 1342 Shoppers Row is expected to begin later this month, with remaining City-owned structures in the 1300-block scheduled for early 2026.

During construction, the laneway behind the project area will remain closed until the end of March.

Sidewalk closures will also be in place along Shoppers Row as demolition progresses.

The Downtown Safety Office has been temporarily relocated to the Centennial Building on Shoppers Row.

To read the full release, visit City of Campbell River.