City Of Campbell River Exploring Changes To Social Services

The City of Campbell River is exploring changes to how social services are regulated in our community through Zoning Bylaw Amendment No. 3861.

The City of Campbell River is exploring changes to how social services are regulated in our community through Zoning Bylaw Amendment No. 3861. The changes look to help address complex societal challenges surrounding poverty, mental health and substance use that the City, alongside many other BC and Canadian municipalities, face. On June 13, 2022, Council gave second reading to the bylaw and scheduled a Public Hearing for tonight.   

If adopted, the bylaw would adjust how social services are defined and where they are permitted to operate in the community. Following direction from Council, and considering public consultations and professional recommendations, a dispersed service delivery model that avoids a concentration of services downtown is proposed. 

The model aligns with the growth and geography of our community, and the need to have services offered throughout. Organizations looking to establish new “drop in” services related to food security, hygiene and substance use, or relocating existing services, would be directed to areas outside the downtown core. Areas under consideration include Willow Point, Campbelton, and other Village Centres. Existing services downtown would be able to stay where they are under a “grand-parent” clause. Any new operation would need to go where zoning permits.

Members of the community are invited to offer comments and feedback for Council’s consideration at the public hearing at 6 p.m. tonight. People can attend the hearing in person at City Hall, virtually, or provide written correspondence.  For more information, and to register for in-person or virtual participation, visit https://campbellriver.ca/your-city-hall/city-council/public-hearing or call 250-286-5700.