City Of Campbell River Seeking Input On Micro Market Downtown

The City of Campbell River is developing a micro market in Campbell River’s downtown core and is looking to the business community and residents for input on the design of the outdoor retail market.

Funding for the project will come from Island Coastal Economic Trust and the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program delivered through the Province of British Columbia.

A feedback survey is available now at Get Involved Campbell River, and the deadline is November 21st.

Focus groups and other engagement activities will take place in mid-November, including in-person engagement on November 17 and 18.

The micro market looks to ‘’increase local business vitality and stimulate visitor attraction and resident engagement”.

The project will involve small and medium-sized businesses that are home or market-based and are looking to grow their businesses into a permanent retail location.

In a release, the city explains that micro-units offer short-term, affordable lease rates for 12 to 36 months on a rotating basis.

They support entrepreneurs and artisans as they grow and establish their business within the first years of operation.

Successful applicants will also participate in entrepreneurial programming provided by the City’s Economic Development Department.

The City’s Economic Development and Tourism Manager, Leah Knutson, says feedback from businesses that will use the space and the residents that will frequent it ‘’will provide direction for the units, surrounding infrastructure, and amenities, that will make this space a vibrant community hub.”

The City says community feedback will provide insights that will guide the planning and design of the micro units, as well as surrounding infrastructure and amenities for the market area.

The project team will present a ‘’What We Heard’’ report and design concept to Council early next year.