Building Links Blog

Read our blog to stay informed on the news for the construction and real estate industry for the Comox Valley, Campbell River, Comox, Port Alberni, Powell River, Tofino and Vancouver Island. Stay connected to get connected!


Climate Change Mitigation, changed to Building Codes in Around Town

Posted on May 11, 2023

Climate Change Mitigation, changed to Building Codes in Around Town

Your Weekly Construction Briefing

The Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes is seeking input from code users on the draft policy recommendations for developing and implementing greenhouse gas emissions provisions in the National Model Codes.

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Your Weekly North Vancouver Island Construction News

Posted on May 10, 2023

Your Weekly North Vancouver Island Construction News

In this Week’s Issue of Building Links

  • Port Alberni: proposed Townhouse zone for 44′ x 125′ lots
  • Courtenay: proposed 24 unit apartment building
  • ​​​​​​Campbell River:  construction tender for 6 new childcare centres
This drawing shows the design concept for a possible new townhome project in Port Alberni. If approved, it will be the first project zoned under a proposed Townhome Multi-Family designation.

Port Alberni: proposed Townhouse zone for 44′ x 125′ lots.  

​​Council is considering a new TH1 Townhouse Multi-Family zone that would create opportunities for ‘missing middle’ housing in the Southport Neighbourhood, along with OCP design guidelines to regulate this type of development. Zoning Bylaw regulations also currently do not align with the dimensions of many “historically created” lots in the Southport area. Specifically, lot sizes and frontages are too small to permit development without a variance or rezoning application. This is a barrier to housing development, and is placing a greater administrative burden on staff and Council. There are approximately 341 lots in the City with the 44′ x 125′ dimensions, that could be suitable for several types of infill multi housing projects. All but one of these lots are located in the Southport area, with 80 located within the Uptown District. A public hearing for the first project to be considered under the new zoning, a fourplex at 2466 4th Street, will occur on May 23. Approval for this project will help pave the way for similar projects.

Courtenay: proposed 24 unit apartment building.

A development permit application has been submitted for a 24 unit residential rental project on Piercy Street across from the city works yard. The City adopted a rezoning amendment for the property in April. As proposed, the applicant intends to build 24 units in two, two-storey buildings running front-to-back on the property with twenty parking spots, 24 secure bicycle spots and 12 visitor bicycle spots. Units will include four studio, five one-bedroom, and 15 two-bedrooms. Parking will be accessed through the laneway at the back of the building, and the developer will be rebuilding and paving the full width of the lane along the property and to the entrance of 10th Street prior to building occupancy. The .586 acre property currently contains a vacant 1000 sq.ft. single family home and shop and was purchased in March 2021 for $497,500.

Campbell River:  construction tender for 6 new childcare centres.

The Board of Education of School District No.72 (SD72) invites proposals from qualified construction firms for the construction of six childcare centres on SD72 properties within the Campbell River region. Anticipated Contract Award June 6, 2023. A non-mandatory site meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 16 starting at 9:30 am at Ocean Grove Elementary followed by the remainder of sites. Ocean Grove Elementary, Sandowne Elementary, Pinecrest Elementary, Cedar Elementary, Ripple Rock Elementary, Quadra Elementary. Interested parties are strongly encouraged to attend site meetings to fully understand the scope of the projects. This tender closes May 26.

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Construction Labour Supply Still Top Issue in Around Town

Posted on May 4, 2023

Construction Labour Supply Still Top Issue in Around Town

Your Weekly Construction Briefing

The BC Construction Association has released its annual Industry Survey offering insights from construction employers and tradespeople. According to this year’s survey, the top issues facing the industry are skilled labour shortages, prompt payments, and safety, with 61% of small contractors seriously contemplating leaving the industry.

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Your Weekly North Vancouver Island Construction News

Posted on May 3, 2023

Your Weekly North Vancouver Island Construction News

In this Week’s Issue of Building Links

  • Comox Valley: BC Hydro’s $47 million Flow control improvements along the Puntledge River
  • Courtenay and Campbell River: Seymour Pacific seeking subtrades for 5 apartment buildings. 
  • Powell River: Development of the Airport Industrial Lands.
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Building Permits Quarterly Statistics in Around Town

Posted on April 27, 2023

Building Permits Quarterly Statistics in Around Town

Your Weekly Construction Briefing

The Comox Valley to Campbell River building permit total values for the first quarter of 2023 have decreased by 49% compared to the first quarter in 2022. This decrease is primarily due to a $36M permit issued in 2021 for a care home project in Comox. Without that permit, the decrease is 29%, and driven by a 33% decrease in total residential permit values.

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Your Weekly North Vancouver Island Construction News

Posted on April 26, 2023

Your Weekly North Vancouver Island Construction News

In this Week’s Issue of Building Links

  • Royston: CVRD has received $7.4 million for the Water Service (South) Extension Project.
  • North Island: Funding announced for several potential construction projects. 
  • Comox Valley: Paper Shredding Fundraiser May 6.
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BC Increasing Lot Density in Around Town

Posted on April 20, 2023

BC Increasing Lot Density in Around Town

Your Weekly Construction Briefing

The B.C. government expects to introduce provincial legislation this fall to allow up to four units on a single-family lot with additional density permitted in areas well served by transit. If approved, the legislation will reduce requirements for rezoning to build a duplex, triplex or a fourplex.

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Your Weekly North Vancouver Island Construction News

Posted on April 19, 2023

Your Weekly North Vancouver Island Construction News

In this Week’s Issue of Building Links

  • Comox Valley: $30 million received towards extending wastewater services south
  • Port McNeill: $2.7 million Beach Drive landslide mitigation project is moving forward
  • Powell River: Proposed 40 to 50 multi-residential apartment building
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Quinsam Heights Design Charrette In Around Town

Posted on April 13, 2023

Quinsam Heights Design Charrette In Around Town

Your Weekly Construction Briefing

The City of Campbell River is holding two sessions to explore the land use challenges, opportunities, and design ideas for the Quinsam Heights Neighbourhood.

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Your Weekly North Vancouver Island Construction News

Posted on April 12, 2023

Your Weekly North Vancouver Island Construction News

In this Week’s Issue of Building Links

  • Port Alberni: proposed new $2 million Cherry Creek fire hall.
  • Comox Valley Regional District: potential new pool, ice rink, and artificial sports turf.
  • Courtenay: new child care facility at Arden Elementary School.
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