In This Week’s Editor’s Note:
- Cumberland: planning work proceeding for Perseverance Creek Watershed and No. 2 Dam
- Comox: re-designated several 6 storey zoned properties to 3 storeys
- Powell River: $3 million building permit issued for 40 unit modular temporary shelter
Cumberland: planning work proceeding for Perseverance Creek Watershed and No. 2 Dam
The Village of Cumberland has advanced planning work related to the Perseverance Creek Watershed and No. 2 Dam, both critical components of the community’s drinking water system. For the Perseverance Watershed Initiative, Aquatex Scientific Consulting has been selected following a competitive RFP process over the summer. The consultant is currently supporting watershed management and research activities, including hydrometric monitoring and soil studies, to inform long-term watershed planning and infrastructure decisions. Meanwhile, the No. 2 Dam reconstruction project remains in the preliminary design phase. Engineering services are being delivered under an existing contract with ISL Engineering. Once design work is completed, the Village anticipates proceeding to tender for construction services in the new year. The project is part of a broader effort to address seismic resilience and long-term dam performance within the municipal water system. In 2020, the Village secured $4.475 million through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program to support the dam reconstruction.
Comox: re-designated several 6 storey zoned properties to 3 storeys
Town Council defeated third reading of the Official Community Plan (OCP) Bylaw Update, made a series of amendments, and sent the plan back to Public Hearing for early 2026. All properties designated mid-rise/maximum 6 storeys and fronting Buena Vista Avenue were re-designated Ground Oriented infill/maximum 3 storeys except for 1946 and 1950 Comox Avenue. In addition, council made step-backs mandatory on all mid-rise buildings within the town at the 5th and 6th storeys. Finally, council added Section 7.5.8 to the Exemptions of the Sensitive Ecosystems Development Permit Area guidelines to state: “Landscaping projects completed by hand, including the creation of gardening beds and the planting of trees and shrubs, provided no existing trees are removed.” Staff will now update the OCP map before returning to council. At that point, the public hearing will be rescheduled.
Powell River: $3 million building permit issued for 40 unit modular temporary shelter
A building permit with a value of $2,996,700 has been issued for this temporary shelter project. The project is a partnership between BC Housing, the City of Powell River and Lift Community Services to provide 40 beds at 7104 Barnet Street. The City owns this property and no rezoning was required for the temporary land use. The shelter will use modular construction and provide 40 safe, secure spaces for people experiencing homelessness in Powell River. It will be open 24/7, year-round. The Barnet Street shelter is considered a temporary shelter project because as the City plans to keep it open only until permanent shelter spaces and additional supportive housing can open on Joyce Avenue near qathet General Hospital. The proposed permanent building includes approximately 20 permanent shelter spaces and 43 supportive homes, some with added Complex Care Housing services. For more information, https://letstalkhousingbc.ca/powell-river-barnet-street
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