In This Week’s Editor’s Note:
- Campbell River: Construction of new Aquatic and Wellness Centre progressing.
- Comox: Council seeking tools and options to encourage development.
- CVRD: Portions of Lazo Road closed for Sewage Conveyance Project construction.
Campbell River: Construction of new Aquatic and Wellness Centre progressing.
Construction of the new Aquatic and Wellness Centre continues to progress across the site. Structural steel detailing is nearing completion, exterior wall installation is underway, and roof assemblies are advancing. Concrete masonry walls in the technical areas are complete, with change room walls close behind. Key milestones for all pools have been reached, and installation of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and pool systems is well underway. Scaffolding supports interior work, while painting of structural elements and construction of bleachers and slide access stairs continue. Planning discussions are ongoing for a new Arena as Phase 2 of the project. An Alternative Approval Process (AAP) concluded in September 2025, with 5.5% of electors opposing the $57.1 million borrowing bylaw—below the 10% threshold required to halt it. If approved, the project is expected to result in an estimated $88 tax increase in 2026 for the average household in Campbell River and Electoral Area D. The Strathcona Regional District Board is taking additional time to review feedback and confirm the $61.2 million project delivers strong long-term value before proceeding to final tender.
Comox: Council seeking tools and options to encourage development.
Council has directed staff to prepare a report outlining all available tools and options to encourage and facilitate development in the Town, including both existing tools that could be amended and additional measures beyond and including adjusting the Development Cost Charges and Amenity Cost Charges project lists. Council deferred adoption of the updated Development Cost Charge (DCC) and Amenity Cost Charge (ACC) Bylaws until March, and is has sought development community feedback. Staff noted much of these work is already completed, and that there are few options to consider outside of adjusting the project list or the municipal assist (the portion of the total cost acknowledging that these amenities also benefit the existing community). Staff expect to present the report at the March council meeting.
CVRD: Portions of Lazo Road closed for Sewage Conveyance Project construction.
A section of Lazo Road is scheduled to close February 23–27 to facilitate sewer forcemain construction, with the area closed to all vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic. Beginning March 2, 2026, portions of Torrence Road and Lazo Road near the intersection will be closed for approximately six to eight weeks, although Torrence Road residents will retain access. All construction is subject to weather and related delays. The Comox Valley Sewer Conveyance Project is a multi-year initiative to replace pipes and upgrade pump stations that transport more than 14,000 cubic metres of wastewater daily to the Brent Road treatment plant, relocating infrastructure inland to reduce vulnerability caused by by waves, rocks, logs and weather.
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