In This Week’s Editor’s Note:
- Tofino: proposed staff housing at Pacific Sands Beach Resort
- Courtenay: Development Industry Meetup in April
- Campbell River: Potential third arena at Strathcona Gardens
Tofino: proposed staff housing at Pacific Sands Beach Resort
The District of Tofino Council has given first, second, and third readings to Housing Agreement Bylaw the Pacific Sands Beach Resort. The housing agreement establishes long-term conditions related to the use and occupancy of the site for staff housing and forms part of the District’s broader approach to securing housing outcomes through regulatory tools. Adoption of the housing agreement is a key step toward enabling additional staff housing through the remaining approval and permitting stages. While details of a housing project at 1421 Pacific Rim Highway have not been made public, the Nelsen family owns both 1421 and 1141 Pacific Rim Highway and there has been previous applications for modular units and other forms of staff housing at 1141 Pacific Rim Highway.
Courtenay: Development Industry Meetup in April
The City of Courtenay invites developers to another Development Industry Meetup on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. The event will be hosted by the City Development Services team from 12 to 2 pm with lunch included, at the Native Sons Hall (lower level). These sessions provide an opportunity for members of the development community to hear updates, share feedback, and discuss current development topics with City staff. Save your spot by completing a brief registration form at https://forms.gle/HJeUZsDsA2DNt1HH6.
Campbell River: Potential third arena at Strathcona Gardens
The Strathcona Regional District and the City of Campbell River publicly announced last week that they are exploring options for a potential third arena at Strathcona Gardens, following feedback from community members and facility users. Strathcona Gardens is currently under construction with Phase 1 of 2. Phase 1 includes a new Aquatic and Wellness Centre featuring an 8-lane, 25-metre lap pool, therapy pool, leisure pool, hot pool, and enhanced fitness and wellness spaces. The phase is under construction with Heatherbrae Builders. Phase 2 focuses on the Rod Brind’Amour Arena and was proposed to include increased spectator seating to meet Junior A standards, a new indoor walking track offering all-weather, year-round fitness, modern team and referee rooms, enhanced accessibility and circulation, warm-area viewing, and multipurpose and viewing spaces. Other upgrades included a new elevator, concessions on both levels, space for a second-floor beer garden, and new ice melt pits to improve rink operations. Design work for the arena was completed in May 2025 and an Alternative Approval Process for $57.1 million was approved in 2025. Construction was originally proposed to begin in Spring 2026, concurrent with the completion of Phase 1, but a tender has not been issued and the current review of a potential third arena may further impact the schedule.
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