In This Week’s Editor’s Note:
- Ucluelet: approvals moving forward for 33-lot modular home development
- Tofino: tender to be issued soon for $3.2 million Campbell Street upgrade
- Powell River: first reading for two bylaws for 111-ha residential development
Ucluelet: approvals moving forward for 33-lot modular home development
The District of Ucluelet has approved amendments to a housing agreement for the Lot 13 subdivision on Marine Drive, part of the “First Light” affordable housing development, securing 11 units as affordable rental housing within the project. The 33-lot development includes a mix of affordable rental and ownership units aimed at supporting local workforce housing. The remaining 22 units in the development are dedicated to BC Housing’s Affordable Home Ownership Program (AHOP), with prices ranging approximately from $365,000 to $500,000. As part of the update, council has aligned the agreement with BC Housing’s standard 10-year term and approved a 50% reduction in Development Cost Charges (DCCs) for the affordable rental units to improve project viability. To reflect current economic conditions, council also approved increasing the maximum household income allowed for buyers to $191,000. The project will utilize modular homes on permanent foundations.
Tofino: tender to be issued soon for $3.2 million Campbell Street upgrade
The District of Tofino has approved early budget funding for Campbell Street Phase 3, allocating approximately $3.2 million as part of its 2026–2030 financial planning process. This project is a major component of the multi-year revitalization of downtown Tofino, specifically targeting the corridor from Second Street to the end of the road overlooking Duffin Cove. Key improvements include continuous sidewalks, designated bicycle lanes, and enhanced intersections. Similar to the planned Multi-Use Path Upgrades, these improvements are designed to meet current provincial safety and accessibility standards. The current project design is approximately 75% complete. The District has plans to issue a tender this spring. Construction is anticipated to begin in September 2026, with completion targeted for Spring 2027. More details are online at https://talktofino.ca/campbell-street-phase-3.
Powell River: first reading for two bylaws for 111-ha residential development
Council has given first reading to a Sustainable Official Community Plan and Zoning Amendment bylaw that if adopted will see the development of a 111-ha parcel of land located adjacent to Millennium Park and the City’s Recreation Complex. As proposed, the project is expected to take 30 years for a complete build out. The development proposal has undergone refinement since the initial application. Specifically, the applicant has responded to the staff desired density target of 35 dwelling units per hectare average across the site. The applicant is proposing two blocks (1 and 3) of land to be zoned to accommodate higher density multi-unit residential development in forms such as townhouse and apartment dwellings. The remaining land will be zoned R2 (Single and Two Family Residential). The application is expected to undergo further adjustment to meet emerging community housing needs. As it stands, only Blocks 1 and 3 (higher density multi-unit residential development) are being rezoned under the proposed bylaw updates to CD7 (Comprehensive Development 7 – Benchlands). The CD7 will include two subareas. Residential Sub-Area 1, was largely modelled after the existing CD4 Zone (Comprehensive Development 4 – Residential Small Lots) and will require lots equal to or greater than 545m2 to construct three or more dwelling units. The second sub area, Mixed Use Sub-Area 2, is intended to support higher density residential uses with small-scale ancillary commercial spaces and services. Finally, the applicant must satisfy a significant list of subject conditions prior to second reading. Some of the conditions are: a comprehensive proposal for infrastructure upgrades, including upgrades to Manson Avenue, the Joyce at Complex Way intersection, the Joyce at Manson Avenue intersection, and the Artaban sanitary main; a future servicing cost analysis and Fiscal Impact Study prepared by a qualified professional; and further details regarding the use of the BC Hydro Right of Way to create a dynamic community space.
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