In This Week’s Editor’s Note:
- Tofino: Archaeological permit issued for the Biosphere Centre
- Cumberland: Energy and Zero Carbon Step Code
- Campbell River: 115-acre Kingfisher Ridge development update
Tofino: Archaeological permit issued for the Biosphere Centre
The proposed Biosphere Centre project has reached another milestone with approval of an archaeological permit, clearing a key regulatory hurdle for development of the cultural and community facility. The three-storey, 10,464 sq.ft. building was previously issued a building permit valued at approximately $10.17 million and is planned as a regional gathering place serving coastal communities including the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, Ahousaht, Hesquiaht First Nation, Ucluelet First Nation, and Toquaht Nation. While the archaeological approval is now in place, the project team continues to pursue remaining funding commitments required to proceed with construction. As a result, a construction start date has not yet been confirmed and will be dependent on securing full project financing. Naikoon Contracting remains involved as pre-construction manager, having been appointed to the project in 2024. The Clayoquot Biosphere Trust acquired the property in 2019 with the goal of developing the facility as a central hub for collaboration, education, culture, and community engagement across the region.
Cumberland: Energy and Zero Carbon Step Code
Council has given first and second reading to a Building Bylaw Amendment for adoption of the Energy Step Code and the Zero Carbon Step Code. The Village has chosen an accelerated timeline starting with Strong Carbon Performance (EL-3) on January 1, 2027, and Zero Carbon Performance (EL-4) on January 1, 2028, in alignment with the City of Courtenay. Adoption of the Energy Step Code and Zero Carbon Step Code within the Building Bylaw will require that all new construction, including new civic facilities, be net-zero ready/zero carbon ahead of 2030.
Campbell River: 115-acre Kingfisher Ridge development update
Campbell River’s newest 115-acre master-planned residential community in Quinsam Heights is moving forward with the City reviewing a March 2026 Development Variance Permit application to increase a retaining wall from 1.5m to 3m, a February 2026 Zoning Bylaw Amendment application for two lots from RU-1 to R-1 and PA-1 zoning, and recent approval of a September 2025 Minor Development Permit application for a multi use/emergency path. Preliminary subdivision approval for 27 lots with two multi-family lots was granted in May 2023 and the developer and city are reviewing detailed drawings. Approximately 42.7 acres of the 115-acre site is developable and the lot breakdown is online. The mixed-density development is planned to include more than 600 residential units, consisting of single-family homes, duplexes, manufactured housing, and multi-family residential development sites. Nine hectares have been designated for ~240 units with small-lots or modular housing. The lot breakdown shows 27 single family lots, 5 single family with up to 4 units, one 4.34ha and one 1.45ha Multi-Family Condo lots, and two lots totaling 8.77ha for multi (small lots). Current development efforts remain focused on subdivision, servicing, and phased land development. To learn more about acquisition, partnership, or development opportunities contact John Kelly at john@kingfisherridge.ca or Phone: 250.920.6713.
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