Construction began on June 10, 2019. Close to two kilometres of water and sewer pipe were installed on Highway 19A, between Rockland Road and Rotary Beach Park. The 2020 season came to an abrupt halt on March 16, due to province-wide concerns. The project contractor, Wacor Holdings Ltd, “requested a halt to work on the highway to prevent the spread of the coronavirus and COVID-19 and to review plans for implementation of increased safety measures.” When work on the Campbell River Waterfront Project resumed, on April 13, a number of new safety measures were in place. 

The In-Person Element

However the open house designed to inform the public about this year’s plans was postponed. In addition to the city’s news releases and local media coverage, Campbell River residents were encouraged to contact city hall or follow the project’s progress online. Some felt the in person element was missing. So, while the Strathcona Regional District has postponed public hearings in the rural areas until September, Campbell River held an Outdoor pop-up info booth about the Waterfront project at Rotary Daybreak Park on June 17 and 23.

The subsequent news release states:

“ Approximately 60 people stopped by the booth at Rotary Daybreak Park on June 17 and 23, to share information about the work that’s underway, and what people can expect when it’s finished.“

“‘It was great to see people stopping by to ask questions about this important project,‘ said Mayor Andy Adams, who also made a stop to connect with community members. ‘This booth gave us a chance to share timely information about all the exciting work this summer has in store with the community at a safe physical distance.’”

About Waterfront Project

“ … At the information booth, the City’s project team was able to answer questions about the new Rockland roundabout that will be constructed in the fall as part of this project. To address the safety hazard at Rockland Road and Highway 19A, a roundabout was selected because it allows traffic flow to continue, is significantly more affordable than traffic lights, has fewer environmental impacts and provides the needed safety for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians through this corridor.” 

“‘We thank everyone who came by to talk about the work to come. It’s a priority for all of us to make sure the community is informed, both about the impacts in the short term and about all the great new amenities we can look forward to when it’s finished,’ said deputy city manager Ron Neufeld.” 

“Due to the risk of spreading COVID-19, the City cancelled an open house that had been planned for March this year. The pop-up info booths were established to allow the team leading the Waterfront Project 2018-2020 to connect in-person with people wanting information.”

Spirit Square On The Move

Within minutes of my publishing this article,the city of Campbell River announced Spirit Square on the Move:

“Campbell River’s popular downtown concert series is going on the road to bring physically-distanced concerts to different neighbourhoods.” 

“Four concerts will take place at locations randomly selected by a draw entered by individual households.”

“‘Spirit Square on the Move is designed to be a safe way to connect neighbourhoods to live music, and a way for people to continue to connect through their love of music,’ says Karen Chappell, a recreation programmer with the City of Campbell River. ‘These street-based concerts will allow people to listen at a safe distance from their front yards, on patios, porches or decks, while participating in a family-friendly, community-based event with their immediate neighbours.’”

“Concerts will play between 4 and 7 p.m. July 9 and 18 and August 6 and 15.“

Top photo credit Discussing Waterfront project with City project team pop-up info booth – courtesy City of Campbell River