Hello,
Recent rains remind me of winters which trundled from rainstorm to deluge to showers… here’s hoping a deluge of spring blooms isn’t far off. This report has news about collaborative work on wastewater (sewer), learnings from the recent Campbell River Housing Symposium, and dates & topics for upcoming Official Community Plan discussions.
Category Archives: Housing
2026 Housing Survey Results
(Part Two of the March 18, 2026 Area B Director’s Report )
By Regional Director Mark Vonesch
When we put out the housing survey I was hoping to get at least as many respondents as two years ago. The more people that participate, the better understanding the Cortes Housing Society and I have about the housing reality for people on Cortes and their opinions of how we should move forward.
I am happy to report we received 100 more submissions than two years ago with 361 submissions in total! Thank you to all of you that filled one out.
A tale of two cities: Port Alberni’s new supportive housing is drafted for uptown while Campbell River takes a different approach
By Nora O’Malley, Ha-Shilth-Sa, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Port Alberni, BC – In the face of public dissent, Port Alberni Mayor Sharie Minions holds the line on the construction of a controversial 55-studio unit supportive housing complex in the Uptown core.
“I don’t for a second believe that housing people within a neighbourhood where they are currently homeless is going to make it worse. I think it will make it better, and I feel very strongly about that,” said Minions during the Feb. 9 regular council meeting question period.
Continue reading A tale of two cities: Port Alberni’s new supportive housing is drafted for uptown while Campbell River takes a different approach
Six Units Underway at Rainbow Ridge, Further Updates
If everything goes as planned, the first two rental suites at the Rainbow Ridge Affordable Rental Project on Cortes Island will be ready in June, and six units could be occupied as early as January. In this morning’s interview, Mark Lombard, the Construction Manager, provides an overview of how the work is progressing at Rainbow Ridge, as well as updates from the Cortes Island Housing Society‘s other housing sites—Orchard Village and the Makerspace.
Continue reading Six Units Underway at Rainbow Ridge, Further Updates
First Responses: 2026 Cortes Island Housing Survey
The 2026 Cortes Island Housing Survey was launched on Wednesday, February 11. This is a joint endeavour between Regional Director Mark Vonesch and the Cortes Housing Society, who recently provided a look at the first responses.
70 people had filled out the survey when Cortes Currents interviewed Sadhu Johnston, a day after the release.
Sadhu Johnston: “The first Cortes Island Housing Survey was really, really helpful for us in guiding the work of the Cortes Housing Society. We wanted to do another housing survey to gauge where people are at and how they’re feeling about the housing challenges on Cortes. Also, for us, as we’re building out Rainbow Ridge, it helps to get clarity on what people are looking for in terms of their housing needs. We want to make sure we’re building the right size units, the right number of bedrooms, and things of that nature,” he explained.
Continue reading First Responses: 2026 Cortes Island Housing Survey