Townsite Neighbourhood Review

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A bird's eye view photograph of Townsite taken by Paul Galinski

Project Updates

Archaeological, heritage, and cultural use work is complete! Staff worked with Aquilla Archaeology and Tla'amin Nation to better understand the archaeological, heritage, and cultural uses in the area, and how that might inform future land use designations. Please see here.

We also set up a booth at Townsite Day on July 16. You can see the materials we shared here and in the Document Library.

The Phase 1 Engagement Summary report is available in the Document Library, along with the Phase 2 Engagement Summary report.


Help us create a community vision!

Since adoption of the 2014 Sustainable Official Community Plan Bylaw 2370 (SOCP), the City has purchased more than 230 acres of former mill land in the Townsite designated in the SOCP as Employment Centre, Resource, Waterfront Commercial/Industrial, and Agriculture. Acknowledging public ownership of these significant land holdings, the purpose of this project is to conduct an SOCP neighbourhood review to develop a community vision for these lands and update the land use designation map and Townsite policy sections in response. The engagement process will result in an updated Schedule B Land Use Designations map and revised objectives and policies for section 3.6 Townsite (originally tiskwat) for Council's consideration.

Land Use Designations from SOCP


To learn more, check out the backgrounders in the Document Library and our project overview video.

Share your ideas by clicking:

  • Maps - add your ideas for the future of Townsite on a map
  • Ideas - write and share an idea
  • Questions - explore frequently asked questions and ask your own

Project Updates

Archaeological, heritage, and cultural use work is complete! Staff worked with Aquilla Archaeology and Tla'amin Nation to better understand the archaeological, heritage, and cultural uses in the area, and how that might inform future land use designations. Please see here.

We also set up a booth at Townsite Day on July 16. You can see the materials we shared here and in the Document Library.

The Phase 1 Engagement Summary report is available in the Document Library, along with the Phase 2 Engagement Summary report.


Help us create a community vision!

Since adoption of the 2014 Sustainable Official Community Plan Bylaw 2370 (SOCP), the City has purchased more than 230 acres of former mill land in the Townsite designated in the SOCP as Employment Centre, Resource, Waterfront Commercial/Industrial, and Agriculture. Acknowledging public ownership of these significant land holdings, the purpose of this project is to conduct an SOCP neighbourhood review to develop a community vision for these lands and update the land use designation map and Townsite policy sections in response. The engagement process will result in an updated Schedule B Land Use Designations map and revised objectives and policies for section 3.6 Townsite (originally tiskwat) for Council's consideration.

Land Use Designations from SOCP


To learn more, check out the backgrounders in the Document Library and our project overview video.

Share your ideas by clicking:

  • Maps - add your ideas for the future of Townsite on a map
  • Ideas - write and share an idea
  • Questions - explore frequently asked questions and ask your own

Ask us a question!

Do you have a question about this process or the neighbourhood review area in general? We'll do our best to answer as quickly as possible.

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  • Share I am unsure of what employment centre designation is but my concern is where and how this land will be accessed and as a 50 year resident on laurel ave and larch I am hoping from highway 101 and existing logging road are going to be used so I am asking where access will be on Facebook Share I am unsure of what employment centre designation is but my concern is where and how this land will be accessed and as a 50 year resident on laurel ave and larch I am hoping from highway 101 and existing logging road are going to be used so I am asking where access will be on Twitter Share I am unsure of what employment centre designation is but my concern is where and how this land will be accessed and as a 50 year resident on laurel ave and larch I am hoping from highway 101 and existing logging road are going to be used so I am asking where access will be on Linkedin Email I am unsure of what employment centre designation is but my concern is where and how this land will be accessed and as a 50 year resident on laurel ave and larch I am hoping from highway 101 and existing logging road are going to be used so I am asking where access will be link

    I am unsure of what employment centre designation is but my concern is where and how this land will be accessed and as a 50 year resident on laurel ave and larch I am hoping from highway 101 and existing logging road are going to be used so I am asking where access will be

    Terry powell asked over 3 years ago

    Thank you for your question and comment. Yes, the Sustainable Official Community Plan currently identifies some of the land in the Townsite Neighbourhood Review area as "Employment Centre". Employment Centre is intended to accommodate a variety of employment generating uses, such as business park, wholesaling, warehousing, service industry, light industry, and light manufacturing. However, this engagement process may result in proposals to change that Employment Centre land use designation to something else. In terms of access, no access routes have been decided, but using the existing logging road/haul road for public access to these lands is not a feasible option. Adding a new interchange from Highway 101 is an option and would be subject to approval from the province.

  • Share I, as do most people, believe that we should focus on attracting businesses that are service based rather than heavier industrial or manufacturing based businesses. Tech, wellness, education and ecotourism are the types of businesses that will be growth industries and are well suited to Powell River and the Townsite lands. I was fortunate enough, a couple of years ago, to gave a tour with Fred Chin, the CEO of Catalyst at the time, of the surplus buildings that the mill has. They are enormous and will suited to industrial or light industrial uses. Many of them need investment though to extend their life, for example inside an enormous building on the north side of the mill, the steel beams in the concrete floor needed re-enforcing. What would make sense to me, is for the city and Catalyst to discuss the future of these buildings and maybe, with all of the grants available for cities to reinvent themselves there are opportunities for the city to take ownership of those buildings, apply for grants to upgrade them, and then lease them out and have industry or light industry focused on the mill lands rather than trying to attract new industry to come and build on the old golf course lands and waterfront. on Facebook Share I, as do most people, believe that we should focus on attracting businesses that are service based rather than heavier industrial or manufacturing based businesses. Tech, wellness, education and ecotourism are the types of businesses that will be growth industries and are well suited to Powell River and the Townsite lands. I was fortunate enough, a couple of years ago, to gave a tour with Fred Chin, the CEO of Catalyst at the time, of the surplus buildings that the mill has. They are enormous and will suited to industrial or light industrial uses. Many of them need investment though to extend their life, for example inside an enormous building on the north side of the mill, the steel beams in the concrete floor needed re-enforcing. What would make sense to me, is for the city and Catalyst to discuss the future of these buildings and maybe, with all of the grants available for cities to reinvent themselves there are opportunities for the city to take ownership of those buildings, apply for grants to upgrade them, and then lease them out and have industry or light industry focused on the mill lands rather than trying to attract new industry to come and build on the old golf course lands and waterfront. on Twitter Share I, as do most people, believe that we should focus on attracting businesses that are service based rather than heavier industrial or manufacturing based businesses. Tech, wellness, education and ecotourism are the types of businesses that will be growth industries and are well suited to Powell River and the Townsite lands. I was fortunate enough, a couple of years ago, to gave a tour with Fred Chin, the CEO of Catalyst at the time, of the surplus buildings that the mill has. They are enormous and will suited to industrial or light industrial uses. Many of them need investment though to extend their life, for example inside an enormous building on the north side of the mill, the steel beams in the concrete floor needed re-enforcing. What would make sense to me, is for the city and Catalyst to discuss the future of these buildings and maybe, with all of the grants available for cities to reinvent themselves there are opportunities for the city to take ownership of those buildings, apply for grants to upgrade them, and then lease them out and have industry or light industry focused on the mill lands rather than trying to attract new industry to come and build on the old golf course lands and waterfront. on Linkedin Email I, as do most people, believe that we should focus on attracting businesses that are service based rather than heavier industrial or manufacturing based businesses. Tech, wellness, education and ecotourism are the types of businesses that will be growth industries and are well suited to Powell River and the Townsite lands. I was fortunate enough, a couple of years ago, to gave a tour with Fred Chin, the CEO of Catalyst at the time, of the surplus buildings that the mill has. They are enormous and will suited to industrial or light industrial uses. Many of them need investment though to extend their life, for example inside an enormous building on the north side of the mill, the steel beams in the concrete floor needed re-enforcing. What would make sense to me, is for the city and Catalyst to discuss the future of these buildings and maybe, with all of the grants available for cities to reinvent themselves there are opportunities for the city to take ownership of those buildings, apply for grants to upgrade them, and then lease them out and have industry or light industry focused on the mill lands rather than trying to attract new industry to come and build on the old golf course lands and waterfront. link

    I, as do most people, believe that we should focus on attracting businesses that are service based rather than heavier industrial or manufacturing based businesses. Tech, wellness, education and ecotourism are the types of businesses that will be growth industries and are well suited to Powell River and the Townsite lands. I was fortunate enough, a couple of years ago, to gave a tour with Fred Chin, the CEO of Catalyst at the time, of the surplus buildings that the mill has. They are enormous and will suited to industrial or light industrial uses. Many of them need investment though to extend their life, for example inside an enormous building on the north side of the mill, the steel beams in the concrete floor needed re-enforcing. What would make sense to me, is for the city and Catalyst to discuss the future of these buildings and maybe, with all of the grants available for cities to reinvent themselves there are opportunities for the city to take ownership of those buildings, apply for grants to upgrade them, and then lease them out and have industry or light industry focused on the mill lands rather than trying to attract new industry to come and build on the old golf course lands and waterfront.

    sbrooks asked over 3 years ago

    Regarding the Catalyst lands and buildings, this idea has been raised by a few people so far – work with Catalyst (particularly during tax revitalization time) to keep acquiring more of the mill lands and particularly those unused mill buildings for adaptive reuse. I’ll certainly bring this idea forward to the options & directions stage, because like you note it has implications for land in the study area.

  • Share I know that, in the past, I've been told that the land needs to remain zoned industrial because of contamination and the fact that you/we can't build residential on contaminated land. I also know that Catalyst had, a decade ago or so, produced a report on the lands and level of contamination. Since the old golf course lands were a golf course, maybe you could comment on reports that have been done on levels of contamination and let us know specifically what areas are contaminated and so what areas can only be used for industrial uses? on Facebook Share I know that, in the past, I've been told that the land needs to remain zoned industrial because of contamination and the fact that you/we can't build residential on contaminated land. I also know that Catalyst had, a decade ago or so, produced a report on the lands and level of contamination. Since the old golf course lands were a golf course, maybe you could comment on reports that have been done on levels of contamination and let us know specifically what areas are contaminated and so what areas can only be used for industrial uses? on Twitter Share I know that, in the past, I've been told that the land needs to remain zoned industrial because of contamination and the fact that you/we can't build residential on contaminated land. I also know that Catalyst had, a decade ago or so, produced a report on the lands and level of contamination. Since the old golf course lands were a golf course, maybe you could comment on reports that have been done on levels of contamination and let us know specifically what areas are contaminated and so what areas can only be used for industrial uses? on Linkedin Email I know that, in the past, I've been told that the land needs to remain zoned industrial because of contamination and the fact that you/we can't build residential on contaminated land. I also know that Catalyst had, a decade ago or so, produced a report on the lands and level of contamination. Since the old golf course lands were a golf course, maybe you could comment on reports that have been done on levels of contamination and let us know specifically what areas are contaminated and so what areas can only be used for industrial uses? link

    I know that, in the past, I've been told that the land needs to remain zoned industrial because of contamination and the fact that you/we can't build residential on contaminated land. I also know that Catalyst had, a decade ago or so, produced a report on the lands and level of contamination. Since the old golf course lands were a golf course, maybe you could comment on reports that have been done on levels of contamination and let us know specifically what areas are contaminated and so what areas can only be used for industrial uses?

    sbrooks asked over 3 years ago

    PRREDS commissioned a Stage 2 Preliminary Site Investigation. From what I understand, this study located contamination along the waterfront, particularly on the lands north of Second Beach and water-side of the Consolidated Waste Water Treatment Plant. I’m not aware of any studies regarding the upland areas in the study area.

  • Share I know that John Spick had, 3 or 4 years ago, done some design for the city, on a suggested road network plan for the lands. Is this a useful input into the OCP amendment process, and does it jive with the master trails plan? on Facebook Share I know that John Spick had, 3 or 4 years ago, done some design for the city, on a suggested road network plan for the lands. Is this a useful input into the OCP amendment process, and does it jive with the master trails plan? on Twitter Share I know that John Spick had, 3 or 4 years ago, done some design for the city, on a suggested road network plan for the lands. Is this a useful input into the OCP amendment process, and does it jive with the master trails plan? on Linkedin Email I know that John Spick had, 3 or 4 years ago, done some design for the city, on a suggested road network plan for the lands. Is this a useful input into the OCP amendment process, and does it jive with the master trails plan? link

    I know that John Spick had, 3 or 4 years ago, done some design for the city, on a suggested road network plan for the lands. Is this a useful input into the OCP amendment process, and does it jive with the master trails plan?

    sbrooks asked over 3 years ago

    Great question. The road network can certainly inform the plan, but we don’t have to stick with it if the community would like to see a different approach.

  • Share Now that the master trails plan is finalized, this will be an incredibly important plan to incorporate into the vision for the old golf course and surrounding lands. I know a lot of work had gone into this master trails plan can I assume that this plan will be incorporated into the new OCP ? on Facebook Share Now that the master trails plan is finalized, this will be an incredibly important plan to incorporate into the vision for the old golf course and surrounding lands. I know a lot of work had gone into this master trails plan can I assume that this plan will be incorporated into the new OCP ? on Twitter Share Now that the master trails plan is finalized, this will be an incredibly important plan to incorporate into the vision for the old golf course and surrounding lands. I know a lot of work had gone into this master trails plan can I assume that this plan will be incorporated into the new OCP ? on Linkedin Email Now that the master trails plan is finalized, this will be an incredibly important plan to incorporate into the vision for the old golf course and surrounding lands. I know a lot of work had gone into this master trails plan can I assume that this plan will be incorporated into the new OCP ? link

    Now that the master trails plan is finalized, this will be an incredibly important plan to incorporate into the vision for the old golf course and surrounding lands. I know a lot of work had gone into this master trails plan can I assume that this plan will be incorporated into the new OCP ?

    sbrooks asked over 3 years ago

    Thank you for your question. Yes, this Official Community Plan neighbourhood review process is building on top of the Parks and Trails Master Plan. Planning staff will need to still dedicate trails so that they are protected.

  • Share Will the piping towards the new wastewater facility in Townsite impact Willingdon Park Trail? on Facebook Share Will the piping towards the new wastewater facility in Townsite impact Willingdon Park Trail? on Twitter Share Will the piping towards the new wastewater facility in Townsite impact Willingdon Park Trail? on Linkedin Email Will the piping towards the new wastewater facility in Townsite impact Willingdon Park Trail? link

    Will the piping towards the new wastewater facility in Townsite impact Willingdon Park Trail?

    Deborah Zagwyn asked over 3 years ago

    Thank you for your question. Our Engineering team have made a ParticipatePR page with lots of information and reports, which you can find here: https://participatepr.ca/wastewater-treatment-plant

    In short, a 2018 staff report summarizes some of the technical findings from studies about the location of the piping along Willingdon Beach Trail. You can see the report here, and here is a quote from the report:

    An Environmental Impact study has been completed which indicates that the installation of the force main along the Willingdon Beach Trail alignment can be accomplished with very little impact to the environment and without causing any material change to the trail. An archeological review has also been completed with no issues identified. The Archeologist has uncovered many interesting archeological finds in the project area and will be presenting them in a report later this year.

     

    Residents have raised concerns about protecting the Willingdon Beach Trail, making sure the trail is not destroyed and that the trees, and in particular the tree roots, along the trial are protected and preserved. This has been taken into consideration by the project team.

     

    The Willingdon Beach Trail was constructed many years ago as a rail system to move logs to the mill site. This swath of land is essentially free of trees and relatively free of roots. Since it is not an active roadway, it is possible to install the 450 mm (18 inch) diameter pipeline in a relatively shallow trench (+/- 0.5 m of cover), with minimal disturbance to trees and root systems.

     

    A professional arborist is working closely with the city and engineers to develop construction methods that would strictly limit disturbance to the tree roots. The arborist has identified 15 trees along the route that may have some portion of their root systems extending into the trail. A ground penetrating radar unit has been used to provide 3D images of these root systems. Trenchless technologies for pipeline installation such as directional drilling as well as manual excavation are being considered for these sections of the trail.

     

    The intention for the trail is to leave it in as good or better condition than when the project started. Staff are reviewing different ways of enhancing the trail with pubic amenities such as a better walking surface, benches, viewing platforms, different forms of lighting, as well as First Nations and Pulp Mill educational viewing areas.


    If you have more questions about the Consolidated Wastewater Treatment Plant, please head over to the CWWTP project page!

  • Share What is the plan for the property directly ocean-side of (across the road from) the new wastewater construction? Also where will the First Nations composting facility be located in that area? Thanks in advance for your reply... on Facebook Share What is the plan for the property directly ocean-side of (across the road from) the new wastewater construction? Also where will the First Nations composting facility be located in that area? Thanks in advance for your reply... on Twitter Share What is the plan for the property directly ocean-side of (across the road from) the new wastewater construction? Also where will the First Nations composting facility be located in that area? Thanks in advance for your reply... on Linkedin Email What is the plan for the property directly ocean-side of (across the road from) the new wastewater construction? Also where will the First Nations composting facility be located in that area? Thanks in advance for your reply... link

    What is the plan for the property directly ocean-side of (across the road from) the new wastewater construction? Also where will the First Nations composting facility be located in that area? Thanks in advance for your reply...

    Deborah Zagwyn asked over 3 years ago

    Thank you for your question. That land is currently designated as Employment Centre and Waterfront Commercial/Industrial in the Sustainable Official Community Plan (the blue area within the study boundary). We're looking for your ideas about whether this land use designation still makes sense today!

    Here's some information about what the Sustainable Official Community Plan (SOCP) currently says about Employment Centre and Waterfront Commercial/Industrial land use designations.

    • The Employment Centre designation includes service commercial, light industrial and institutional uses that will generate employment opportunities, create ‘clean industry’ with high performance characteristics and provide related services. This designation does not include heavy industry or predominately retail commercial uses. 
    • The Waterfront Commercial/Industrial designation is applied to commercial or industrial uses below the natural boundary such as the BC Ferries terminal, barge terminal, harbours, marinas, and mill site marine facilities. Employment lands are subject to Development Permit Area 7 form and character requirements.
    • SOCP Policy 4.13.1(d) states, “Maximize opportunities afforded by the waterfront for marine-related uses and create a Marine Business Park on the waterfront lands in Townsite.” 
    • SOCP Policy 4.13.2 (e) The City will work with the Powell River Regional Economic Development Society, Catalyst Paper, Tla'amin Nation and other agencies, as applicable, to achieve a healthy, diverse, successful mix of uses on the Employment Lands in Townsite with waterfront access.

     

    Tell us what you'd like to see on these lands using the Maps tab or the Ideas tab, or you can email or call me directly. One idea we've heard so far is a boat ramp and marina. Other ideas include a waterfront promenade and public amenities like washrooms and gathering areas to support a park at First Beach. 

    City staff do not know what the plans are for the proposed composting facility - it would be best to contact qathet Regional District for more information. That said, Tla'amin Nation owns land to the north of the study area - the parcel pointed out with an arrow on this map, and to the north of the blue Waterfront Commercial/Industrial parcel.

Page last updated: 04 Jul 2024, 11:55 AM