The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) has scheduled a public hearing on Cortes Island for Tuesday, November 17, 2026, on proposed amendments to the island’s official community plan and zoning bylaw. The SRD posted the statutory notice on November 9.
When and where
The hearing begins at 12 p.m. at Mansons Hall, 983 Beasley Road, Mansons Landing. According to the notice, it will be chaired by the Director of Electoral Area B, representing the SRD board.
What the bylaws would do
Two bylaws are on the table: Bylaw No. 666, which would amend the Cortes Island Official Community Plan (Bylaw No. 139, 2012, Amendment No. 4), and Bylaw No. 667, which would amend the Cortes Island Zoning Bylaw (Bylaw No. 598, 2024, Amendment No. 2).
The notice describes the changes this way:
- In the official community plan, two separate areas on two properties would be redesignated, one from Tourist Recreational Commercial to Residential, and one from Rural to Tourist Recreational Commercial.
- In the zoning bylaw, two separate areas on two properties would be rezoned, one from Tourist Commercial One (TC-1) to Residential One (R-1), and one from Rural One (RU-1) to Tourist Commercial Two (TC-2).
- A site-specific text amendment to the TC-2 zone would permit an educational and demonstration sustainable forestry operation, with a spa facility accessory to the principal use. Tourist accommodation or camping would be limited to a maximum of 10 units or sites.
- A site-specific text amendment to the RU-1 zone would permit low-impact camping, to a maximum of 10 sites, accessory to the principal use.
The subject lands are identified in the notice by legal description in Section 16 of Cortes Island, Sayward District, with the civic addresses 1180 and 1195 Seaford Road and 1051 Lagoon Road. Maps showing the affected areas are included with the notice, and a staff report is linked from the same page.
How to take part
Anyone who believes their interests are affected by the proposed amendments will be given an opportunity to be heard at the hearing. People who cannot attend may send signed written submissions by mail, by hand to the SRD Community Services Desk, or by email to planning@srd.ca. Written submissions must arrive no later than 12 noon on November 17. The SRD says submissions that do not meet those requirements, or that arrive after the hearing closes, cannot be considered.
Copies of the proposed bylaws and related information can be inspected at the SRD Customer Service Centre, 990 Cedar Street, Campbell River, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, until noon on November 17. Inquiries go to the Community Services Desk at 250-830-6718.
Sources: Strathcona Regional District, Statutory Notice of Public Hearing November 17, Bylaws No. 666 and 667, posted November 9, 2026; SRD News & Notices.
