LATEST NEWS
March 2026
The Benchlands project application took an important step forward last week, with the unanimous approval of first reading by Powell River Council. After good discussion at the March 19 meeting with questions to the City’s planning staff and developer’s representative, all councillors agreed to move proposed zoning changes onto the next step.
Watch the meeting or review the agenda here.
Changes to zoning and Official Community Plans require four readings and a public hearing – so first reading is an important step, but still an early one. The City has requested some key tasks/deliverables from the Benchlands team before second reading is considered, including: a comprehensive outline of required infrastructure improvements to support the proposed development, an analysis of the cost to service the new growth, and detailed plans on how the project will achieve target density and maximize use of the BC Hydro right-of-way.
The Benchlands team is already starting work on these items and looks forward to providing the key information that addresses questions and provides more confidence in the benefits of the proposed project.
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(Nov. 2025) Powell River council received a package and summary of the initial feedback to the Benchlands proposal at their meeting Nov. 6 – staff report here
The feedback stemmed from a letter sent to over 900 addresses around the Benchlands property – completing one of the tasks required before moving to next steps on the project.
The Benchlands team has reviewed the 40 comments received and understands the feelings by all – whether in support or opposition. We are confident that our well-developed plan addresses many of the topics raised, including infrastructure care, protection of greenspaces and sensitive environmental areas, creation of community trail connections and the creation of a variety of housing. We look forward to this process proceeding so that information can be further shared.
What’s next? The community will see signage installed at the site, announcing the application and sharing information about where to ask questions. City staff continue to work on the bylaws that will be considered. As part of the City’s process, a public hearing would also be held in the future, though no timing is available yet.
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(July 2025) The proposed plan for the Benchlands property took a small but important step forward at Powell River City Council’s meeting on July 3. City staff brought forward a report offering an overview of our application and checking in on a few key pieces of direction before moving forward any further. Council agreed that staff should continue and prepare draft official community plan and zoning amendment bylaws, for their review.
Couverdon and the Powell River Benchlands team supports the direction that has been taken and we’re glad to see progress on this important project.
Watch the council meeting or read the report here.
There are many steps ahead – which include further public engagement with the community check here for a refresh on Couverdon’s past community consultation), including a public hearing that will be held by the City. We’ll continue to share updates here, and via our e-newsletter – sign up to get the latest news straight to your inbox by adding your email to the sign-up above.
(March 2025 Update) A meeting was held with the City in February to discuss the application. The Benchlands project team is now actively working in conjunction with the City to move the application process forward. Watch here for more updates in coming months.
(Dec 2024 Update) Project Update: The Benchlands team has been advised that the project’s application will be brought to council for consideration in early 2025. Timing is to be determined. Follow here for the latest updates as they’re
available.
(September 2024) Project Update: After submitting the project’s application in December 2023, Couverdon has been advised it will be brought to council for initial consideration in late fall, 2024. The project team looks forward to the next stage of discussion about the application, which proposes a Local Area (LAP) and Comprehensive Development Zone (CD Zone) that will require amendments to the Official Community Plan and zoning bylaws.
The review process and presentation to council is a City-led process, so timing is ultimately in their hands. In the meantime, the project team continues on infrastructure assessments in order to prepare for required planning ahead.
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(April 2024) Staff at the City of Powell River are continuing review of the Benchlands Project application from Couverdon Real Estate. The application proposes a Local Area Plan (LAP) and Comprehensive Development Zone (CD Zone) for the Benchlands Property which will require amendments to the Official Community Plan and zoning bylaws. The review period by the City includes referrals to agencies for feedback on the proposal. When ready, staff will make recommendations to City Council on the path forward, for their consideration. This is expected later this year, though no specific timeline is available.
The Couverdon team remains engaged in the process – and looks forward to it moving to next steps. In the meantime, the team is regularly spending time in Powell River, meeting with members of the community and recently attending a Couverdon-sponsored performance of the Au Tour Dance Company by the BC Movements Arts Society.
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(December 2023) Couverdon Real Estate has submitted a formal application for the Benchlands Project to the City of Powell River. The application proposes a Local Area Plan (LAP) and Comprehensive Development Zone (CD Zone) for the property – which will require amendments to the Official Community Plan and zoning bylaw. The proposed plan accommodates a diverse range of housing types, with flexibility to meet the needs and demands of the community during each phase – and sets aside significant portions of the property for green spaces that include riparian areas, wildlife corridors and trail connections for pedestrians and cyclists. The City will now review the application and consider recommendations for council to consider. Watch here, or sign up for the email newsletter (above), for updates throughout the process.
