Update on support for people affected by the April 8 Pacific Heights fire

Accommodation and food support for residents affected by the fire at the Pacific Heights apartment building in Campbell River has been extended until April 22. The support comes through the provincial emergency support services (ESS) program.

Confirmation of the extended support came less than a day after the City requested an extension.

“The City of Campbell River is extremely grateful to Minister Selina Robinson and staff with the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing for the quick response to a very unfortunate incident,” says Mayor Andy Adams. “The province-wide teleconferences that help connect us with the Province are invaluable for keeping up to date on the changing COVID-19 situation, and available support. This was also an opportunity to ask for help with exceptional circumstances, such as this case, where we need a bit more time to work with provincial and local agencies to assist people who require accommodation, furniture, clothing and other supplies.”

Today, the Canadian Red Cross will conduct a needs assessment for tenants displaced by the fire to determine any additional support requirements in areas such as health, income support, long-term shelter options.

In addition, three pet cats have been reunited with their family through the Strathcona Emergency Program’s Canadian Animal Disaster Response Team (CDART). This team of volunteers helps displaced animals and is primarily composed of members from the Campbell River Partners for Animal Welfare Society (CRPAWS).

How you can help

• If you can provide short-term paid rental accommodation (up to three months) for any of the displaced residents, please contact the John Howard Society at 250-286-0611.
• If you live near the area affected by the fire and notice a missing cat, please contact CRPAWS via email campbellriverpaws@gmail.comor through a Facebook message to https://www.facebook.com/CAMPBELLRIVERPAWS/Financial contributions can be made through online donations:
• John Howard Society https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/14026 (under donation details, please write Pacific Heights Apartment Fire)
• United Way Central and Northern Vancouver Island: https://www.uwcnvi.ca
• Canadian Red Cross: redcross.ca/donate
• To donate items please contact Laichwiltach Family Life Society at 250-286-3430 to arrange drop off.
  • Specific items needed: a grabber (for picking up items) and a walker with wheels
  • Volunteers are working to ensure all items are properly sanitized to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The Strathcona Regional District and City of Campbell River intend to continue coordinating with organizations such Laichwiltach Family Life, United Way, John Howard Society and the Support Fire Evacuees Facebook group.

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Media Contact:
Shaun Koopman – SRD Protective Services Coordinator  250-830-6702  |  skoopman@srd.ca