If you have been following the local news or attended the Strathcona Regional District (SRD) meetings this January, you’ve likely heard the buzzwords: "Village Containment," "Densification," and "OCP Update."

For many Quadra Island homeowners, these terms sound like bureaucratic noise. But make no mistake—the 2026 Official Community Plan (OCP) update is shaping up to be one of the most significant shifts in island planning in decades.

The emerging theme? The "Village Vision."

Here is a breakdown of what is being discussed, the specific lots making headlines, and what these changes mean for your property value.
The latest poll results are in for you to review called What We Heard
There are two series of meetings scheduled: one at the Quadra Community Centre, the other at the Surge Narrows Bunkhouse. Visit srd.ca/area-c-ocp/ for the complete schedule, under the ‘in progress’ pop-down. Next meeting is February 18th at QCC on ‘Water and Waste’ at 6pm.

What is the "Village Vision"?

The core proposal in the new OCP discussions is to stop "sprawl" before it starts. Instead of chopping up rural acreages into smaller lots, the plan aims to concentrate new growth into two specific hubs: Quathiaski Cove and Heriot Bay.

The goal is a trade-off: allow higher density (townhomes, smaller lots, carriage homes) inside these village boundaries in exchange for stricter protection of the forests and rural character outside of them.

The Hot Topic: Hyacynth Bay Road

One of the most concrete examples of this vision is the recent discussion around Lots 7 & 8 on Hyacynth Bay Road.

These provincial lots near Heriot Bay have been identified as potential sites for affordable or "attainable" housing. While nothing is built yet, the very discussion signals a shift. The SRD and community groups are actively looking for land within existing service areas to solve the island’s housing crunch.

Roman’s Take: If you own property near these hubs, keep an eye on this. Well-planned community housing can bring better infrastructure (like improved walking trails or transit stops) that benefits the whole neighborhood.

What This Means for Property Owners

Depending on where your property sits on the map, the "Village Vision" impacts you differently.

1. If You Are "Inside the Village" (Q-Cove or Heriot Bay)

You are likely sitting on increased potential.

• Walkability Premium: As these areas densify, properties within walking distance of the ferry or the Tru Value Foods become more desirable to retirees and young families.

• Carriage Home Potential: The new OCP is heavily favoring "gentle densification." If you have a standard lot in Q-Cove, it may become easier to get approval for a secondary suite or a detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). This effectively turns your single-family home into an income-generating property.

2. If You Are "Outside the Village" (Rural Zoning)

Your privacy is likely getting more protection.

• Scarcity Value: If the OCP restricts subdivision on rural lands to prevent sprawl, existing large acreages become a finite resource.

• The Trade-Off: While your "rural vibe" is protected, you may face stricter rules if you ever want to subdivide your land for family members. The days of easily slicing off a 1-acre parcel from a 10-acre farm may be ending.

The Bottom Line: It’s About Balance

Change is always tricky on an island that prides itself on being "quiet." However, the 2026 OCP update isn't about turning Quadra into a city—it's about ensuring that the inevitable growth happens intentionally rather than accidentally.

For buyers, this provides clarity. You know where the "hustle and bustle" will be (the villages) and where the quiet will stay (everywhere else).

Are you wondering if your property falls inside the proposed "Village Containment Boundary"? Send me a message. I have the latest maps and can help you understand how these zoning changes might affect your home's future value.

Roman Krzaczek Your Local Expert for Quadra Island  📞 604-787-4594 ✉️ Contact Me Here

Spring is traditionally the busiest season in real estate, and 2026 is shaping up to be no exception. In my last post, I talked about how sellers can use this time for a "February Fix-Up." But if you are on the other side of the transaction—looking to buy your first home, upgrade, or relocate to our beautiful coast—you need a strategy of your own.

The frantic "bidding war" energy of the past few years has settled into something more recognizable: a balanced market. Here is what that means for you and how you can position yourself for success in Campbell River and Quadra Island this spring.

The 2026 Market: Stable & Balanced

As we head into spring, the keywords are stability and choice.

• Inventory is Healthy: For the first time in a decade, we are seeing inventory levels across Vancouver Island return to historical norms. This is great news for buyers—it means you finally have the luxury of time to view multiple properties without feeling pressured to write an unconditional offer in the driveway.

• Pricing: Benchmark prices for single-family homes in Campbell River are hovering comfortably in the $670,000 – $700,000 range. We aren't seeing the sky-high spikes of previous years, but prices remain resilient.

• Interest Rates: With the Bank of Canada holding the policy rate at 2.25% to start the year, mortgage rates have found a "new normal." Five-year fixed rates are generally sitting in the high-3% to low-4% range. While this isn't the emergency-low pricing of 2020, it is a stable environment that allows for predictable budgeting.

Your Buyer Strategy Checklist

Even in a balanced market, the best properties still move quickly. Here is how to be ready:

1. Update Your Pre-Approval If you were pre-approved last fall, get it refreshed. Rates have stabilized, but lending criteria can shift. Ensure you know exactly what your purchasing power is today so you can move with confidence when the right listing hits.

2. Maximize Your Incentives Make sure you are taking full advantage of the government programs available in 2026:

• FHSA (First Home Savings Account): If you haven't opened one yet, do it now. It combines the tax deduction of an RRSP with the tax-free withdrawal of a TFSA.

• RRSP Home Buyers' Plan: Remember, the withdrawal limit is now $60,000.

• BC Home Owner Grant: The threshold for 2026 has been adjusted to $2.075 million. While this likely won't affect most first-time buyers in our area, it’s good to know that your property taxes will likely still be eligible for the full grant.

3. Define Your "Must-Haves" vs. "Nice-to-Haves" In 2026, we are seeing a shift in what buyers value most:

• Income Helpers: With the cost of living in mind, properties with legal suites or carriage homes are at the top of the list to help offset mortgage payments.

• Work-from-Home Space: Dedicated office space remains a priority for the many remote workers moving to the coast.

• "Wet Gear" Zones: We live in a rainforest! Mudrooms with durable storage for gumboots and rain jackets are a huge lifestyle plus.

Local Spotlight: Infrastructure & Due Diligence

For Quadra Island Buyers: You likely saw my post in December about wells and septic systems—that due diligence is non-negotiable. But also keep an eye on the ferry terminal upgrades happening at Heriot Bay and Whaletown this spring. While construction can be a temporary headache, the long-term payoff is better reliability and capacity for our island communities.

For Campbell River Buyers: The city is investing heavily in lifestyle infrastructure. Keep an eye on neighborhoods near Nunns Creek Park, which is slated for major enhancements this year, including upgraded fields and festival areas. Buying near improving infrastructure is always a smart long-term equity play.

The Bottom Line

Spring 2026 offers a "Goldilocks" window for buyers: enough inventory to find what you want, but enough stability to make a calm, informed decision.

Don't wait for the "perfect" time—the market is balanced now. If you are ready to start your search, let’s sit down for a consultation and build a plan that gets you into your new home before summer.

Roman Krzaczek Your Local Expert for Quadra Island  📞 604-787-4594 ✉️ Contact Me Here