CAMAS MILL DISTRICT PLAN
Discussion Draft
January 6, 2026
Vancouver and Washougal that are creating a linear urban corridor along HWY 14. Future development of non-operational mill property can enhance the ability for a public transportation alternative reducing the needs for parking and oversized roads throughout this corridor. A ‘road diet” would allow more use for economic, recreational, and environmental purposes. The Mill District supports potential consideration of public transportation options linking other density nodes in Camas such as the North Shore and Heritage Trail. One AI option is shown for example. Examples can be found in Estes Park, CO and the Paseo shuttle in Palm Desert, CA. Inclusive of the first ever requirement for Washington’s cities to pioneer ways to reduce carbon, the Mill District embodies the goals of the Growth Management Act. This includes the key first five which state: • Urban growth. Encourage development in urban areas • Reduce Sprawl. Reduce the inappropriate conversion of undeveloped land • Transportation. Encourage e ffi cient multimodal transportation system • Housing. Plan for and accommodate housing a ff ordable to all economic segments • Economic development. Encourage economic development throughout the state The Mill District has inspired the community. A school o ffi cial noted the opportunity to develop a trade school program and environmental lab as part of the plan. Through Community Conversations co-hosted with Strong Towns Camas, and wide circulation via the draft plan’s download and viewing on social media, the plan has had widespread observance and positive responses. A final thought. One formal comment to the city suggested Camas consider the “creek running through the mill. It was mostly underground. I’d like to see it all opened up and much public access to the property.” Is this feasible and practical? That shouldn’t be prejudged. It is inspirational and should be considered. Camas residents and visitors probably walked over that creek many times as it disappears at our downtown’s gateway. The Mill District Plan seeks to capture the creativity and attention to the future. Maybe it is fanciful, but a restored creek could be part of a trail from the river to Crown Park and Lacamas Falls. It is called Blue Creek on a city map. It description in the city’s Stormwater Plan: "Drainage from these areas is conveyed to the Columbia River through Forest Home Creek and Blue Creek (which is piped through the George-Pacific paper mill site to the river).”
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