Camas is changing in ways that will affect daily life for years to come. Some projects are already active in 2026. Others may continue through the 2030s and 2040s.
These changes could affect:
- Jobs
- Housing
- Traffic
- Shopping
- Parks
- Arts and culture
- Property demand
Project timelines, costs, tenants, unit counts, and final designs can still change.
The main question is simple: how can Camas grow while keeping the character that makes it appealing?
Camas Is Reworking Its Industrial Past While Planning a Larger Future
Two of the biggest development stories in Camas sit at very different points in the city’s future:
- The Georgia-Pacific mill, a longtime industrial anchor
- Northshore, a large development area north of Lacamas Lake
Both projects matter because they could shape what Camas looks like for decades.
These are long-term changes, not finished projects. Public hearings, funding, construction, environmental review, and market conditions will all affect what happens next.
Georgia-Pacific Mill upgrades keep a historic employer in place for now
The Georgia-Pacific mill has operated in Camas for more than 150 years. It is part of the city’s identity, local economy, and school culture.
Here is what matters now:
- There are no official near-term closure plans
- The site still employs about 150 people
- Georgia-Pacific has invested in older machinery
- Outdated structures have been removed through controlled demolition
- The mill contributes to Camas property tax revenue
What to watch:
- The mill could eventually be sold or redeveloped
- That possibility is not confirmed
- Any future reuse would require an environmental review due to the site’s industrial history.
The mill still matters today, but the city also needs to prepare for what happens if the property changes in the future.
Northshore Development could add homes, shops, and a major regional park
Northshore is a roughly 300-acre expansion area north of Lacamas Lake. It could become one of the biggest growth areas in Camas.
Planned or discussed uses include:
- A town center
- Residential neighborhoods
- Business space
- A commercial village
- A possible grocery anchor, such as Fred Meyer, though nothing is final
Important timeline notes:
- Suncal has reportedly entered a 15-year development agreement
- Major construction could continue into the 2030s or later
- Delays could push parts of the project even farther out
The city also has a separate park plan for about 165 acres. That park could include:
- Walking trails
- Bike trails
- Picnic shelters
- Open gathering areas
- Disc golf
- Mountain biking routes
- A possible pedestrian and bicycle conversion of Leadbetter Road
Why this matters:
- North Camas could gain more services
- Residents could get more outdoor access
- The area could support long-term growth
Possible concerns:
- More traffic
- Construction disruption
- Pressure on schools
- Pressure on roads
- Pressure on utilities and emergency services
New Roads and Neighborhoods Will Change How People Move Through Camas
Growth is not just about new buildings. It is also about how people move through the city every day.
Two projects show that clearly:
- Everett Street improvements
- Camas Woods
One is a road project. The other is a new housing and retail development near Camas High School.
Everett Street improvements aim to make a busy connection safer
Everett Street connects:
- Older Camas neighborhoods
- Northshore
- Camas High School
- Lacamas and Round lakes
- Fern Prairie
- Nearby businesses
The most discussed section is between Northeast 35th Street and Northeast 43rd Avenue.
Current problems include:
- Two lanes only
- Limited pedestrian space
- Very little shoulder room
- Incomplete stormwater infrastructure
Potential improvements include:
- Sidewalks
- Bike lanes
- Planter strips
- Curbs and gutters
- Better stormwater management
- New roundabouts
Project details to note:
- Estimated cost is about $15 million
- Construction is not expected before at least 2029
- Public input is still being gathered
- Final design could change
This project could help with:
- School travel
- Walking safety
- Bike access
- Traffic flow
- Better neighborhood connections
It could also create concerns about:
- Construction disruption
- Property impacts
- How well roundabouts handle traffic
Camas Woods brings several housing types near Camas High School
Camas Woods is a mixed-use project planned just north of Camas High School.
The project is expected to include:
- Apartments
- Townhomes
- Single-family homes
- Retail space
Key details:
- HSR Capital is the developer
- Groundbreaking began in spring 2026
- Online reports list about 300 housing units
- Published unit totals may still change
- The project is expected to move through nine phases
- Buildout could take 9 to 10 years
Why the location stands out:
- Close to Camas High School
- Convenient for families
- May appeal to students and school staff
- Could attract renters and buyers looking for newer homes
- Retail could reduce some short trips once businesses open
What to keep in mind:
- More housing adds demand for roads
- Schools may feel added pressure
- Utilities and services will need to keep up
Grass Valley and East Vancouver Are Adding Services and Culture Nearby
Two nearby projects outside Camas city limits still matter to Camas residents:
- Parker Town Center
- A proposed performing arts center near East Vancouver
They are close enough to affect shopping, traffic, and entertainment options for people in Camas.
Parker Town Center may replace open views with a new shopping hub
Parker Town Center is proposed for the southwest corner of the Grass Valley intersection on land zoned for regional commercial use.
The current concept includes:
- A full grocery anchor
- About a dozen supporting tenants
- A layout that may place stores around a large parking area
Possible benefits:
- More nearby shopping
- Easier errands for Grass Valley and Prune Hill residents
- Less need to drive farther for groceries and services
Possible downsides:
- Loss of open land
- Changed views
- More traffic
- Construction disruption
Important note:
- Tenants are not final unless officially announced
- Site plans can still change
A new performing arts center could give Clark County a major cultural venue.
A proposed performing arts center near East Vancouver and Columbia Palisades could become a major cultural destination near Camas.
Location note:
- It is near Camas
- It is on the Vancouver side of 192nd Avenue
- It is not a Camas city project
Planned features include:
- A main theater with about 1,200 seats
- A smaller theater
- Supporting event spaces
Other key details:
- ZGF Architects is the proposed design firm
- The firm is also known for its work on Portland International Airport
Why this matters:
- More concerts
- More musicals
- More symphony performances
- More community events
- Better access to arts without traveling far
This project could also affect:
- Traffic
- Nearby restaurants
- Cultural activity across Clark County
Our Camas 2045 Plan Will Shape Downtown, Nature, and New Housing
Our Camas 2045 is not a single project. It is a long-range planning guide that could shape the city for the next 20 years.
It will influence:
- Transportation
- Parks
- Downtown design
- Housing
- Land use
This matters because many future projects will follow the rules and priorities set through this plan.
Downtown improvements focus on walkability, parks, and public spaces
Downtown Camas is one of the city’s strongest public spaces. The plan supports ideas that could make it even better.
Possible improvements include:
- Better street design
- Stronger walking connections
- Better links to Lacamas Park
- Better links to the Lacamas Heritage Trail
- Small parklet-style spaces for sitting or relaxing
Potential benefits:
- Better walkability
- More support for local businesses
- A more pleasant visitor experience
- Protection of downtown’s character
Important note:
- These are goals and ideas
- They are not all approved projects
- Funding and design work will determine what happens first
More housing choices, including ADUs, could support future growth
The plan also supports more housing options in and around downtown.
One major piece is the accessory dwelling units, or ADUs.
ADUs can help by creating:
- Smaller homes
- Rental options
- Multigenerational living spaces
- Better use of existing neighborhoods
Why this matters:
- Camas can add housing without pushing all growth to the edge of town
- More choices can help different types of residents
Questions residents may still have:
- What zoning rules will apply?
- How will parking work?
- What about utilities?
- Will design rules change?
- How will neighborhoods be affected?
Those details will come through future city updates.
What These Camas Projects Mean for Residents
Taken together, these seven projects show how Camas is balancing:
- Industrial history
- New housing
- Road improvements
- Shopping growth
- Parks
- Arts
- Long-term planning
They could improve access to services and public spaces. They could also bring construction, traffic, and change.
Keep in mind:
- Dates can shift
- Budgets can change
- Unit totals can change
- Tenants can change
- Designs can change
Before making a housing or investment decision, check updates from:
- The City of Camas
- Developers
- Project agencies
If you are moving to Camas or selling a home in Camas or Clark County, local real estate guidance can help you make a better decision.