The Area D Ratepayers Association received an overwhelming response to its new society at its inaugural meeting last Wednesday night.
In spite of the cold weather and icy roads there was standing room only at the Oyster Bay Resorts.
Chairman Rod Nugent, Vice-Chairman Bob Solc and Director Pat Evans had been planning for the meeting over the past few months and were hoping around 50 people would show up, with 20 or 30 of those signing up for memberships.
To the group’s amazement, approximately 120 area residents attended and by the end of the evening the association’s membership stood at approximately 70 members – a far cry from the original three.
“We were overwhelmed by the size of the turnout and delighted by the response to the concept of our organization” said Solc, a retired geological engineer and eight-year resident of the area. “Overall, it was a very positive experience.”
During the open mike session local residents were given the opportunity to express their main local concerns. Chief among the residents’ concerns was the ongoing Area D sewer controversy which by sheer coincidence had taken on renewed focus that very morning with the announcement by the city of Campbell River of its plans to annex large sections of the northern portion of Area D in the near future in order to connect to the existing Campbell River city sewer system.
Nugent, a retired dentist and long-term resident of the area, invited members to get actively involved in supporting the work of the group by contributing their ideas or volunteering on sub-committees. The association is open to residents of Area D, both homeowners and renters, as well as land owners, acreage owners and business owners. The next meeting will be held in late January. Memberships are still available by donation. E-mail adrrassoc@gmail.com for an application.