A group of Campbellton business owners and residents say the oldest part of town is constantly ignored by the city and are trying to attract some attention.
Campbellton First officially formed last week when the group held its first membership meeting at the Eagles Hall last Wednesday.
Ted Arbour, who co-owns Econo Ezy Box Storage in Campbellton, said organizers weren’t sure what to expect when they called the meeting.
“We didn’t know if we’d have four or five people show up, but about 60 people showed up,” said Arbour, a director on the newly formed Campbellton First Board. “We were really pleased with the turnout.”
The group hopes to influence city council and those running for a seat on council to make decisions that will benefit and improve Campbellton.
“Campbellton is so badly neglected by the city, i.e. potholes,” Arbour said.
“When compared to Willow Point – what an extreme difference.”
Arbour points out that on the south end of the city there is a large Campbell River city sign with beautiful flowers surrounding it, while at the north end there’s not much.
The group is also concerned about safety along the roadways.
“Open ditches are a concern,” Arbour said. “There’s very little curbs, very little sidewalks are also a concern.”
With the formation of Campbellton First, area businesses and residents hope to represent Campbellton in discussions with the city.
Arbour is quick to point out the group is not a Business Improvement Area (BIA) association and is not a social group.
And Campbellton First has already made some big strides. Last week, a board was formed and membership fees collected – $10 for residents and $20 for businesses.
“The meeting went pretty well,” Arbour said.
“We told people that if they have complaints the best thing to do is to phone the city themselves, but if the problem persists to report it to the board.”
Arbour said the board’s first meeting will take place Thursday night at Canaccord when it will hammer out its list of priorities.