Campbellton Neighbourhood Association-led project to establish an inclusive River Route Parks and Trail Route to spur tourism growth and support local businesses.
The Campbellton Neighbourhood Association is leading a vital infrastructure project to establish River Quest Park as a central hub for its River Route. This park and interpretive trail invites visitors to appreciate the beauty in the various elements that make up this charming and historic part of Campbell River, while reflecting on the importance of harmonizing industry, recreational activities, and nature.
The project includes a Quest Station, natural playground, riverfront viewing platform with pergola, interpretive signage, public artwork, and an interactive app linked to the Quinny’s Quest narrative told through interpretive signs along the River Route Trail.
The project is supported through the Island Coastal Economic Trust’s Capital and Innovation Program, with its focus on Cultural and Nature-based Tourism.
The project includes a $986,429 contribution from the Province of British Columbia’s Ministry of Tourism, Art, Culture and Sport via the Destination Development Fund. Strong relationships with both the City of Campbell River and the Rotary Club of Campbell River further amplify the collaborative nature of this project.
The Campbellton Neighbourhood Association’s Quest Station and River Route Trailhead initiative aims to align investment with community aspirations for a vibrant, healthy and culturally rich environment. Once complete the Quest Station, located at the new River Quest Park, will become a welcoming and educational hub, encouraging visitors to experience the River Route trails, immerse themselves in the Quinny’s Quest narrative, learn about Campbellton’s history, and engage with Wei Wai Kum and Wei Wai Kai First Nations cultures.
Economic Prosperity: The primary objective for the Quest Station and River Route Trailhead is to stimulate economic development by enhancing tourism and visitor engagement. The project targets an increase in tourism within two years.
River Quest Park and the Quest Station will be the starting and ending point of the River Route experience, inviting tourists and outdoor enthusiasts to spend time locally. Increased foot traffic to local restaurants, retail shops, and accommodations will spur new business opportunities and additional investments in the Campbellton River Village area.
Social Empowerment: By encouraging value-added services and amenities, the project is expected to boost local businesses and support job growth. During construction, the project will generate at least five temporary jobs, employing professionals including construction workers, environmental professionals, engineers, and Wei Wai Kum artists. An estimated 50 volunteers will contribute at least 200 hours to various tasks, including planting, trail building, and community engagement.
Climate Resiliency: The project enhances climate resiliency through responsible management and conservation safeguarding local ecosystems and biodiversity. It promotes eco-friendly tours, wildlife viewing, and outdoor exploration to raise community awareness of climate change impacts.
Qualified environmental professionals will also inform trail upgrade design opportunities to mitigate flood risk during construction
Cultural Vitality: The project enriches community connections through art, history, culture, and Indigenous stories. Interpretive signage along the River Route Trail will feature Quinny’s Quest, an inquisitive bear cub’s journey of self-discovery through the region’s diverse ecosystem, local history, and First Nations Culture.
River Quest Park will also feature a riverfront viewing platform with a pergola to create an inviting atmosphere for intimate community gatherings.
If you’re interested in joining the quest, reach out to the Campbellton Neighbourhood Association to learn how your passion for conservation and community building can help. Volunteers will have opportunities to play a vital role in the project’s success.
What Leaders are Saying:
“We are thrilled to lead the development of the River Route Parks and Trail Project. This project not only highlights the natural beauty and rich cultural history of Campbellton but also has the potential to invigorate our local economy and foster community well-being. By creating a welcoming River Quest Park, we aim to offer both residents and visitors a unique, educational, and engaging experience that will benefit our community for years to come.” – Laurel Cronk, Chair, Campbellton Neighbourhood Association.
“Our government is proud to support the tourism sector and visitors who travel throughout the province. By supporting tourism infrastructure projects like Quest Station and the River Route Trailhead, we are increasing community vibrancy for locals and visitors and ensuring people have a world-class experience.” – Hon. Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport.
“This project is a fantastic example of how local initiatives can spur economic growth, support small businesses, and enhance our communities. I know this project will not only attract more visitors, but also strengthen our local economy, create jobs, and promote environmental stewardship, and I want to commend Island Coastal Economic Trust for everything they’re doing to support our amazing community.” – Michele Babchuk, MLA, North Island
“This project combines opportunities to learn about Wei Wai Kum and Wei Wai Kai First Nation cultures with the community’s aspirations to create a vibrant, welcoming space for residents and visitors. This inclusive approach illustrates our new Strengthening Wellbeing model for economic development, so we were happy to invest with the Campbellton Neighbourhood Association as they pursue their community-driven goals.” – Aaron Stone, Chair, Island Coastal Economic Trust.
Jeff Bartlett
Communications and Impact Manager
Island Coastal Economic Trust
jeff@islandcoastaltrust.ca
250-871-7797
Laurel Cronk
Chair
Campbellton Neighbourhood Association
laurel.cronk@gmail.com
250-204-4429
Island Coastal Economic Trust approved funding for this project in May 2024 through the Capital and Innovation program.
We work in reciprocal relationships with coastal communities across the ancestral territories of the Kwak̓wala, Nuučaan̓uɫ, Éy7á7juuthem, Ligwilda'xw, Pəntl'áč, She shashishalhem, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, Hul’q’umi’num’, diitiidʔaatx̣, SENĆOŦEN, Lekwungen, and T’Sou-ke speaking peoples.
