Island Coastal Economic Trust is proud to have partnered with the Campbellton Neighbourhood Association on the Campbellton Loop and Trail Project via an investment from the Capital and Innovation Program, with its focus on Culture and Nature-Based Tourism.
The following excerpt is from an article from The Collective Magazine by Laurel Cronk, project manager and chair of the Campbellton Neighbourhood Association. For the full article, please visit: thecollectivemags.ca/quinnys-quest-campbellton-loop/.
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It’s easy to judge from the sidelines, to point out what’s not working or why something is taking so long. But until you’ve been in it—really in it—you can’t see all the layers.
Bringing a project to life that blends storytelling, public art, construction, environmental care, Indigenous collaboration, trail building, and community needs is . . . a lot. It humbles you. It challenges you. And yes, sometimes it keeps you up at night (just ask my family).
The Campbellton Loop and Trail Completion Project
The project I’m talking about is the Campbellton Loop and Trail Completion Project. Campbellton is located to the west of Campbell River’s downtown core, along the banks of the Campbell River. As project manager and chair of the Campbellton Neighbourhood Association, it’s been one of the hardest and most rewarding journeys I’ve ever taken.
From the outset, our goals were clear: to connect people with Campbellton’s natural beauty and outdoor activities, honour its culture and history, create safe and accessible routes for walking and cycling, boost the local economy through tourism, and encourage people to discover the growing charm of the village.
Now, after two and a half years, it’s complete. With the support of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport; the City of Campbell River; the Campbellton Neighbourhood Association; the Rotary Club of Campbell River; Island Coastal Economic Trust, and my family and close friends, an ambitious idea has been turned into something that’s helping to shift how people see Campbellton. With the Campbellton Loop now connecting to the cherished Greenways Loop, we have two special routes that together offer a richer way to explore our city.
Following Quinny through the village
The Campbellton Loop is a 7.2-km walking and cycling route that guides people around the Campbellton River Village in a way they’ve likely never seen it before. Along the route are seven unique stations, each one adding a new chapter to the story of a curious young bear cub named Quinny, while offering fresh insight into each location.
Read the full story: thecollectivemags.ca/quinnys-quest-campbellton-loop/
