SPEAKING UP FOR NEIGHBOURHOOD CHANGE

Change has come to Campbellton.

That's the prevailing feeling about Campbell River's oldest
neighbourhood. It may not be a universal opinion and it may not be
based on a firm sense of conviction but it does reflect a feeling of
optimism amongst business owners and residents in Campbellton. Our
current Web Poll also indicates that most respondents believe progress
is being made against crime, particularly crimes related to the drug
scene in Campbell River.

Just over a year ago, fed-up business owners convened a public meeting
with police and city officials and demanded action be taken on open
drug dealing, prostitution, break-ins and other criminal activity.
Emotions ran high and commitments to tackle the problems were made.

Subsequently, a band of Campbellton residents took their fight to the
streets as they harassed prostitutes and drug users who frequented
well-known crack houses. The residents took some criticism for the
vigilante actions.

Since then, the police have taken action with a more visible police
presence in Campbellton. They also focused on specific problem areas
and drug houses. A series of drug busts followed in the months
afterwards, auxiliary RCMP walked the beat and citizens of Campbell
River took a more proactive approach to crime prevention and reporting
suspicious activity.

The strategy appears to be working. Anecdotal evidence from business
owners indicates that things are a little quieter at least. It's not
an overwhelming endorsement but it is progress.

The job isn't over. This is no time to put our feet up but residents
can take pride in the fact they spoke up for change in their community.