Residents of Blackburn like the fact that their neighbourhood is quieter and more rural than most others in Prince George. But there is a particular lack that’s been noticed.
“Development,” says resident Michelle Kenny. “There’s nothing out here. A lot of the community, they like it not busy but at the same time, a lot of us have kids and we have to be back and forth, in and out of town to bring them to events because there’s not a lot out here.”
Kenny says sometimes it feels like the city forgets about Blackburn.
At last night’s Talktober session, hosted at the Blackburn Community Hall, there were many suggestions for how to attract developers and make the area more kid friendly.
“Top of the priority list? Get a skateboard park, a bike park – something for our children to do. Get bus service out here. Once you get bus service, you also get development.”
Kenny works at the airport and says that a lack of transit has made offering more services and amenities difficult. Regular transit would make the area more accessible to those who don’t drive and make it more attractive to developers.
She says the Talktober session was a positive experience overall.
“I’m encouraged and I hope we see something start to happen here. I know there’s a lot of people that are starting to get involved in the community and the community association. It’s good to hear that [the City] is willing to talk and that they’re taking an interest in this side of town.”
Residents also expressed an interest in creating a multi-use park area – similar to Corporal Darren Fitzpatrick Bravery Park. The issue was also brought up at the College Heights Talktober session.