Jordan Charbonneau
Jordan Charbonneau says that his first task as the new president of the Centretown Citizens Community Association is to attract more members to give the group a stronger voice.
“The only way to legitimize what we do as an organization, is saying that we can represent the area within our boundaries,” Charbonneau said in an interview.
Charbonneau says more members are needed to match community growth.
“The more members that come out to voice their concerns, the better we can represent them," he says.
"Whether it is through funding drives, comedy clubs, bake sales or any type of event, we need to make sure we get out there and let people know who we are.”
Charbonneau replaced former president Charles Akben-Marchand at the non-profit organization’s annual board meeting on Oct. 25. The association represents the interest of Centretown residents.
Charbonneau, 25, started working for the CCCA in May 2010. He joined the board in September and the board executive in December of the same year. The CCCA meets every third Thursday of the month to discuss Centretown’s present and future.
“The ever-popular topics at our meetings are planning, transportation, safety and heritage,” says Charbonneau. “The CCCA is focused on ensuring that Centretown residents get the lifestyle, and the sense of community they deserve.”
Charbonneau, who works at the federal Treasury Board, says the association has no direct influence on local politics.
“Our role is to ensure that this community has a voice. We put forward our constructive initiatives to politicians or express our concerns, that’s our role,” says Charbonneau.