A newly carved wooden carrot statue has been installed in Port Hardy, British Columbia, replacing an aging monument that stood for decades as a symbol of successful grassroots activism. The updated statue, positioned within Carrot Park along the town's waterfront, was officially unveiled on July 19 during the annual Filomi Days celebration, which honors the community's rich heritage in fishing, logging, and mining industries.
According to Mayor Patricia Corbett-Labatt, the carrot statue serves as more than just a roadside attraction—it represents one of the North Island's most successful community-driven campaigns. The monument commemorates the Carrot Campaign from approximately 50 years ago, which played a crucial role in securing the paving of Highway 19's final stretch.
The community-led initiative was spearheaded by local activists Maria Laurie and Roland Shanks, emerging from Laurie's frustrated observations about government inaction. In the early days of settlement, North Island residents faced significant transportation challenges when traveling to and from Port Hardy. Without a paved road connecting the community to southern destinations, residents relied on ferry services, air travel, or treacherous logging roads that could require eight hours or more to reach Nanaimo.
Laurie's frustration with the situation led her to make a now-famous comparison, describing the government's vague promises of road improvements as "a carrot being dangled just out of reach." This colorful metaphor sparked a movement that would define the community's fight for better infrastructure.
The Carrot Campaign that followed was marked by creative and determined activism. Community members organized various protest activities, including serving pots of carrot juice, hosting pothole golf tournaments that highlighted the poor road conditions, and staging a protest march spanning more than 10 kilometers. The campaign's rallying cry, "Do You Carrot All?" became a unifying slogan that captured both the community's sense of humor and their serious commitment to change.
The sustained pressure and creative advocacy eventually paid off. By 1979, the community's persistent voice was finally heard by government officials. Highway 19 was paved, ending the dangerous reliance on logging roads and ushering in a new era of connectivity for the North Island region. To celebrate this victory, the original 10-foot carved carrot statue was erected in what would become known as Carrot Park.
Fast-forward to 2025, and the original statue had become weathered by decades of exposure to the elements. The district decided it was time to respectfully retire the aging monument and replace it with a fresh tribute to the community's historic achievement.
During the recent unveiling ceremony, Mayor Corbett-Labatt addressed attendees with remarks that emphasized the enduring significance of the Carrot Campaign. The event served as a powerful reminder of what communities can accomplish when they unite behind a common cause.
"It's about remembering how the people of Port Hardy came together with determination, creativity and yes, vegetables to drive real change," the mayor said during her address. "This carrot stands as a tribute to the past, a reminder of what's possible in the present, and a promise for the future. Because yes, we carrot all. And we always will."
The new statue continues the tradition established by its predecessor, serving as both a tourist attraction and a source of community pride. Located prominently in Carrot Park along Port Hardy's scenic waterfront, the monument ensures that future generations will remember the power of grassroots activism and the importance of community engagement in creating positive change.
The story of Port Hardy's Carrot Campaign has become a celebrated example of how creative community organizing can overcome government inaction and bureaucratic delays. The campaign's success in securing vital infrastructure improvements demonstrates the effectiveness of sustained, organized citizen action in addressing local needs and priorities.
