Memorial Park
LOCAL
Sydney meeting offers information on proposed park for Northside.
Ron MacDonald still remembers going to Lloyd’s Cove every Sunday afternoon in the summer to swim with his friends in his young years.
“We would walk down from North Sydney just to swim at the big beach,” said MacDonald.
MacDonald was one of a handful of people that attended the Atlantic Memorial Park community presentation at the Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion in Sydney on Thursday.
The Sydney Mines Tourism Development Society, the group working on the proposed memorial park, also held a community presentation at the Ashby Legion in Sydney on Wednesday, an event that drew a large crowd.
MacDonald believes the proposed park would be a welcomed addition to the Sydney Mines community.
“This is something that on the Northside we don’t have … to handle cruise ship passengers or anything to show them of any interest,” said MacDonald. “They have to go to Baddeck or Iona right now, so this is a great spot on the Northside to be able to handle a lot of tourists.
The idea for a memorial park was started about a year ago by Cyril Aker.
The memorial park would feature a restored military fortification at Chapel Point battery, a commemorative monument in an oceanside setting dedicated to the battle of Vimy Ridge, a First Nations replica encampment in a woodland setting as well as a family park and ocean beach.
The proposed site consists of about 120 acres of publicly owned land in the Sydney Mines area along the Chapel Point battery, which includes Lochman’s Beach, Edward’s Pond, Neil’s Woods and the former Princess mine site (Swivel Point).
The site would have historical, educational and recreational components, from an economic perspective, the project could provide significant direct operational revenues as well as spinoff benefits for local business.
Eileen Lannon-Oldford, CEO of Business Cape Breton, attended the presentation and she likes the idea of the park.
“I think it’s great for the region, it will drive tourism, not only that but it can create many locals jobs through the process,” said Lannon-Oldford. “It can be a destination point, something for people, not only Cape Bretoners, but Nova Scotians, Canadians and international friends and tourists will come to see.”
Early estimates are that park construction could create in excess of 600 person years of work. About 25 person years of work will be required annually to operate the park.
According to the society, the overall additional economic benefit to the economy will
be substantial and the proposed park will add a positive momentum, following the announcement of a second cruise ship berth on the Sydney side of the harbour.
Brian Ferguson, vice-chair and planning director for the Sydney Mines Tourism Development Society, said community support will be key to the success of the proposed park.
“Everybody we talk to is extremely supportive,” he said. “I think there is always skepticism about a project like this and we have to recognize that, but we want to demonstrate that we are getting things done and when we do that I think the community will support will come, but the political support too.”
Ferguson said the initial phase of the project would cost about $2 million. The society believes the park will likely cost between $15-$20 million over a five-year period.
“The money for the construction of the park, we’re starting right away to apply to the National Trust Foundation, applying to the Heritage Canada Legacy Fund, and we will also be applying to different funding agencies over the summer.”
“We are obtaining money through community events now and hopefully we will get sustainability funding from CBRM.”
The society is also welcoming letters of support and donations.
For more information about the project or to make a donation, contact Ferguson at 902322-8509 or email bdferguson@eastlink.ca.
As for MacDonald, he can’t wait to see the project complete.
“It’s going to bring back memories,” said MacDonald. “It ties in the whole community, which is extremely important.”