Next steps (walking steps) for Whitney Pier

Thinking about a great neighbourhood a few blocks at a time

My wife, Alison Etter, and I invite you to go on a walk with us in our neighbourhood.

I’m referring to Whitney Pier, and it’s a serious invitation. My contact information is at the bottom of this column.

Walking together means observing, reminiscing and trying out new ideas. Walking doesn’t usually have a formal agenda, but it can spark new connections and new possibilities. Healthy neighbourhoods are walking neighbourhoods.

Although I work for a university and Alison for a church (she’s a United Church minister), much of our work is actually in the “field.” And we’re conscious of being part of a diverse neighbourhood.

Three years ago, I wrote a column in this space called “The Pier’s national distinction opens new doors.” The Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada had just designated the development of our multicultural community, up to the present day, a national historic event.

I am worried that too many doors are still closed. But let me first acknowledge a few of the many Pier assets and recent accomplishments.

Although the Pier suffers from the end of the old industries, we’re holding on thanks to remarkable citizen initiatives. And let’s recognize that our local politicians and public servants are often responsive to positive efforts. A case in point: Over the past few weeks, it was a pleasure to work with Cape Breton Regional Municipality Dist. 12 Coun. Jim MacLeod and the municipality’s director of planning Malcolm Gillis on the Galicia Street naming to reflect and celebrate part of our heritage. It was a joint request of the Polish and Ukrainian parishes.

Think about the achievement that is the Whitney Pier Youth Club. The Friends of Neville Park organize many great events. Let’s recognize the dedication of the Whitney Pier Historical Society, the help of students at Whitney Pier Memorial in designing a small park, the poignant murals of Keith Baldwin, our dynamic global ambassador Frankie MacDonald, the renovations undertaken by the one-of-a-kind cultural halls and the support for many of those projects by the current MLA, Derek Mombourquette, and his predecessor, Gordie Gosse.

In 2014 and 2015, the churches and mosque came together to create a fun, educational board game – “The Pier” – to raise money for the Habitat for Humanity project on Breton Street.

This summer’s Caribbean and Slavic festivals will again be a testament to Pier pride.

And I can personally attest to the heartfelt gratitude of St. Mary’s Polish Parish to the people of the Pier for helping us rebuild the beautiful historic church after the fire. The final phase of the rebuilding will be a community kitchen and small library that will welcome the neighbourhood.

So let’s walk and talk. How can we spur more achievements?

Let’s walk by some of the blighted buildings and talk about how we can work with the municipality and owners to get them taken down or fixed.

Let’s walk to Joan’s Market, which includes an excellent bakery. And let’s talk about how most Pier residents are not within walking distance of Joan’s or any fresh food. Most of the food gardens have disappeared. The diminished business scene no longer reflects our cultural diversity. Most of our shops have closed, and there are overgrown lots along the main street.

Could a monthly multicultural community market help to bring back some of the vitality? Could we expand some of the gardens and share produce?

Let’s observe how hard it is to turn onto Victoria Road or cross the street. There are no gaps in traffic. Could a traffic light or illuminated crosswalks help?

Can we get the remaining dirt roads paved and sidewalks fixed?

Let’s walk by the welcome sign and the Pier Melting Pot monument, which need to be redone. How can we help? How can signage, information tablets and QR codes make the Pier more popular for walks and tours?

Many of our neighbours live in homes that urgently need repairs, but lack money or access to available contractors. Could we get a small grant program, similar to the pilot project in New Aberdeen, and a small renovation social enterprise off the ground?

Let’s walk to the arena and parks and talk about recreation.

The park space on Swan Street in the heart of the Pier is neglected. Could it be made ideal for street hockey and maybe even other sports like bocce?

Alison and I don’t have all the answers or all the resources. But I believe the next steps for our great neighbourhood are, well, steps.

See you around.