Busy year in community
Transportation issues dominate news in Port Morien
With the hustle and bustle of another Christmas season behind us, and the bidding of farewell to another year, I thought that I’d look back at news and events in our village in 2017 with a view to what may be ahead in the new year.
Transportation through the community from outlying areas was in the news. The trucking of coal over the Long Beach Road from the Donkin Mine has become a serious safety concern for local residents. A public meeting was called in Port Morien in May and those in attendance expressed those concerns. There was a plan to have a follow up community meeting, but none has been scheduled to date. The industry is important to the area, and it is hoped by many that a dedicated road or railway can be constructed to carry the coal to market.
At the other end of the village, Route 255 leads to Mira Gut. The bridge there spanned the river mouth for 125 years, first for the S&L Railway, and then as a highway bridge. Last summer, it was declared unsafe, and by November it was totally removed. The provincial government has stated that discussions of options for a replacement are underway. However, any construction will be at least a year away. Many feel that a replacement should not be a swing bridge, but should be constructed to allow sailing vessels to pass under it. Until then, there continues to be a noticeable decline in traffic through the village of Port Morien to the Mira area.
Gowrie School closed its doors in 2016, but there may be some new life on the horizon for the 67-year-old building. Keith Boutilier, owner of Long Beach Boatbuilding, plans to retire. Mark Head, manager of the business, wishes to purchase the old school to open his own boatbuilding business with a plan to increase the workforce to 15 over the next few years. He has applied to municipal council for rezoning.
As of this writing, council is waiting for the results of a consultation process to garner feedback from neighbours before considering the application.
The Port Morien Development Association has been working for a number of years on a plan to construct steps to the beach in our village. After encountering a number of hurdles, tenders will be called this winter for construction. Proponents of the project working with the association have included two councillors, several government agencies, and local citizens. All have dedicated long hours to bring the project to fruition. If the project can be constructed within budget, it could be completed this summer.
The Rectory Bed and Breakfast is up for sale. Proprietors Stan and Carol Munroe purchased the building in 2005, and have run a very successful business since that time. It is still a going concern, but they have decided to move to British Columbia for family reasons. Stan and Carol were active and dedicated members of our community and will be missed.
After the 70th anniversary of the Port Morien Community Fair in 2016, many in the community felt that it had run its course. The dedicated executive that had worked for many years to stage the annual September event had decided that it was time to pass the torch. A new committee responded to the challenge, and with the co-operation of Mother Nature in delivering a beautiful day, the fair was a resounding success. The committee plans on continuing and improving the annual event next year and well into the future.
The ebb and flow of life washes over Port Morien, as it does for all communities. Residents and former residents that have passed away in 2017 will be greatly missed. However, young families are growing, and people have moved here and decided to make Port Morien their home. Optimism prevails in our little village, as it does and it must in so many of our Cape Breton communities.
Happy New Year everyone, with a sincere wish for the happiness and prosperity in 2018.