Trust seeks places at risk

Do you know a place that deserves a spot on the country’s most endangered places list?

If so, the National Trust for Canada is looking to hear from you. Each year, the not-for-profit compiles a top 10 list of historic places that are at risk due to neglect or lack of funding.

Named to the list in 2010, are the company houses of the former industrial area of Cape Breton that have been disappearing from local landscapes mainly due to neglect.

Built by large mining and steel companies between 1850 and 1920, the National Trust has determined that the threat of losing these worker cottages remains unchanged.

Another place of significance, the former St. Alphonsus church in Victoria Mines, was named as endangered in 2014, although efforts of a local citizens group have given the 102-year-old structure a positive outlook.

Trust spokesperson Katrina Guerin said Cape Breton’s company houses will remain listed as endangered, although the organization is now seeking new nominations.

“Places will stay on the list but at this point in time we’re not featuring a place twice,” Guerin said.

The National Trust has noted that media attention from the endangered places campaign brings a welcomed shot in the arm for members of groups who are trying to save Canada’s places that matter.

This year, citizens can nominate an endangered place through Twitter by tweeting a photograph and description with the hashtag #10endangered. Nominations must be received by this evening. The 2018 Top 10 Endangered Places list will be released May 23.