STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN
Government funding will be used to build stairs, landing
Funding will improve access to Port Morien beach.
A stairway to a little piece of heaven will soon be a reality in Port Morien.
Port Morien Development Association secretary LeRoy Peach said after three years of hard work they’ve received about $100,000 in funding to make a pristine beach accessible again.
Peach said a 40-foot bank near the picnic area at Pensioners Point will be reconfigured to include a landing and metal stairs providing safe and easy access to the beach below.
“We’ve been at this since 2015 and finally got (money) so we can do it. It’s important because this is a beautiful pristine little beach that at one time was well used by the community.”
Peach said in earlier days this beach was widely used by residents including for swimming lessons.
As a result of shifting coastal conditions usage dropped off and it became too difficult to access the beach.
“You can’t get to this beach right now easily at all,” he said. “It’s hoped to have this project finished before the end of June. It’s a lovely beach and it can be cleaned up and will be a great place to go.”
The Cape Breton Regional Municipality sustainability fund provided $30,000 for the project last year, $2,000 came from the East Cape Breton Community Health Board and $8,000 was raised by the local association. In December $60,000 was provided by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
Peach said the bids have been received and the tender will soon be awarded.
Peach said although the beach will be well used by residents it is also a plus for the tourism industry.
“We were looking at it primarily for improving the infrastructure in Port Morien for recreation but also because it enhances tourism in the area. This is part of the Marconi Trail.”
Peach said other sources have also provided assistance to enable the project to become a reality.
“Brad Kennedy, an engineer with CBCL, has agreed to donate his time to oversee the project,” he said. “It was Brad who drew the drawings. His in-kind contribution is quite considerable.”
As well Peach said Bill Murphy from the CBRM and Dist. 8 Coun. Amanda McDougall have provided assistance.
Peach wrote the proposal for the federal funding but said assistance from former councillor Kevin Saccary was valuable.
“Kevin also did a lot of work with the CBRM to get access to the land. That was a large task.”
Peach said he expects this beach to become a popular place in the CBRM.