Major makeover
Atlantic Memorial Park project attracts $390,000 in federal funding
Canadian Heritage will contribute $390,000 to the Atlantic Memorial Park project, which aims to create a homegrown memorial to the important role a local military landmark has played in the development and heritage of Canada.
Sydney-Victoria MP Mark Eyking announced the funding through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage Legacy Fund in front of a packed crowd at the Sydney Mines Legion Wednesday. The Cape Breton Regional Municipality was the funding applicant on behalf of the project which will restore the command post of the historic Chapel Point Battery.
The Chapel Point Battery is located in Atlantic Memorial Park at the entrance to Sydney harbour and dates back to the late 1800s.
Work could begin as early as this fall, with phase one to be completed by the end of next year.
The phrase that has often been used to describe the planned project is, “a sea-side journey of remembrance.”
“We want to reawaken Canadians to the historical military significance of this iconic scenic area of Cape Breton as well as to the important contributions of its people in the defense of freedom and democracy,” said Cyril Aker, president of the park society.
This initial component should kickstart the other components of the project, which will be tackled in a phased approach.
“The dramatic history of the Battle of the Atlantic will come alive through the restoration of the command post of the historic Chapel Point battery, and it is the beginning of an iconic national commemorative site for Canada and Cape Breton,” said fellow society member and project planning director, Brian Ferguson.
He said the park will provide a rich educational opportunity
for Canadians, noting relatively few are able to visit overseas memorials.
Ferguson said there are other funding requests that have already been submitted to other parties on behalf of the project.
The first phase of the project is expected to cost a total of about $940,000, some of which will be raised through private
and corporate contributions.
The restoration project will remove graffiti, repair support structures, install new sloped roofs, stairways with handrails and interpretive historical signage, make the structure safe for public use and provide access to local heritage.
Ferguson said multi-use trails will also be created, washrooms, and other signage and displays.
Eyking paid tribute to the volunteers who have spent countless hours working on the project.
“It going to be a major makeover, it’s going to be cleaned up, it’s going to be beautiful, accessible, it’s going to be, I think, a focal point for tourists,” he said. “It’s history, it’s something we all should be proud of.”
CBRM Mayor Cecil Clarke noted the desire for the restoration of the battery dates back to the former Town of Sydney Mines. He said the announcement of federal funding will allow proponents to work with other partners.
Clarke said he has written to the Department of Natural Resources regarding potential land transfers that would be held in a land bank by the CBRM so that they can accommodate the overall project and address issues such as access and insurance.
He added it is an opportunity to help draw tourism and cruise passengers to Sydney Mines, building on existing assets such as the fossil museum.
“Where are the opportunities to showcase our heritage and our history … and something that just celebrates that proud tradition,” Clarke said.
Another event is being planned for the Mayflower Mall on Aug. 16 where people will be able to view plans for the park and speakers will be on hand.
Aker also thanked Royal Canadian Legion branch 8, which hosted the funding announcement, for being the first legion branch to throw its support behind the park project.