Finding new uses for vacated buildings
For just under two decades I have been writing a weekly column titled Our Active Community.
Looking back, I have touched on issues relevant to the geographic area, reflections on individuals who have made significant contributions, worthy causes, the initiatives of non-profit groups, special events, fundraisers and cultural activities and historical constructs.
I hope I have been able to portray to my readers the exemplary attributes, positive assets and dynamic potentials of this area. Yet as I write this I am distinctly aware that I have not been reporting on just one community, but a collection of communities that make up this incredible region.
I have tried to be a voice, an advocate, a supporter, a promoter, but also, I hope, a friend. My caregivers growing up stressed that each of us are greater than the sum of our parts; that it is through co-oper- ation, collaboration and understanding that we all succeed and that adversity and challenges make each of us better and stronger.
The expression ‘if ya got lemons, make lemonade’ is relevant here. However, it takes commitment, energy, and incredible effort to make that happen.
Many years ago the residents of Bear River, after the closure of their community school, took up the challenge to preserve their focus and identity. The Oakdene Centre is now a vibrant force. The folks in Weymouth looked to their founders and roots and created an entity that reflects their heritage and their future with the Sissiboo Landing. Digby Neck citizens, who banded together to save their community school became the now very successful Digby Neck Collective. Now the inhabitants, and I use that term loosely, of the former catchment of the Barton Consolidated School have joined together to create the Saint Mary’s Bay Community Centre Society.
Each one of these movements are the same in many ways, but so different. They reflect their real existent communities.
From the Oakdene Centre we have a cultural oasis, a centre for growth and understanding. From the Sissiboo Landing, the Weymouth Waterfront Society, we have the exciting developments around New France and the Electric City.
From the Digby Neck Collective we have economic potential as well as the ‘Woman’s March heard around the world.’ I am wondering what will come of the Saint Mary’s Bay Community Centre Society.
The founding personas of this society believe community centres are public locations where members of a community gather for group activities, social support, public information, and so many other purposes.
The loss of their community school, which was for them an anchor, they now believe is an opportunity. Out of loss and despair they are making lemonade. However, to be a true reflection they want community engagement and input. Your suggestions, ideas – in effect, the wishes of the residents – are paramount. The future gets its roots from the people!
The initial business plan is flexible, adaptable and welcoming. The Saint Mary’s Bay Community Centre Society invited the public to an organizing meeting to turn the vacant Barton School into a community centre, a gathering space of meaning and joy for all persons along St. Mary’s Bay. On Thursday, March 15, at the North Range Hall, Ken Flett met with the group to explain how the vacant Oakdene School was acquired and how the new Oakdene Community Centre is financed and sustained by the Bear River community.
The group will meet every Tuesday at the same location moving forward. For more information contact Tom Haynes-Paton, Japanese Gallery, 902-245-2347. Children and grandchildren are warmly invited as babysitting and refreshments will be available.
I am declaring my bias. Although I do not live there I have volunteered to be a resource. I so hope you who count and live in the area, will give them your voice.