AMBITIOUS PLANS
CBRM updated on Atlantic Memorial Park in Sydney Mines.
The proposed restoration of Second World War fortifications in Sydney Mines is a feasible undertaking, according to a recently completed assessment of the Chapel Point Battery site.
The study, discussed at a Cape Breton Regional Municipality council meeting last week, was carried out by the Sydney office of Dillon Consulting on behalf of the Sydney Mines Tourism Development Society, the organization behind the proposed Atlantic Memorial Park.
The Dillon report estimates it will cost about $3.7 million to complete the first of the project’s four phases. That work would include the restoration of the Chapel Point Battery’s command post, south and north gun emplacements, underground magazine, power house and central search light as well as site development such as access, parking and trails.
The report suggested that much of the work would focus on the reparation of the fortification’s concrete that has been exposed to the elements and the freeze-thaw cycles of the past 77 years. It found that while it has experienced deterioration, the concrete is still structurally stable.
The society’s Brian Ferguson, vice-chair and planning director of the project, called the initiative a “wonderful” economic development and educational opportunity.
“Canadians support military commemoration sites across the country, there is increased attendance at Remembrance Day events and there’s heightened interest in light of Canada’s 150 celebration,” said Ferguson.
“However, there are insufficient opportunities across the country to be educated about Canada’s wartime contributions and this park will meet this need — it will provide an important educational venue for education here at home.”
Ferguson pointed out that sites located overseas, such as the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France, are only accessible to “a few fortunate Canadians.” He added that out of the million or so visitors to the site in 2016, only 14,000 Canadians signed the guest registry.
Once the restoration and site access work is completed, the proposal calls for three more phases that would culminate with the phase four construction of a historic theme site that includes a 25-metre tall landmark monument or statue overlooking Sydney harbour.
The project also proposes a visitor centre, family recreation area, interpretive walking trails and a First Nations replica encampment.
“We feel the timing is right to move ahead with this proposal and the tourism and economic benefits will be significant and they are critically required,” said Ferguson.
“This proposed location is ideal from a historic perspective and the combination of park features are unique as the First Nations component will support reconciliation through recognition and the economic impact is significant — the jobs created building the park, jobs maintaining the park, the jobs created through spinoffs with tourists visiting the site will benefit the whole harbour.”
Sydney Mines Coun. Clarence Prince said he endorses the project.
“The timing seems right — it’s certainly an ambitious project, but one that’s very worthwhile,” he said.
The total cost to construct the Atlantic Memorial Park is estimated to be between $15 million and $25 million. The site’s 120 acres are owned by the CBRM.
Each phase of the project is to have its own funding structure, although the society behind the project has yet to identify sources except to say they include private and corporate donations, community contributions and special events.