I consider myself fortunate to have been born and raised on Nova Scotia’s South Shore, a place second to none anywhere else on the planet, as far as I’m concerned.
This region has a great deal going for it and we must embrace the opportunities. In looking to a positive future, I’ve done an inventory of those things that I like to call the Seven Wonders of the South Shore:
1. Topping any list of assets must be the people who live and work here. I certainly can’t call myself a world traveller, so maybe my view is limited, but I consider the people of the South Shore among the finest anywhere. They are hardworking and resilient, and never easily back down from a challenge. They may get knocked down a few times, but I’ve seen them pull themselves up, regroup and face their challenges head-on. That’s a powerful resource on which to build a future.
2. There is no denying that the region’s unspoiled natural beauty is also one of its strongest resources. As the world continues to shrink, people elsewhere will seek out places such as ours, places that can offer solitude and reprieve from the spoils of modern technology and industry. Our challenge is not only to protect and preserve these natural assets, but to also find a way in which to capitalize on them. This must be done with care, but surely there is a way.
3. Another strong asset is the region’s rich and diverse heritage, starting with Yarmouth’s proud history in shipbuilding and sailing, Shelburne’s proud Loyalist and African Canadian heritage, Liverpool’s unique privateering legacy and Lunenburg County’s distinct connection to the sea, including the world-famous Bluenose and the Town of Lunenburg’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Add all of this together with the varied history in other nooks and crannies of the South Shore and we’ve got a unique heritage experience. Let’s package it all as one adventure and sell it to the world.
4. The South Shore is known to be a unique eco-system with a climate ripe for new and exciting agricultural opportunities, such as growing grapes to bolster the wine and cranberry industries. These are the types of industries on which we must build our future.
5. Compared to some places, the towns and villages on the South Shore offer a safe, enriching and nurturing environment ideal for raising a family or for those looking for a comfortable location in which to retire.
6. We’ve seen this region go through and survive some very tough times, so our track record is another important asset. We should not dwell in the past, but we must learn from it. Draw upon the strengths and chart a course that includes the positives. There are many. The challenge is to find them and to hang onto them, but that’s the best approach, as clinging to the negatives will get us nowhere.
7. And, finally, I would count our collective resolve to fight through the obstacles and overcome the hardships as another of our assets. It can be a slugfest for one person or even a small group of people to rise above the difficult times, but together, as a com- munity, we can achieve a great deal. The desire to work as a cohesive group and draw upon each other’s strengths, knowledge and experience is a huge benefit if we harness it.
I believe that, with a positive and supportive attitude, we can look forward to a prosperous future. When you put these assets into their proper perspective, you can see that our backyard has a lot going for it.
