This conceptual rendering by Trifos Design Consultants showed one option of what a new Sydney waterfront library might look like in the future. CONTRIBUTED

Doers, Dreamers and a Waterfront Library

I’m sure that we are all familiar with the Doers and Dreamers guide published by Tourism Nova Scotia. In every community, there seem to be those that dream big and those that get things done. Whoever commissioned our Big Fiddle would be one of those people. Kudos to them for thinking big.

Unfortunately, we have a mayor and council who lack miserably in this department in dealing with our new regional library. In 2023, there were 147 letters written to this newspaper advocating for a NEW library and we have already seen 16 letters this year addressing the topic. What has inspired me to write my own letter of advocacy, was the insane notion from council to spend $40 million renovating a building that not only doesn’t meet any requirements needed for a new library, but a building that was built before the opening of the Canso Causeway and already condemned as a court house. Why waste time and money on a solution that does not fit the bill?

Flashback CB Post March 28, 2019.
Major Build on the Sydney Waterfront

Developer Marty Chernin, another doer, plans for a housing project on the waterfront which would incorporate a new library. The building in the shape of a drum with its roofed green space would honour our indigenous roots and our musical heritage - the showcase building standing proudly next to our big Fiddle bidding visitors to enter from around the world. And on land that this municipality already owns! Add to that a federal funding commitment from MPs Eyking and Cuzner for 60% of the build. Sadly, we all know that MLA Derek Mombourquette did not respond with any matched funding, having his own agenda for a basketball addition to Centre 200 costing $40 million. Council suddenly dropped the library to number two with this new project their priority.
I have yet to see any editorial letters of support for this C200 addition, nor do I know of any community groups who have supported it. In fact, we now we have Bill Kachafanas refurbishing the bi-centennial as basketball courts. More community doers and dreamers.

Fast forward CB Post July 7, 2021. CBRM Council Votes Down Extension On Waterfront Development, Library

Marty Chernin looks for support to advance his waterfront library proposal. In attendance, both Chief Leroy and Chief Terry as well as Senator Dan Christmas. Also presenting were an adhoc committee from the Chamber of Commerce, Cape Breton Partnership, Sydney Downtown Development, Municipality of Victoria County, YMCA, Port of Sydney, Undercurrent, and Whitney Pier Youth Club. Was there ever a project that had so many community partners advocating for a build? And a project that would have easily attracted government and even national funding with its intent.
This community has yet to hear and deserves an answer as to what happened behind those closed doors to vote this proposal down.

You’d Think We Would Learn

One begins to question the competency of decision makers at “city hall”. Putting a fire station across from our beloved Highland Arts Theatre, despite public outcries from so many in this community? Or mention “Archibald’s Wharf” to the good people on the Northside. Despite a higher offer from Glynn Williams (Fortress rum) with more jobs on site and a submission that would keep the public green space, then mayor Cecil Clarke and council insisted on awarding the bid to CME, despite all logic. (Saltwire: CBRM Council Approves Sale Of Archibald Wharf To Shipyard 02/10/2017). Another closed door decision by a council who refused to listen to the public.

Deja-vu Archibald’s Wharf

Doers and Dreamers are not against development and applaud any developer that will provide 500 badly needed housing units, but seriously, can anyone else imagine not one but four high rises on that precious waterfront site adding to an already stressful parking situation with potentially 1000 more spaces needed? For a perspective, stand in front of the Vista Heights building (similar in size and design) on the Esplanade and imagine not one, but four of these buildings towering on our last waterfront green space. Our Big Fiddle dwarfing in comparison.

Capabilities of our Community Underestimated

This is a community that in the last four years has raised over $12 million for two major builds - the new Horizon Achievement Centre and the Hospice Residence. This community rallies when called upon and I believe that had Council made the right decision and listened to all of our community representatives on July 7, 2021, our new waterfront library would be standing. This community is still pleading for the chance to do so. Let the doers and dreamers build the waterfront library in the shape of that drum to stand proudly beside our fiddle. Consider putting your four high rises on the courthouse property overlooking the park - lots of parking and closer proximity to campus. Public input is essential in this planning! And it is never too late to reverse a bad decision.

Debbie Keating
Coxheath