Winter in Our Village
By Brenda Goodine
In the morning, as the sky above the rolling hills become pink and violet, things begin to move. Cars moves towards jobs at the hospital, the Manor, pharmacies, APD, restaurants, grocery stores, garages, schools and various other places. Mary’s Bake Shop and Tim Hortons become hives of activity as patrons gather to discuss the goings on in the Village. This winter conversation inevitably turns to “The Flood” and how things are being handled. In winter it’s more cheery and sociable conversation than other times of the year. It is a time when ideas are tossed about and people think more clearly.
The Flood of March, 2012 devastated this Village. During 2013 many homes were moved to the hills, mainly. Businesses closed. Thankfully others opened. It is a time of change…again. Floods, fires and tragedies have been on the menu for Perth-Andover for far too long. The newspapers have been filled with suggestions for revitalization, especially in the Blackfly Gazette.
2014 will certainly be active in bringing ideas to fruition. Roddy MacIntosh wrote in the Blackfly (read article here) that he believes there should be an overall plan for the Village and a paid person should be hired to execute the plan. There should be a grant to hire such a person. Checking with both MLA Wes McLean and Federal MP Mike Allen about availability seems to be something that could be done now. There is a great opportunity to make the Village a more beautiful place to visit, work and live. The setting of this Village is second to none in New Brunswick. Planned correctly, Perth-Andover could become a destination for business and tourism. The time to do this is NOW (Plan). Roddy probably was not referring to himself as the hired person, but actually he would fit the title…Creative, congenial and conscientious, Roddy gets things done. His ideas for Downtown Outlet Shopping is a good one. It would provide so much work and make the Village such an interesting and exciting place.
One only has to go to Freeport, Maine to see how a boarded up, clapboard town has turned into a mecca of business known far and wide. This was accomplished by people working together and by establishment of a flagship store, L.L. Bean. Canadian companies such as “Canada Goose” and “Roots” might well be interested if a well thought out plan was presented. Oh yes, it will take money … lots. There is a Canadian program, a federal initiative that is known as “Immigrant Investor Visa” (http://www.cic.gc.ca/enGlIsh/immigrate/business/investors/index.asp) that can be explored. This program allows immigrants a visa by investing $1 million dollars in a new commercial enterprise that leads to the creation of 10 or more jobs. This would be a multimillion dollar project, but it could be done. Businesses could be built on stilts (as in New Orleans) back next to the trails with a promenade out front with parking and landscaping which would endure flooding.
HOWEVER, investors do not just arrive bearing suitcases full of cash. They must be found, courted and convinced. A vision (plan) must be made and promoted to the investors as well as the public. There must be a person or persons to explain the plan, make it conceivable and clear, giving it shape. This person must have experience, be well spoken, not be afraid of hard work and have a good reputation for getting things done.
We can look to Jay Peak and Newport, Vermont as an example. The USA copied the Canadian Immigrant Initiative concept and is making this rural area, which had long suffered from high unemployment rates and low wages and a general sense of chronic economic depression, come alive with the expectation of the creation of 10,000 jobs.
Perth-Andover needs jobs. Business creates jobs. Jobs create a better way of life for our children. It means security for our hospital, manor and for young and old alike.
Another person (among several) who gets things done is Cindy McLaughlin. She has to be applauded for “rising to the top” in spite of having several businesses devastated by the flood. She could have given up or moved someplace else, but she didn’t. In her platform when she ran for council she mentioned the possibility of Cavendish building a processing plant in or near the village. Given approval, I am sure Cindy would lend her expertise in helping to offer Cavendish incentives to establish operations here.
When Perth-Andover becomes more viable, other suggestions, such as Dilys Sabine’s idea for an Equestrian Centre, and Francine St. Amand’s vision for a Horticultural Centre could thrive.
Another interesting area could develop on West Riverside Drive. The Vi Gillette home has reportedly been sold. Hopefully, this great New Brunswick artist will be celebrated by the sale of her prints, etc. This would go hand in hand with a tour of the Trinity Anglican Church to view the murals by Vi Gillette that are on display there, the museum, Photo by Amanda, Nissen’s Market and so on. This could make West Riverside Drive a visitor destination.
Hopefully, something can be done with the old Courthouse (perhaps included in the Immigrant Investor Visa proposal). It is a magnificent structure, with such a fascinating history….just ask Mona Everett! Several people have mentioned that it could become a Cultural Centre, with a live theatre and concert hall, and an Art Gallery….and we do have lots of artists!
This would take money to achieve, but it could be done with focus and VISION.
A simpler improvement could occur on East Riverside Drive. When I was a child, my parents would bring us to Perth on a Saturday night. The street below downtown was lined with majestic trees on both sides, making a beautiful thoroughfare. I felt like I was in Fairyland! Why couldn’t we spruce up the empty lots and then plant red maples on both sides of the street in memory of loved ones? It would match the ones on the boardwalk. Memorial plaques could be placed on each one, engraved with names. Flooding should not hurt them. Cement benches could also be strategically placed along the walk.
In winter Perth-Andover is most perfectly a community. We listen. We get centred. We have more time to set things right in our homes and to make plans. Winter snow falls on all of us alike, and that’s what we really are – alike.
We are all residents of a village we love and that we want to thrive. We have many creative residents who can offer new ideas and visions for our future. We cannot expect council to do all the work that needs to be done. They were elected to run the business of the village, but I am sure if they are presented with viable projects they will support them.
Let’s get it done!
To accomplish these tasks is like making a cake. Flour alone will not make the cake, but when all the necessary ingredients are blended together you get a beautiful cake – together we are powerful…One of us is not as strong as all of us!
For more Information on Jay Peak, Vt., please see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jay__Peak__Resort
