North Sydney green space just a dream without support

A community group working to reclaim waterfront green space in North Sydney, N.S., says its hands are tied without further support.

The Victory Park Society, a 10-member board of local residents, announced plans last fall to turn a vacant section of North Sydney waterfront into a recreational and commercial green space.

The proposed site is comprised of multiple plots of privately owned land, which makes for a complicated buy.

Ryan Duff, society chair, said when the plan was announced, the group was looking to local government to fund a feasibility study or to invest in the cost of the land.

No government money

But Duff said that's no longer an option.

"We've spoken to all three levels of government," he said. "They're all interested in principle, but it's a little too early to start writing cheques."

Duff calls it a complicated "chicken and egg" situation. Investors aren't entirely ready to commit until there's an understanding of what it will cost to buy and develop the land. But the society, a not-for-profit organization, can't afford to buy it without investments.

The Cape Breton Regional Municipality said Victory Park is being considered alongside other large municipal investments in Louisbourg, Glace Bay and Sydney.

It said projects of this size typically require matching or complimentary investments from other levels of government, private enterprises and community stakeholders before commitments are made.

Ferry terminal a selling point

At the other end of North Sydney's downtown core is the $20-million Marine Atlantic Terminal. It was renovated and reopened in 2015.

Last year, Marine Atlantic said it transported more than 320,000 passengers to and from North Sydney, and saw more than $100 million in revenue.

Duff said that's the major selling point for Victory Park and it's an opportunity for the municipality and province to capitalize on, as well.

"We are an amalgamated municipality and tax revenue from economic activity anywhere in CBRM goes back to the CBRM," said Duff.

"Whether it's in North Sydney, New Waterford, Glace Bay it doesn't matter. It benefits everybody."

Marine Atlantic spokesperson Darrell Mercer confirmed the company has spoken with the Victory Park Society and will continue working with the group, recognizing the benefits to their passengers and to North Sydney's business community.

Reversing the trend

You'd be hard-pressed to find anyone in North Sydney who isn't aware of the project, especially since the municipality's contentious sale of Archibald's Wharf for industrial use. It was the only downtown green space and playground.

Amanda Sheffield is co-owner of The Commercial Street Deli, which sits on the corner across from the proposed Victory Park site. She said the location would encourage tourists, specifically those waiting to sail to Newfoundland, to see more downtown businesses.

"As of now they kind of stop at the Dollar Store and they turn back around. It's almost like they see there's not much here, so then they just go back to the terminal."

For now, Duff said the Victory Park Society is optimistic. The group will continue to fundraise and focus on community awareness.

Duff said he hopes local support for the park will be the catalyst for economic revitalization.

"There's been a pretty steady stream of jobs leaving, buildings being abandoned and subsequently torn down," he said.

"It's been going on for quite some time and it's time for us, as residents, to reverse that trend."