Cape Breton Captures Interest At Saltscapes

I'm back from Saltscapes Travel Expo in Halifax, where Gary and I were part of the Destination Cape Breton Association team promoting this beautiful island of ours. Although visitors to the Expo on Friday were a little slower of the mark than we hoped, Saturday was business as usual. We passed out Destination Cape Breton's new Experience and Package Guide and answered questions about facets of the island. Many of the visitors with whom Gary and I spoke were planning on visiting the island this summer. Although our presence at Saltscapes was cut back in scale from the last few years, the message we relayed to the crowd was as strong as ever. Cape Breton Island is the #1 island destination to visit in North America and #3 island destination in the world and we invite you to come and see why. It was so nice to have former Cape Breton residents and those with family ties to the island stop by at the Cape Breton booths to say hi and to applaud the work that our tourism association is doing on keeping Cape Breton Island on the main stage of tourism world. It goes to reconfirm the saying once a Cape Bretoner always a Cape Bretoner. I must thank St. Peter's Foodland bakery for the donation of oat cakes for the show, again the oat cakes were a hit, with some baking enthusiasts asking me questions such as what type of oats do they use for the cookies and where can we get them or the recipe. Gary and I were not the only representatives from the St. Peter's area, Captain Greg Silvers was part of our team answering questions about sailing and to give out information on the new and exciting Music Camp On The Canal which will be taking place in St. Peter's on June 1,2 and 3rd. The Saltscapes Travel Expo remains one of my favorite shows to attend, I am always amazed to see the variety of presenters who come to the show. What a great opportunity for crafters to present their product, definitely something for everyone's interest. The Destination Cape Breton Association team remained on hand on Sunday to continue the promotion of the island, but Gary and I had to return home to attend the Highland Dance Competition in Port Hawkesbury on Sunday where our granddaughter was competing. I am very proud to announce that she was among the winners at the competition. Whether or not you were able to attend the travel show in Halifax, I would like to extend an invitation to you all to come and visit our beautiful Cape Breton Island. Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, golfing, boating, kayaking or surfing, beaches or mountains, celtic music or square dancing, dining on lobster or gourmet dining or just basking in some of the most glorious scenery in the world, come and stay a while on our Cape Breton Island.

Dave Carroll from Sons of Maxwell at Strathspey Place Tonight

Dave Carroll is an award winning singer-songwriter, professional speaker, and social media innovator based in Halifax. Dave’s talents were introduced to millions when his 2009 YouTube music video ‘United Breaks Guitars’ became a worldwide sensation. The song chronicled his experience in the customer service process with United Airlines. His creative use of social media to share that message has reached over 150 million people. United Breaks Guitars was named one of the five most important videos in Google’s History. Showtime at Strathspey Place in Mabou is 8:00 pm. General Admission seating with ticketsprices at $18.

Saltscapes this Week-end

Saltscapes started yesterday in Halifax and it looks like another success this year. Come out and visit Gary and me today from 10 am this morning at Exhibition Park on Prospect Road!

Mandolin Workshops at Music Camp on the Canal

This has just come to my attention, and I thought I would pass it along to all those interested. Darren McMullen will teach two mando workshops - an intro to Jigs and Reels, and another comparing chording styles for Bluegrass and Celtic Tunes. Join him, and a gang of traditional music enthusiasts for a weekend of food, fun, jam sessions, a concert - and workshops with JP Cormier, Anthony Rissesco, Paul Davis, Roger Stone, Hank Middleton, Johannes Sturm and Roddie's Square Dancers. Early bird registration until May 1 will save you a few bucks. Full information and registration form at http://www.kitchenrackets.org - click on the Music Camp tab for all the details. Please don't hesitate to write or call for further information: Greg Silver, Camp Director Music Camp on the Canal info@kitchenrackets.org 902 631 5050

Tourism in Richmond County

The Saltscapes Travel Expo will be taking place at Expedition Park in Halifax from April 27th thru April 29th. Again the staff from the St. Peter’s Visitor Information Centre (VIC) will be in attendance, as part of the Destination Cape Breton Association delegation, to promote the area. This will be the 8th year for the Saltscapes Travel Expo and DCBA has been there every year to vie for the traveler’s attention. This year, DCBA will be passing out their new Visitor Experience and Events Booklet to showcase what our beautiful island destination has to offer this season. The Expo draws a lot of attention from people all over the Atlantic Provinces who are planning their upcoming vacations. Most visitors are no longer looking to travel long distances for their vacations, but are looking closer to home to find the perfect vacation spot. The Expo features presenters from all the Atlantic Provinces, so it is important that Cape Breton makes its presence felt as an important part of the Nova Scotia Tourism Industry. But it is not only the Atlantic Provinces that are in attendance. We also have tourism groups in attendance from the eastern seaboard of the US, as well as exotic destinations such as Martinique and Iceland. Cape Breton Island is a very sought after destination at the current time due to all the accolades it has received of late; being named # 1 Island destination in North America and # 3 Island destination in the world, also given the most romantic destination designation, as well as the Cabot Trail being called the most scenic travel way by motorcycle riders, the Bras d’Or Lake receiving the designation as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, just to name a few. It is no wonder that while working at the Expo we have so many visitors coming by our booths to pick up information on Cape Breton. If you happen to be in the Halifax area during the Expo, drop in and pick up your travel information; for a minimal entrance fee guests have the opportunity to win numerous prizes. Besides the travel section of the expo there are numerous displays and presenters offering information on many different topics from gardening to outdoor adventure equipment to photography and crafts and jewellery to food and beverage displays. This is definitely a show with something for everyone’s interest. Hope to see you there. The weather is getting more seasonal and with the nicer weather, we are able to get out and enjoy our outdoor activities. Richmond has some great hiking trails around the county, as well as great beaches to do some beachcombing on. If you would like to walk while staying in the village, you can check out the walking track located by the East Richmond Education Centre. For entertainment, there are lots of events taking place in Richmond for your enjoyment. On Friday April 27th, the Roddie’s Square Dance Society will host a Family Square Dance from 7-9pm, at the United Church Hall in St. Peter’s. On April 28th, there will be a Spring Fair at Ecole Beau-Port in Arichat, from 10am to 1pm. It will offer a Bake Sale, face painting, games room, silent auction, recycled book sale, variety show (Acadian Idol), cake walk and spa. There will also be a professional photographer on site to take family photos - call ahead (226-5200) to book your appointment. On April 29th, there will be a merchandise bingo at the Riverdale Community Centre starting at 2pm. There will also be a merchandise bingo at the Tara Lynn Centre in River Bourgeois on April 29th, starting at 1:45pm. Set aside the evening of May 3rd to take in the East Richmond Education Centre production of “A Quirky Look At Richmond County”, featuring a cast of students from grade 5-8 with presentations from grades primary–6 as well as special guests. I am especially excited to see the quirky antics that take place at the Visitor Information Centre which will include Haley MacRae as a visitor to the area. Showtime is 6pm. Until next week, enjoy exploring Richmond and the great variety of entertainment it has to offer.

View of Richmond By Ann Marie Yorke On April 17th, Harvey Sawler, an independent consultant, took center stage as he presented his 24 step plan to revitalize tourism in Richmond County. The proposal looks at the two major areas that draw visitors to the county. First Isle Madame, where he proposed the brand “Isle of 100 Coves”. His direction for the island, which has more coves per mile than any other area in Nova Scotia, would see look-offs being placed strategically around the island, creating a visual and emotional pull for visitors to stop and take in the natural beauty of the island. Sawler also expressed the need to expand upon the presence of La Picasse Cultural Centre to project a more authentic cultural experience, with a higher profile for Acadian craftsmanship and adding a more Acadian atmosphere to their restaurant. Next he spoke on St. Peter’s, for which he picked the brand “Quay to the Inland Sea”. This brand would create appeal for visitors to come and visit the quant village built on the shore of the Bras d’Or Lake. He also envisioned the construction of a new museum complex featuring the work of the renowned marine photographer Wallace MacAskill. This new Wallace MacAskill Museum of the Atlantic would also feature an artisan market and a visitor centre. The building of this museum would also revitalize interest and increase visitor traffic to the site of the St. Peter’s Canal known as the Gateway to the Bras d’Or Lake (Inland Sea). He also saw the importance of Richmond County’s waterways as a safe and viable tourism draw for visitors interested in paddling. Sawler also expressed the potential of the Paddlefest Event as a major draw for the area and one that he felt would continue togrow in popularity, drawing visitors from across the country. Sawler explained that, after meetings with the municipality over the last few weeks, the county realizes the importance of tourism as a driving force for Richmond’s economic development and is willing to partner with industry and tourism associations to achieve market growth. He also explained that for tourism to expand, more emphasis has to be placed on development of product instead of marketing, as visitors will come to see something worthwhile. Sawler specifically mentioned the importance to follow the dynamic example of Destination Cape Breton Association; focusing on research and development of product before marketing, in order to revitalize Cape Breton tourism.

Tourism in Richmond County

The Saltscapes Travel Expo will be taking place at Expedition Park in Halifax from April 27th thru April 29th. Again the staff from the St. Peter’s Visitor Information Centre (VIC) will be in attendance as part of Destination Cape Breton Association to promote the area. This will be the 8th year for the Saltscapes Travel Expo and DCBA has been there every year to vie for the traveler’s attention. This year DCBA will be passing out their new Visitor Experience and Events Booklet to showcase what our beautiful island destination has to offer this season. The Expo draws a lot of attention from the people from all over the Atlantic Provinces who are planning their upcoming vacations. Visitors are no longer looking to travel long distances for their vacations but are looking closer to home to find the perfect vacation spot. The Expo offers presenters from all the Atlantic Provinces, New Brunswick, PEI, as well as Newfoundland, so it is important that Cape Breton makes it’s presents felt as such an important part of the Nova Scotia Tourism Industry. But it is not only the Atlantic Provinces that are in attendance but we also have tourism groups in attendance from the eastern seaboard of the US, as well as a few exotic destinations such as Martinique, and Iceland. Cape Breton Island is a very sought after destination at the current time due to all the accolades it has received off late, being name # 1 Island destination in North America and # 3 Island destination in the world, also given the most romantic destination designation, as well as the Cabot Trail being called the most scenic travelway by motorcycle riders, the Bras d’Or Lake receiving the designation as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve,just to name a few. It is no wonder that while working at the Expo we have so many visitors coming by our booths to pick up information on Cape Breton. If you happen to be in the Halifax area during the Expo drop in and pick up your travel destination, for a minimal entrance fee guests have the opportunity to win numerous prizes. Besides the travel section of the expo there are numerous displays and presenters offering information on many different topics from gardening to outdoor adventure equipment to photography and crafts and jewellery to food and beverage displays. This is definitely a show with something for everyone’s interest. Hope to see you there.

Upcoming events: A Fish Fry Supper will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 150 in Arichat from 4:30 to 7pm pm Friday April 20th. On April 21st, there will be a Jam Session held at the New Horizon Senior’s Club in Arichat from 1pm to 5pm for ages 19 and over. Also on April 21st, there will be a Fireman’s Breakfast held at the Grand River Volunteer Fire Department from 7am until 11am. There will be a concert with Hert LeBlanc at La Picasse on April 22nd, starting at 2pm. For more information and tickets call 226-0149. Also on the 22nd, there will be Tea & Tunes hosted by the Bonnie Brae seniors club in St. Peter’s from 2-4pm. There will be live entertainment and tea, coffee and a light lunch. A Merchandise Bingo will take place at the Fourchu Hall starting at 2pm. And the Annual Spring Tea By The Sea will take place from 2-4pm at the D’ Escousse Civic Improvement Hall in D’Escousse.

Until next week, enjoy exploring Richmond.

Harvey Sawler Reveals Direction for Richmond Tourism

Here is a reminder for all members of the tourism industry in Richmond County. Tonight, Harvey Sawler will be persenting his conclusion on the direction tourism should take to promote Richmond County.

2nd Annual Tourism Summit

This information has just come to my attention from the Cape Breton events sheet, and so I am passing it along to all my followers. Sounds like it will be very interesting.


« Climate change - challenge or opportunity? »

Chéticamp, Nova Scotia April 17th, 18th and 19th, 2012

Cape-Breton's Chéticamp region will once again welcome delegates from all over Atlantic Canada to its second annual Tourism summit. This year`s theme is on climate change and the challenges and opportunities it brings to the tourism industry. As a follow up to last year's successful summit on experiential tourism, this year's summit includes a great variety of exciting events.

The summit kicks off in fine style with an official reception on Tuesday evening that includes the launch of the 2012 Chéticamp region visitor's guide. This will be followed by a few guest speakers including a conference on the theme "buy local" by renown international chef, Alain Bossé.

M. Bossé will also do a two day workshop on the culinary arts and customer service beginning on Tuesday morning and culminating with a banquet on the evening of Wednesday, April18th, prepared by M. Bossé and the workshop participants. This culinary feast will be followed by a traditional Acadian kitchen party at its finest.

Wednesday is set aside for a full program on the main theme of this year's summit « Climate change..challenge or opportunity ». Parks Canada will be presenting a workshop on the subject of coyotes and the Ecology Action Center will be addressing the adaptation of our coastal communities to climate change and how our sector may better prepare as a result.

We invite all tourism stakeholders in Cape Breton and in Atlantic Canada as a whole to take part in this bilingual Summit, but we hope to see many of our local operators in order to foster greater dialogue and engagement in the sector. If you cannot attend the day time workshops, you can still participate in the evening events such as the opening reception or purchasing a ticket to the banquet/kitchen party.

As you can see, this is one event you do not want to miss. To register or for more information contact :

La Société Saint-Pierre

C.P. 430

Chéticamp, Nouvelle-Écosse

B0E 1H0

Tel.: (902)224-2642

lestroispignons@ns.sympatico.ca

Tourism in Richmond County

The St. Peter’s Economic Development Organization, Spedo, is undertaking a new project. Their brand new music program, Music Camp on the Canal will take place from June 1st thru June 3rd in St. Peter’s.
The event will take place over a weekend and is designed to appeal to traditional music lovers of all ages at beginner and intermediate levels, and will provide a day of concurrent workshops on a variety of string instruments, whistle, song writing, and square dancing. A special feature, the Band Lab, is being offered which will be of interest to anyone thinking of forming their own group. On Saturday, the event will feature a public concert headlining the event instructors in the acoustically incredible St. Peter’s United Church Hall, with an open jam session being held every night. As part of the workshops, luthier Johannes Sturm will be on site to provide individual consultations, repairs and set up services. Music Director JP Cormier is co-ordinating a talented group of instructors and performers who will offer insight into Cape Breton’s traditional music. Registration for the full weekend, including workshops, jams, concert, and most meals is $150 for those who take part in the early-bird registration by May 1. After May 1st, the cost of the registration will be $195.00. Those who don’t want to take lessons, but want to join in with the rest of the food and fun events can register for just $100. Further information: Greg Silver, Camp Director (902) 631-5050 or for full details and a downloadable registration form go to http://www.kitchenrackets.org.
On the local scene: April 15th, The Riverdale Jamboree will take place at the Riverdale Community Centre in Lower River from 2 to 5pm. Also on the 15th, the Arm of Gold Community Association will be hosting their very popular Country Breakfast which will take place from 9am until 12pm at the St. Georges Channel Hall. There will also be a Variety Concert held at the Lakeside Community Centre in Sampsonville on April 15 starting at 7:30pm.
Until next week, enjoy exploring Richmond.

News on N.S. Female Surf Mentorship Program From Surf Point Michaud's Michelle Richards

This information has just come to my attention from the facebook page Surf Point Michaud. Michelle Richards,instructor of surfing at Point Michaud is the person to contact if you are interested in this surfing opportunity. Check out what Michelle posted and to get more information on this, go to the Surf Point Michaud Facebook page today...


Michelle Richards posted in Surf Point Michaud

1:20pm Apr 8

Any female experienced and beginner surfers interested in a Nova Scotia Female Surf Mentorship program? Let me know and I will add you to that group. The purpose is to encourage more females in surfing by mentoring new girls.

Happy Easter Everyone

View of Richmond

Over the last few years St. Peter’s has become known for its’ Kitchen Rackets, Jam Sessions where amateur musicians can sit in with a group of more seasoned players such as JP Cormier, Paul Davis and Dwayne Cote, to mention a few. Sessions are held throughout the summer and also are a prominent feature during the Celtic Colours International Festival in October. These Jam sessions are very popular and draw in visiting musicians from near and far, as well as visitors to the area that just like to sit and enjoy our traditional music. During the week of the Celtic Colours Festival the Kitchen Racket takes on a more in depth program offering workshops for musicians interested in the art of the tin whistle, Celtic flute, fiddle and guitar. With the popularity of these events, the Kitchen Racket is now going to offer a new weekend event which will be known as Music Camp on the Canal. The weekend is designed to appeal to traditional music enthusiasts of any age at beginner and intermediate levels and will provide a day of concurrent workshops on a variety of string instruments, whistling, song writing, and square dancing. A special feature is the Band Lab, which will be of interest to anyone thinking of forming their own combo. Saturday night will feature a public concert headlined by the instructors in the acoustically incredible St. Peter’s United Church Hall. Each night there will be open jam sessions. Luthier Johannes Sturm will provide individual consultations, repairs and set up services. Music Director JP Cormier is co-ordinating a talented group of instructors and performers including fiddler Anthony Rissesco, mandolin player Darren McMullen, whistle player Paul Davis, songwriter Hank Middleton and the local Roddie’s Square Dance Society. The event will take place on June 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. There will be an Early Bird Registration for the full weekend, which will include workshops, jams, concert, and most meals for $150.00 (register by May 1 for this special price), after that the registration fee is $195.00. Partners who don’t want to take lessons but want to join the rest of the food and fun can register for just $100.00. Full details and a downloadable registration form are available at http://www.kitchenrackets.org, or contact Greg Silver, Camp Director at (902) 631-5050.

St. Peter's Bras d'Or Lakes Inn Hosts Easter Brunch & Buffet and Easter Dinner

The Bras d'Or Lakes Inn in St. Peter's hosts Easter Brunch & Buffet and Easter Dinner on Easter Sunday:

Easter Brunch Buffet
Easter Brunch Buffet Menu

10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Adults - $19.95, Seniors – $17.95, Children under 10 - $9.95

Selection of Fresh Baked Muffins, Danishes & Croissants

Jam/Cream Cheese Spread/Nutella


Display of Whole Grain Breads & Bagels

Sweet Cinnamon Butter - Whipped Butter


Breakfast Items

Sausage, Bacon, Scrambled Eggs

Mini Quiche & Deviled Eggs


Muesli

Assorted Yogurt, Fresh Fruit Salad


Cream of Broccoli Soup

Cheddar & Ham Biscuits


Spring Garden Mixed Salad

Assorted Dressings


Poached Atlantic Salmon

Chef’s Tartar Sauce


Baked Ham

Maple-Mustard Glaze


Braised Chicken Breast

Sauce Chasseur


Oven Roasted Potatoes,

Seasonal Vegetables and Rice Pilaf


Assorted Cold Salads & Platters

Potato & Egg, Coleslaw, Grated Carrot Salad, Cold Cuts and Crudité


Fresh Baked Desserts

Lemon Meringue Pie, Apple Crisp, Chocolate Truffle, Carrot Cake


Chocolate Fountain

Fruit, Marshmallows and Pretzels






Easter Dinner Buffet


5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.



Adults - $29.95, Seniors – $26.95, Children under 10 – $19.95


Cream of Broccoli Soup

Cheddar & Ham Biscuits



Spring Garden Mixed Salad

Assorted Dressings


Selection of Platters


Poached Atlantic Salmon, Antipasto and Select Cheeses


Assorted Cold Salads


Potato & Egg, Coleslaw, Grilled Vegetable, Three Bean,

Cranberry-Orange & Pecan Couscous and Heart of Palm


Chef Carved Roast Beef

Au jus


Baked Ham

Maple-Mustard Glaze


Braised Chicken Breast

Chasseur Sauce


Seafood Newburg


Assorted Fish & Seafood Ragout


Steamed Mussels

A la Marinière (steamed in white wine)



Scalloped Potato Gratin

Seasonal Vegetables and Rice Pilaf



Display of Fresh Baked Desserts

Lemon Meringue Pie, Apple Crisp, Chocolate Truffle, Carrot Cake

Cherry Cheesecake and Coconut-Jellybean Cup Cakes


Chocolate Fountain Station

Fruit Skewers, Marshmallows and Pretzels


Dessert Crepe Station

Selection of Cut Fruit, Nutella and Whipped Cream

Music Camp On The Canal To Take Place June 1st thru June 3rd

This information has just come to my attention and I would like to pass it along to all interested readers. This should be a very popular event, so register right away.

Music Camp on the Canal

A project of SPEDO
St. Peter’s Economic Development Organization
www.kitchenrackets.org
www.facebook.com/StPetersKitchenRackets
mailto:info@kitchenrackets.org

April 3, 2012
Media Release: Music Camp on the Canal
For immediate release:

Seeds planted at Celtic Colours create a vibrant new live
music program in St. Peter’s

Celtic Colours International Festival attracts a lot of interest locally and globally. Not surprisingly, some of the many beneficiaries are music enthusiasts in Cape Breton. In St. Peter’s a group of amateur players have been hosting open jam sessions and workshops in association with Celtic Colours over the past few years, attracting visiting musicians to sit in with a diverse group of local players, and to take instruction from bona fide Cape Breton players like JP Cormier, Dwayne Cote, Paul Davis, and others.

Known as the Kitchen Rackets, this annual week-long attraction has spawned a new weekend event to take place on June 1, 2 and 3 this year – Music Camp on the Canal. The weekend is designed to appeal to traditional music enthusiasts at beginner and intermediate levels, and will provide a day of concurrent workshops on a variety of string instruments, whistle,songwriting, and square dancing. A special feature is the Band Lab, which will be of interest to anyone thinking of forming their own combo.
Saturday night will feature a public concert headlining our instructors in the acoustically incredible St. Peter’s United Church Sanctuary. Each night we’ll have open jam sessions. Onsite luthier Johannes Sturm will provide individual consultations, repairs and set up services. Music Director JP Cormier is co-ordinating a talented group of instructors and performers including fiddler Anthony Rissesco, mandolin player Darren McMullen, whistle player Paul Davis, songwriter Hank Middleton – and the local Roddie’s Square Dance Society.
Registration for the full weekend, including workshops, jams, concert, most meals is $150 for early-birds (register by May 1 for this special price), after that: $195. Partners who don’t want to take lessons but want to join the rest of the food and fun can register for just $100.
Further information: Greg Silver, Camp Director (902) 631-5050 or by email above. Full details and a downloadable registration form are available at http://www.kitchenrackets.org.

Tourism in Richmond County

Spring is here officially and with the change of the season our weather has taken its queue and jumped from seasonal temperatures to beautiful warm t-shirt weather. What a change! Let’s hope it continues. It is no wonder that our tourism associations are busy looking to the upcoming season. Planning for the tourism season is quickly moving ahead, and with this planning Destination Cape Breton Association (DCBA) is in the process of developing its new Experience and Packaging Booklet. This beautifully done marketing booklet will be used as a marketing piece at trade shows and special events, as well as a mail out for those visitors requesting information on our area for their upcoming vacations. The booklet will also be distributed to Visitor Information Centers around Cape Breton Island, as well as the Kiosk located on the Halifax Waterfront, to be used as handouts to our visitor. The cover of the Experience & Packaging Booklet will display an iconic image of the island capturing the interest at a glance of visitors planning a trip to the island. This new marketing piece will feature beautiful photos throughout the book, showcasing the highlights of the island. This excellent advertising piece offers Cape Breton tourism operators the opportunity to develop and promote their products and experiences to a greater degree, which will be beneficial in growing their customer base and to increasing their exposure in the existing markets as well as to broaden exposure to new markets. If your package or experience meets the criteria set or the booklet, operators can join DCBA in producing this new promotional piece at a nominal fee. For more information go to www.cbisland.com or call Dan Coffin, Director of Marketing for DCBA, at 1-902-563-4636.

Destination Cape Breton Association will host Tourism Industry Day on April 19th. DCBA will do a presentation on what the Association has planned with regards to moving Cape Breton’s Tourism industry ahead for the rest of 2012. With the completion of DCBA’s marketing plan it now has a clear focus on how they will proceed this year. So make sure to mark April 19th on your calendar and discover what the great opportunities lies ahead. Tourism Industry Day will be held at the Delta Hotel in Sydney from 10am until 2pm.

Every year visitors come to the area seeking out lighthouses. It is a very important feature that draws visitors to explore our coastline. There are a number of lighthouses whose futures are in jeopardy. There may be a reprieve for these lighthouses. Under the Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act, community groups can apply for a heritage designation for the lighthouses through a petition to Parks Canada. Here in Richmond, Margaret Herdman, who represents two separate groups who’s intention is to preserve lighthouses and their history, has prepared petitions for Jerseyman’s Island and Marache Point lighthouses for the Isle Madame Lighthouse Preservation Committee. She is now in the process of preparing a business plan for the department, showing that the above mentioned lighthouse properties will be economically viable and that the groups will be able to maintain the properties. Herdman is also working with the friends of Isle Madame Provincial Parks, gathering the 25 required signatures for a petition to preserve the Grandique Point lighthouse in Lennox Passage. The Grandique Lighthouse property is in excellent condition with updates to the lighthouse having been done recently. There will be some work needed to the Jerseymsn’s and Marache Point lighthouses. Fundraising is continuing to make sure funds are available for this upkeep. The Minister in charge of Parks Canada must determine which nominated lighthouses should be designated on or before May 29th, 2015. Our lighthouses offer a strong connection to our rich seafaring history and are an important feature that draws visitors to our area each year. In a time when creating attractions in a particular area in order to capture the interest of visitors can be very expensive and difficult to do, it only makes sense to build on what we already have in place and one that is already a proven attraction. Also the preservation of our lighthouses will be a lasting and visual monument to our past.

Until next week, have fun exploring the beautiful scenery of Richmond.