On September 14, 2024, Arisaig and surrounding communities were honoured with the presentation of the Lieutenant Governor’s Community Spirit Award. The Lieutenant Governor, Arthur LeBlanc, joined by his wife Patsy, presented the Award at a celebration held at the Arisaig Parish Community Hall. All residents were invited to attend this exciting event.
The Lieutenant Governor’s Community Spirit Award is presented annually by His Honour to communities throughout Nova Scotia in recognition of the excellent work done by volunteers. The award ceremony was an opportunity to recognize our volunteers and say a big “Thank You.”
The ceremony included remarks by His Honour LeBlanc and other guests. Following the official award ceremony all attendees were encouraged to mingle with Their Honours, neighbours, and friends and to enjoy entertainment with music by local musicians, outdoor games for children, a baseball game on our new ball field, and demonstrations by local pickleball and shuffleboard players. It was a day of celebration for the whole community.
Our community is rich in all its aspects because of our people and is fully deserving of this prestigious Award. We encourage you to read the award application presented below in recognition of the many active volunteer groups that enhance our community.
Introduction
This application honors the numerous volunteers and residents of the Greater Arisaig Community which includes Arisaig, McArras Brook, Knoydart, Doctor’s Brook, Malignant Cove, Maryvale West, and Highway 337 to Georgeville border. The area is designated as Arisaig or Greater Arisaig in this application.
Arisaig is a vibrant fishing community, located on the shores of the Northumberland Strait. The native Mi’ kmaq who had settlements between Arisaig and Malignant Cove, gave the area the name Glatoooesg (pronounced “Klahtoo-o-oo-eshk”) meaning “rocky prop.” The pioneer settlers from the Highlands of Scotland named it Arisaig. The community has a long history of people working together and in taking immense pride in its people, its heritage, and its achievements.
The first permanent European settler arrived at Arisaig in 1791 and in 1792, the few citizens at the time, gathered near the present-day wharf, to build their first church. With this effort, volunteerism began and has continued over the following 232 years to this day. A cairn stands at this location in recognition of these efforts.
Numerous volunteer groups and associations within the Greater Arisaig Community work tirelessly to provide opportunities for our youth, seniors, and people of all ages and abilities to enjoy physical activity, cultural and social celebrations, and opportunities for education and growth. These groups are integral to the growth and sustainability of our community as we build toward the future while respecting and celebrating our past and traditions.
Each of the following segments was submitted by the Chair, President, or spokesperson of the twelve groups / topics included below. Each section has an appendix of pictures / details to illustrate the topics discussed. Their names and organizations are provided in Appendix 13.
St. Margaret of Scotland Parish (Appendix 1)
The parish of St. Margaret of Scotland is the oldest parish in the Diocese of Antigonish and the church has been the core of the community throughout generations. The church is more than a place to gather for worship; it has a rich history and tradition and is beautifully maintained by volunteers who do everything from washing the linens, mowing the lawns, cleaning the floors, minor repairs, and updates, to singing in the choir, serving on Parish Council and as lay ministers, and fund-raising to keep everything running smoothly.
The present-day church, the third since the initial log church was built, is a registered municipal heritage structure, built in 1874 in the Gothic design. The cost of construction was financed by volunteer efforts including church picnics and generous donations by parishioners and relatives. The stained-glass window above the altar is priceless today.
In addition to weekly church services, special celebrations for Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the Sacraments, the church is used for family celebrations, and concerts, and is renowned for its excellent acoustics. Our services often include Gaelic songs, fiddle music and bagpipe tunes, as a tribute to our forefathers.
A second stone cairn stands by the church in recognition of the heritage, dedication, and volunteer efforts of the Arisaig and area community.
The Arisaig Parish Community Centre (APCC) (Appendix 2)
The parish/community centre was built in 1989 by volunteers and paid for by community fund raising. APCC is run by a volunteer Board of Directors and is available, free of charge, to anyone or any group within the community. It is used extensively for social events such as weddings, dances, concerts, card parties, and family gatherings, for various group and club meetings, for Antigonish County summer recreation programs for children, for funeral receptions, for exercise (currently yoga, pickleball, floor curling), for information meetings and public lectures, a training center for fishers, and numerous other social and recreational activities. APCC supports children and youth programs (softball/T- ball, soccer) on hall grounds.
Volunteerism is an enduring part of the fabric of our community, i.e.,
The APCC Board envisions the Centre as an accessible space where everyone is welcomed. Environmental concerns were addressed by participation in the Municipal, Provincial, Federal Net Zero Grant Project. With this funding, LED lighting and a kitchen heat pump were installed (2023) and solar panels in May 2024.
The APCC Board strives to protect community residents in emergency situations. Post Hurricane Fiona, with the support of a provincial Community Generator Program Grant, a 30 KW generator was installed. APCC is recognized as an official Comfort Centre providing warmth, friendship, cooking and washroom facilities, snacks, internet access, phone service and charging facilities for electronics.
Arisaig Parish Community Centre (APCC) - Recreation Committee
(Appendix 3)
Looking to the future, the Arisaig Parish Community Centre – Recreation Committee, in consultation with community members and other stakeholders, have developed a vision for outdoor recreation facilities on the Centre’s grounds which includes an inclusive playground, all persons trails system, and support infrastructure (public washroom, parking, sun shelters, and EV charging station). The envisioned facility upgrades complement the existing recreation facilities listed in the next section.
The proposed additional recreational needs will include:
The outdoor recreation area development is a multi-year project. The 2024 development starts with the Inclusive Playground Project Phase 1 which encompasses the Swing and Sensory playground components as well as a paved access trail. Initial machine work has begun to re-establish the trail behind the center devastated during Hurricane Fiona and the extension of the trail to make a full loop of the grounds. Construction of these projects will be done by community volunteers.
Arisaig Pickleball Club (Appendix 4)
The Arisaig Pickleball Club (APC) started play at the Arisaig Parish Community Center (APCC) in January 2018, with 6 individuals (age of players was > 60 years young). Membership grew to 25 players by March 2018. The APCC Board has been completely supportive of the development of pickleball as it provides a needed activity (exercise and socialization) for its senior population. The 2024 club membership is more than 110 players. The current age and gender demographics indicate a high level of participation by seniors and a relatively similar level of participation by gender. Our youth are encouraged to participate in the sport and join our fun tournaments. For example, Summer BBQ’s, St Patrick Day Tournament and Christmas Fest.
The APCC and APC have partnered on numerous projects including the construction of a Pickleball Park: three regulation outdoor pickleball courts and recreation area with a basketball net, pickleball practice board and two shuffleboard courts, accessibility improvement for Pickleball Park paved ramp and sidewalk to the pickleball courts and recreation area and accessibility improvement in the community center (rear automated door to the recreation area and a portable stage with an accessiblity ramp).
The APC has and continues to work with other community associations (e.g., Arisaig Community Development Association (fundraiser), Eigg Mountain Trails Association (catered to a yearly provincial ATV meeting), H.M. MacDonald Elementary School (yearly grade 3 to 6 field trip to Arisaig for introduction to pickleball and fun play, etc.), and APCC with the yearly Community Center grounds clean-up.
During 2023, APC hosted a successful Try-it Para Pickleball Program with support from Sports Nova Scotia. The Arisaig Pickleball Club is recognized throughout the province for its quality leadership, active volunteers, and enthusiasm for helping other groups establish the sport in their communities.
Arisaig Community Development Association (ACDA) (Appendix 5-A and 5-B)
ACDA was formed in 2007 in response to a Strategic Plan developed in partnership between the Harbour Authority of Arisaig and interested community members. ACDA’S first project was the construction by community volunteers of a replica lighthouse at Arisaig Point (2007). This working lighthouse is a popular gathering place for residents and visitors to enjoy the beautiful sunsets and ice cream treats, to read the information panels, enjoy the annual concert, and watch the goings-on at the harbour.
ACDA has a volunteer Board of Directors (14 members) and several sub-committees. Each committee includes at least one board member and several other volunteers who may or may not be members of the Board. Each sub-committee Chair gives regular updates to the Board and at the AGM. In addition to the many sub-committees, Board members also take on special projects such as the Beach Cleanup, the Roadside Cleanup, and Santa’s visit. (See Appendix 5-B for pictures and further details of these annual events.) Other Board members organize the annual Christmas dinner/dance sponsored by ACDA. Proceeds go to various charities in Antigonish town and county (i.e., Food Bank, Affordable Housing, St. Martha’s Hospital Foundation, etc.)
Arisaig Community Trails Association (ACT-A) (Appendix 6)
ACT-A, a sub-committee of ACDA
Our trails take advantage of our beautiful wilderness surroundings, wonderful views of mountains, valleys, and the ocean that are rich with our cultural history as they were once developed as roadways (trails) by the original settlers. Old stone foundations remind us of the life once lived and worked on our mountains.
In partnership with the Eigg Mountain Trails Association (EMTA) and funding from our municipality and ACDA, we have added signage, picnic tables, and recycling containers to help keep trail users safe and mindful to do their part to have the least environmental impact possible. We also have support from our local ATV club to be present on the trail during organized hikes/walks in case someone needs assistance at these events.
We have hosted many hikes on these trails with participation across all ages and abilities. Groups of avid hikers use our hiking trails to enjoy a healthy activity. In addition, we hosted a Haunted Halloween Hike with Wagon Rides and a Fun run/walk as fundraises for other community initiatives.
We have been taking part in guided hikes through Antigonish County Recreation and Hike Nova Scotia to help bring awareness to what our community has to offer to the broader NS hiking community.
Arisaig Lobster Interpretive Marine Life Centre (Appendices 7-A and 7-B)
ALIMLC, a sub-committee of ACDA
The initial Arisaig Lobster Interpretive Centre opened in 2012 as part of the Dockside Café at Arisaig Wharf. In 2022, having outgrown the original space, construction of a new facility began and grew into the current Lobster Interpretive Marine Life Centre (ALIMLC) which opened 2023. Volunteers designed, planned, secured funding, constructed, and manage the Centre and hire 5 high school and university students annually. During construction, Hurricane Fiona set us back when the build was affected by storm surge. The team of volunteers demonstrated their resilience by adapting construction techniques and materials to protect against future weather events. Over 2400 volunteer hours went into its construction and countless hours in the planning, setup, and operation. In recognition of the need to be a sustainable organization and to protect our environment, the Centre installed solar panels (2024) and has a water bottle filling station, information panels explaining the fishers’ commitment to sustainable fishing practices, and more. In the next few weeks, we will be planting and identifying native species in a small outdoor garden.
The Centre has paved accessible parking, automated doors, accessible washroom, and space between exhibits for ease of movement. A separate room provides seating for viewing the popular and locally filmed video about the local lobster fishery (made in partnership with the local Harbour Authority).
The map, shown in Appendix 7-A, illustrates the 40 countries, including all areas of Canada and 38 US States where the 8000+ visitors to the Centre came from in 2023. The Centre also hosted local school groups, scientific researchers working in the local area and even a group of lighthouse enthusiasts!
The ALIMLC is a source of local pride. It educates and enhances the visitor experience on the beautiful north shore of Nova Scotia.
Friends of Arisaig Park (FOAP) (Appendix 8)
FOAP, a sub-committee of ACDA
Arisaig Provincial Park was established in 1981 through the generosity of three local families. NS Department of Natural Resources and Renewables, (DNNR) Parks division, is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the park. Local volunteers provide additional support to DNNR.
The “Friends of Arisaig Park” (FOAP) was formally established fifteen years ago. This began continuous dialogue with DNNR as to what enhancements we could provide in keeping with the original commitment of the donor families. The sustainability of the park is essential to ensuring the long-term enjoyment of all park users.
FOAP provides financial support for labour and materials for projects not covered by DNNR (i.e.,)
Hurricane Fiona devastated the park. Friends of Arisaig Park continues to work with DNNR to establish a reforestation plan that fits the ecology of the area.
Arisaig Provincial Park connects with the sea where you find exposed rocks deposited 440 million years ago. It is said that the Silurian age rock outcrops in the Arisaig area are one of the best in the world. The area reveals an abundance of fossils that continue to receive international attention. University groups visit the area annually to study the fossils as well as along the Knoydart / McArras Brook shoreline. Information panels in the park provide important educational information about the fossils.
Arisaig Community Development Recreation Committee (Appendix 9)
ACD-Rec, a sub-committee of ACDA
Over the last number of years, the Arisaig Community Development Recreation Committee has worked to increase access and availability of recreation infrastructure within the community for local families to enjoy outdoors. In 2022 we had a small pump track and playground structure installed for the use of youth and young children.
In 2023 we began a project to revitalize the existing infrastructure around the Arisaig Ballfield. Our vision is to continue to create a safer and more functional multi-use space. Our ballfield enhancement plan will result in new high-quality fencing for the backstop and down the left and right field lines, fence repairs along the outfield, new dugouts, new bleachers, and a high sided fence on the left-field line to allow for soccer games in the outfield as well as protection for the playground. Over the last year, we successfully engaged community partners and members in several fundraisers to help financially support our project. We were able to secure funding from local businesses who saw the benefit in creating recreation spaces for all to enjoy. In spring 2023, we were also able to incorporate a Learn-to-Play program, free of charge, for children within our community.
Our program saw the participation of 17 families throughout the months of May and June. This year, due to continued community engagement, we can offer an expanded Learn-to- Play program for children within the U7 and U9 age groups. So far, we have 32 children registered to play, and we see an ever-growing group of parents and community members show their support each week.
Our beautiful beach and sandbar are very popular with residents and visitors of all ages, especially those with young children. To ensure safety, we oversee the placement of buoy lines to protect the swim area from boats and other watercraft each summer. This ‘Safe Swim Program’ is in partnership with the Municipality of the County of Antigonish.
Eigg Mountain Trails Association (EMTA) (Appendix 10)
EMTA (2016) has a current membership over 200 with 100+ km of well-maintained trails. The Board of Directors oversees trail development and maintenance, apply for funding, schedule work parties, and install signs. Funding is matched with in-kind contributions of volunteer labour, donated machinery, and heavy equipment. Matching funders include Nova Scotia’s Off-Highway Vehicle Infrastructure Fund (OHVIF) and Community, Culture, and Heritage (CCTH). The Municipality of the County of Antigonish also provides funding.
EMTA works closely with NS Department of Environment and the Wilderness Protected Areas (WPA) to ensure that we work within their guidelines. The trails are used by hikers, mountain bikers, snowshoers, cross country skiers, geocaching, snowmobilers, and ATVs. Our annual Fall Rally draws 225+ enthusiasts from across the province who enjoy the beautiful scenery and first-class trails.
We also work with Department of Natural Resources (DNRR) and Department of Environment to allow better access to the mountain area. DNRR helped install a 50-ton bridge (formerly part of the Angus L. MacDonald Bridge, Halifax) to allow for access of heavy equipment in case of an emergency. This bridge was essential in the rescue of two men in a February snowstorm. DNRR also had many of the more strategic trails in the Brown’s Mountain and Eigg Mountain area widened for better access in case of a forest fire.
These multi-use trails give access to the back country (Eigg Mountain, Maple Ridge, and Brown’s Mountain) where many of our ancestors built homes and farmed. Several foundations of these early homes have been identified and mapped, including the school. Club members are available to take individuals and interested groups ‘on tour’.
EMTA was awarded “2021 Club of the Year” by the NS ATV Association. At the 2024 AGM, some club members were honoured “In recognition of the bravery, selflessness, and compassion displayed ... in Arisaig ... on February 3 and 4, 2024”. This was a successful search and rescue mission on the trails following a major snowstorm.
Harbour Authority of Arisaig (HA) (Appendix 11)
The Harbour Authority of Arisaig and the fishery are an essential part of the Arisaig community. It is a federally incorporated non-profit corporation (1998) with a volunteer Board of Directors consisting of the 23 commercial fishers who use Arisaig Harbour. The Board is responsible for day-to-day costs for operations, administration, and minor maintenance of HA facilities, including the wharves and HA owned buildings. Fishers pay an annual berthage fee and these funds are reinvested back into harbour facilities. The harbour is both a vital part of the community's economy and a reminder of Arisaig's rich maritime heritage.
In recent years, the harbour was expanded to include floating docks to accommodate recreational boats, updated fuel tanks, and a waste oil storage facility. Commercial fishing boats are owner operated with an average size of 40 feet and diesel powered. Each captain employs 1 or 2 helpers, supporting 50+ local families, plus suppliers and merchants. Most licenses have been in the same family for generations.
Besides being a commercial fishing harbour, Arisaig harbour is also a major draw for tourists to the area. People from around the world enjoy conversations with the fishers, learning about the local fishery, and the community’s culture and heritage. The motto for the 2007 Strategic Plan developed in partnership between the Harbour Authority and the greater community is “Arisaig, where the community, the fishery, and tourism connect”.
CBC RADIO ONE COMMUNITY CONTACT (Appendix 12)
Arisaig is featured every 4-6 weeks on CBC Radio One - Halifax during the morning show. The show’s producer tells us that Arisaig is one of her favourite communities due to so much activity. They can always get an excellent interview with short notice.
The interviews describe what it is like to live in this rural part of Nova Scotia and help the audience appreciate how special it is to live in such a strong, supportive, small community. Some topics are light and fun (such as outdoor skating on a beautiful winter day) to the many ongoing projects that our volunteers are working on, to more serious issues such as local response to Hurricane Fiona. A recent topic that was very popular was the discussion about our ancestors and where they settled. That led to an organized, free- admission, public talk, and discussion at the Community Centre with over 110 people in attendance. They came to hear a well-known local historian and a professor from StFX who, together, have researched and mapped the ‘Back Settlement’ for the past 20+ years. People came to learn, to share their family and community history, and to socialize over a cup of tea.
The CBC Community Contact program is a great opportunity for everyone to learn about Arisaig and its people, but for us, it is a chance to reflect on a range of local topics and take pride in being a part of it all.
The Arisaig Fiddlers
The community of Arisaig remains strong in its proud heritage and respect for its ancestors. One such way is in its music. Today the Arisaig Fiddlers Association continues the traditional music brought to Arisaig by the pioneer settlers. In the 1940’s The Highland Four, a group of Arisaig musicians, performed weekly over live broadcast on CJFX radio. One of the group, Wilfred Gillis, composed and played the music of our ancestors and his compositions are recognized world-wide.
The Arisaig Fiddlers Association was formed in 2019 and today there are 14 local members who meet weekly to practice for their many performances. Members donate their time and talent for all performances.
To perpetuate the interest, a young professional musician from Arisaig teaches residents of all ages interested in perfecting their musical touch.
Conclusion
Arisaig is a community where residents and visitors feel safe, welcome, and supported in times of joy and sorrow. It is a place where people willingly volunteer in many ways to help improve the area for the enjoyment of everyone. It is a place of history, a place of pride in its people and their achievements, a place that other communities envy for its sense of unity and cooperation. Our greatest asset is the people who live in these communities.
There are many partnerships and much cooperation within the Community. For example, the parish / community hall and the outdoor recreation areas which are used so extensively by all ages is built on parish owned property. Pre-covid, the Annual Mother’s Day Lobster Dinner served more than 1,000 people annually. Volunteers of all ages baked, set up, washed dishes, prepared and served food, and cleaned up for this important event. The annual Christmas Bazaar provided an opportunity for local artists and craftspeople to sell their crafts and showcase their talent. These two projects raised thousands of dollars annually by a group of happy, cooperative, community-minded volunteers: a true example of community spirit.
The walking trail that runs around the ball field and through the woods to the shoreline is a project undertaken and maintained by volunteers and is enjoyed by many residents and visitors. It is a small part of the community’s future plans to develop an all-inclusive recreational area.
Arisaig Beach has been an attraction for people near and far since the early 1950s when construction of the wharfs used for the commercial fishery caused the sand to accumulate and form the sandbar that makes our beach unique along this shoreline. Today the harbour and beach area are a focus of the community, and the lighthouse has become a gathering place to admire the sunrises / sunsets, watch the ‘action’ at the wharf, visit with friends and neighbours, and take pride in welcoming visitors from all over the world.
As construction plans for the lighthouse progressed, we quickly came to realize how fortunate we are to have community volunteers who are talented tradespeople such as carpenters, plumbers, and electricians. In addition to the volunteer labour, local construction company owners donated engineering expertise, gravel, concrete, and trucks. The lobster weathervane that sits on top of the lighthouse is a unique feature that celebrates the fishing heritage of our communities. Positioned around the outside of the building you will find large rocks with plaques giving some details about the area and its history. This idea has been copied by other groups nearby and provides a consistent look for the area along the Sunrise Trail.
Our community is fortunate to have the support of all three levels of government: the Municipality of the County of Antigonish, the Province of Nova Scotia, and the Federal Government of Canada. In addition to giving much needed funding for the many projects that we undertake, they have also given guidance, expertise, and moral support. We are very much indebted to our Councillor for District One, Mary MacLellan, a community minded leader who works just as hard as she expects everyone else to work for the betterment of our communities and the people who live here.
APPENDICIES
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Arisaig Community Development Association
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