(Originally published in The Participaper)

The holiday season got underway in fine style this past weekend as Christmas markets across Inverness County drew crowds eager to browse and buy a huge range of crafts, art, fresh produce and delicious treats.

Now in its 16^th year, Cranton Cross Road Community Centre’s annual Christmas Bazaar in Margaree Centre was packed on Friday evening and Saturday day. 35+ vendors had set out their stalls and the local talent and creativity was on display in spades.

Miranda Crabtree is a local artist who has recently relocated to Margaree Forks with her dog Jess, from Toronto, ON. This was her first time working at the bazaar. “The Cranton Cross Road market is so bustling and festive. I’m really happy to add my paintings and prints to the mix this year. It’s such a great way to catch up with neighbours, connect with customers, and support other local artisans,” she says.

The community centre occupies the building of the former North East Margaree Consolidated School which was constructed in 1958, and the building has a lot of mid-century charm both inside and out. Several years after the school closed in 2000, a group of community-minded volunteers convened a steering committee to transform it into a multipurpose space to enrich the life of the community.

Arlene Ingraham, a member of the community centre board, explained that the Christmas Bazaar has been a fixture in the local calendar since the early days of that transformation and emphasizes that it’s a volunteer-run organization which wouldn’t be possible without dedication and support of community members.

“The Bazaar is certainly growing year on year,” says Arlene. “Its such a fun and friendly event, that people who discover it tend to come back year after year.”

And many who attended said what a joy it is to see big crowds of happy faces at the market, after the tough years of Covid restrictions. “It’s getting back to normal now, I’m pleased to see,” Arlene smiles.

Over in Mabou on Sunday, people came in droves to Dalbrae Academy where the Mabou Farmers’ Market had taken over the gymnasium and cafeteria. Cars were parked down both sides of Route 19 as the parking lot was full to capacity.

Fortunately the school has ample space to accommodate just shy of 70 vendors as well as hundreds of market-goers who stopped in between 11am-3pm

The holiday edition of the Farmers’ Market moves to the school since the ice is down in the market’s summer home in the arena. A lot of holiday cheer was provided in the form of the Inverness County Singers who delighted the crowds with a smorgasbord of Christmas tunes from the traditional to the modern.

“I come to Mabou Christmas Market every year,” said one young woman listening to the carolling of the choir. “It’s wonderful to see how talented people are, from the singers to the amazing crafts that people are producing locally. And there’s just so much! The keyword is ‘abundance’. That’s why I never miss it.”

At both Cranton Cross and Mabou, you can indeed find an abundance of local talent, from homemade preserves and pickles – with ingredients grown right in the maker’s own garden, to fine sculptures made of local woods, clothes and decorations of all kinds crocheted or knit from local wool, and even artistic representations of local scenes expertly composed in colourful felts.

And vendors and market-goers also come from further afield as well. Bart Pennewaert is a baker based in Sydney but originally from Dilbeek, Belgium. He offers delicious, authentic European-style pastries, including vegan options. He says he regularly sells out of the most popular treats, so its worth heading down early! The international vibe continues with artisans offering delicious home-made authentic Indian cuisine from Western and Southern India, either to enjoy while taking a break from shopping, or to take home.

“What I love is the atmosphere,” says Adam MacNeil of Margaree Forks. “You see all sorts of people from the community here, socializing and having a good time. It’s a chance to see people in a more social setting that you might know from work or from seeing them around, and you have the chance to chat and catch up.”

A young father of 3 agreed, saying, “its such a fun and family-friendly event, the kids are having a ball, and everyone is so kind and welcoming. That’s my favourite thing.”

His little daughter chimed in to say, “MY favourite thing is Michelle’s cookies!”

So get ’em while they last!

And the wee’uns were also keeping busy on both sides of the vendors’ tables. The young gentlemen of the Posh Lemonade stand are stalwarts of the Mabou market. At Cranton Cross Road, the Dangerously Good Cotton Candy Co. is the brainchild of sisters Avery, 11 and Audrey, 8, who are already demonstrating a lot of entrepreneurial skill at such a tender age.

“They do get a little help from their parents,” chuckles Barbara Nielson as she spins clouds of colourful sugar strands in flavours like blue raspberry, pink vanilla and chocolate orange.

Barbara goes on to say what she loves about the Cranton Cross Road Christmas Bazaar is that its such a boost to see all the creativity and talent of the artisans.

“Its really inspiring,” she says, “and then you can get all your Christmas shopping done well in advance while catching up with friends and neighbours. Who could ask for more?”

Happy holidays to all, and remember to support local businesses and artisans whenever you can!

Unama’ki-Cape Breton has always been windy, but something has shifted in the last couple years. Now the same wind that blows our patio furniture away is being called ‘world class’ and ‘a nation-building opportunity’. 

In the third episode of the Invest in Cape Breton podcast, sponsored by Bear Head Energy, we hear from four government and corporate leaders who are optimistic that the offshore wind and green energy projects already underway in the Strait of Canso are going to be transformative not just for the Strait Area, not just for Unama’ki-Cape Breton, and not just the province of Nova Scotia. This is going to be as big as the railway.

Our guests are:

• Amanda Momourquette, Co-Chair of the Strait of Canso Offshore Wind Task Force and the Warden of Richmond County 
• Brenda Chisholm-Beaton, Co-Chair of the Strait of Canso Offshore Wind Task Force and the Mayor of the Town of Port Hawkesbury
• Carlos Martin, CEO, BlueFloat Energy
• Peter Murphy, Contract Manager, Svitzer Canada

Listen now, or read on for a few highlights.

The Strait of Canso Has Impressive Industrial Assets and Welcomes Growth

For those unfamiliar with the Strait of Canso, it’s the waterbody that divides the island of Unama’ki-Cape Breton from mainland Nova Scotia. The two sides are connected not by a bridge but by the Canso Causeway, the construction of which unintentionally created the world’s deepest ice-free port. The Strait Area ran with this opportunity and now boasts a multimodal hub that can accommodate the world’s largest vessels plus transloading to rail, trucking, and air carriers.

The port has drawn large companies including, but not limited to, long-time corporate residents Port Hawkesbury Paper, Martin Marietta and Nova Scotia Power as well as newer players in offshore wind and green energy like EverWind Fuels and Bear Head Energy. However, there room to grow with more serviced industrial land available and a pro-growth culture among the local governments and residents. 

Nova Scotia Has World-Class Winds

Nova Scotia has one of the best offshore wind regimes in the world. Six to seven meters per second is considered good, but Nova Scotia offers ten to eleven meters per second. The additional speed means more power, which means the companies building offshore wind infrastructure get more return on their investment. There’s enough energy in this resource to power Nova Scotia and still have enough to export.

Once they were made aware of the facts, local governments quickly recognized the opportunity to develop a new industry that is green, clean, and sustainable. Since developing a new industry is a major undertaking, the Strait of Canso Offshore Wind Task Force was formed to bring together all the stakeholders and rights holders. It has 30 signatories including all levels of government, First Nations communities, fishers, and other industry supply chain businesses. They’re also working to engage and educate residents.

Private Sector Companies Are Putting Their Money Where Their Mouths Are

Millions of dollars have already been invested in the Strait Area to develop this local offshore wind and green energy industry. 

EverWind and Bear Head are far enough along that they’ve received their environmental assessment approvals from the province and are signing contracts with supply chain businesses like Svitzer Canada. 

BlueFloat Energy, a developer that specializes entirely in offshore wind, is here with the intention to set up the offshore wind industry in Canada and complete its first project by 2030. The company has boots on the ground and is deep into their engagement efforts. Listen to the episode to hear CEO Carlos Martin summarize what they’ve heard so far and what they plan to do with the feedback.

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In Episode 4 we’re tackling a very hot topic: housing and development. To make sure you don’t miss it, subscribe or follow now on your favourite podcast platform.

It’s road trip time in Episode Four! Join host Norma Jean MacPhee Zinck as she hits the road with Jessica Fogarty, coordinator of the Cape Breton Welcome Network. This is part one of a two-part series where Jessica and Norma Jean meet others involved with the Welcome Network and with some new people now calling Unama’ki home. Discover how the land nourishes a community and how communities are welcoming new folks. You’ll hear from Dena MacKinnon, Mildred Lynn McDonald, Bill Murphy in Judique and Kit and Indigo Christ in Mull River. Oh and yes, you guessed it, a ceilidh breaks out along the way! First stop – Judique.

Welcome to Cape Breton is an evocative podcast of change, arrival, discovery and home. It examines the timeless notion – what is home? How do we define the oftentimes moving target known as home?

Your host Norma Jean MacPhee Zinck guides you on these adventures and discoveries. With 20 years as a journalist, her passion for Cape Breton – Unama’ki fuels this captivating podcast series.

Listen & Subscribe Today:

Business has been booming for Anchored Ideas. The marketing and communications agency, based in Cape Breton, connects local companies with global audiences through creative and robust campaigns that help businesses tell their story.

Anchored has also recently expanded to include Recruitment so they’re not only helping businesses tell their story and reach new markets, they’re also helping to attract and keep more people on Cape Breton Island.

Co-founders Danielle Patterson and Danielle Johnston, also known locally as “The Danielle’s”, –– attribute this success to the fresh talent on their team.  

“Having a young, motivated, energetic team of recent grads has benefited us tremendously,” says Danielle Patterson.” It’s allowed us to grow and offer so many more services and bring on more clients.”

Like other small businesses, Anchored Ideas explored different grants that could help them grow their team while saving money. They asked their peers for recommendations. “The name- Graduate to Opportunity (GTO)- just kept coming up” adds Danielle.” After hiring two recent grads through the program, I can understand why.”

Using GTO, the company hired Victoria Chapman, a CBU grad, for a Social Media Coordinator role and Emily MacLennan, a MSVU grad, for a Marketing Manager’s role.

Employers who are eligible for GTO can receive 25 per cent of the graduate’s first-year salary, (35 per cent if the graduate is a member of a diversity group), and 12.5 per cent of the second-year salary. To be eligible, an organization must be a small business of fewer than 100 employees, a start-up, a non-profit, a charity, or a social enterprise. 

Applying for GTO is easy, and most employers find out if they have been approved within five business days. 

Both Emily and Victoria are grateful to be able to work in their chosen fields and grow their families in Cape Breton. “It was my dream to work with Anchored Ideas and stay in Cape Breton.” says Emily.” It’s crazy to think that my dream came true.”

Anchored Ideas’ other GTO employee, Victoria Chapman had the opportunity to showcase her skills when a colleague took another opportunity. “Victoria instantly took on her tasks with grace and pure happiness.” says Danielle Patterson.” We are still simply blown away.” 

The opportunity has been great for Victoria, as well.  “It gives me a chance to learn all the different aspects of the industry,” says Victoria.

Anchored Ideas has shown appreciation for their young staff by giving them a raise. “It’s a competitive market and we just really wanted to give them the fair wage that they deserved,” adds Danielle.

Since 2018, GTO has helped around 2,400 graduates find jobs they love, in the communities where they want to put down roots.  “Having the opportunity to offer meaningful jobs to fresh talent, here on the island is extremely important,” adds Danielle Patterson. “Recent grads are the cream of the crop, and we are grateful for programs like GTO that help us bring them on.”

For many, Sydney Harbour is known for its hotels, cruise ships, and a giant fiddle. But that only blows over the surface of this waterbody that’s 16-and-a-half metres deep. There are more cruise passengers, more commercial traffic, more ambitious plans, and more opportunities here than anyone would fathom.

In the second episode of the Invest in Cape Breton podcast, three local leaders reveal what’s happening at the Port of Sydney today, why Sydney Harbour is a tremendously strategic site for investors, and why Novaporte’s forthcoming offshore wind marshalling port is an opportunity “so enormous it’s hard to even imagine”. First Nations and settler communities across Unama’ki-Cape Breton are set to be transformed.

Our guests are:

• Marlene Usher, the former CEO of the Port of Sydney
• Steve Parsons, the General Manager of Eskasoni Corporate Division and CBRM Councillor
• Kathleen Yurchesyn, VP, Operations and Corporate Development

Listen now, or read on for a few highlights.

Sydney Harbour is Busy With Cruise and Commercial Traffic

Marlene Usher provided an overview of what’s happening in Sydney Harbour today. In 2023, the Port of Sydney welcomed 115 cruise ships carrying in excess of 220,000 visitors. That’s enough to make it the second busiest cruise port in the Maritimes (after Halifax) and a rising star as a cruise destination. It also attracts smaller leisure vessels, like sailboats and super yachts.

The cruise ships are hard to miss, but Sydney Harbour is home to lots of less noticeable commercial users too. There are Imperial Oil tankers delivering fuel, Donkin Coal and Provincial Energy Ventures vessels transshipping coal, Marine Atlantic ferries going to and from Newfoundland twice a day, the Canadian Coast Guard College doing training exercises, plus tugboats and other ships.

Even with all this activity, there’s capacity for much more.

Sydney Harbour is a Great Investment Opportunity

When asked, Marlene Usher and Kathleen Yurchesyn easily rhymed off the harbour’s many assets. It’s a sheltered deep water port with no air draft restriction. It’s a Foreign Trade Zone on the Great Circle with close proximity to Europe. It’s adjacent to an urban centre with an airport, post-secondary education institutions, and a population of industrious people. There are a lot of strategic advantages here.

Yet, unlike most of the other ports on the eastern seaboard, Sydney has large tracts of land that are portside and undeveloped, and its population has room to grow. This place is investment-ready.

Plus, a major development is coming that will increase the opportunities exponentially.

Development of a Multi-Billion Dollar Offshore Wind Marshalling Port is Underway

Novaporte is a 2,000+ acre deep-water port, logistics, and green energy infrastructure project that has been in the works for more than a decade. The partnership between Sydney Harbor Investment Partners and Membertou First Nation took a big step recently when they announced a concession agreement with Denmark-based Blue Water Shipping to develop a major marshalling hub for offshore wind energy servicing the Northeast Atlantic U.S. and Eastern Canada. Kathleen Yurchesyn says the hub will be capable of producing five gigawatts of energy and will account for up to $30 billion of investment, not counting the spinoff activities. A tender package is the last thing needed to get shovels in the ground.

Much of the spinoff will happen in the adjacent Novazone logistics park, a 1,200 acre site for support activities like logistics, transloading, packing, cold storage, and hydrogen production. In a unique move, all 13 of Nova Scotia’s First Nations communities have taken a 20% interest in the development and will co-market and co-develop it. Steve Parsons expects it will create employment and business opportunities for those communities’ band members within Novazone’s boundaries, and beyond.

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In Episode 3 we’re exploring the transformative offshore, wind and green energy projects in the Strait of Canso, an industrial powerhouse on the island’s south coast. Tune in for a deep dive of what’s going on in this natural, deep water port.

To make sure you don’t miss it, subscribe or follow now on your favourite podcast platform.