Annapolis County residents are asking, “What’s next?” Is there any end to the hits we have to take? How long will it be before we are non-existent?
Pearson Peacekeeping Centre is closing in Cornwallis because of lack of federal funding. This is on top of financial issues in Bridgetown (and many other municipalities who have not yet been in the news), the closing of Convergy’s, the closing of Shaw Wood, and numerous small businesses shutting their doors. It is indeed difficult to find the silver lining of these economic disasters.
Family Matters sees the effect these closures have on families and the community at large. There is a feeling of depression among the residents and the stirrings of desperation. And yet, there is also fight left in us. We are angry that our supports are being taken away, and we are not willing to take it lying down. We love living in Annapolis County, and we do not want to leave!
I have had a number of conversations with people about the county’s economic situation. We have a lot of good ideas! One idea is to work together to become more self-sufficient with our food production, ensuring the food is accessible and affordable for everyone. Another idea is to advocate for local businesses such as the Kings Processing Plant in Middleton. This is a production that hires a good amount of people and is sustainable for our area. We have youth who are making a difference in our community and would love to work with us towards sustainability. We have seniors who have the wisdom to share what has worked in the past and energy to move agendas forward. We have many positives in Annapolis County, and we just need to work together to implement some of our creative ideas.
Does this all sound very “Pollyanna’ish?” Well, I believe we have the expertise and the resourcefulness in this county to bring our area back from despair. At the same time, I do share in the anger. The money that went into the Peacekeeping Centre is going back to Ottawa to “streamline” their organization. All government agencies are housed in Halifax, when perhaps with the technology we have, they could be spread out over the province. Corporations sweep in, take government handouts, and then sweep out again when the financial incentives are over. We raise minimum wage, which is wonderful for those earning the wage, but without proper supports for small businesses it can be devastating and lead to even more layoffs or higher prices for products. Businesses look at coming in to the area, and buildings that have been dormant for years are not maintained and have been scavenged. Does anyone in any level of government offer to step forward to help with the cost of repairs to keep the businesses interested? Not that we have seen.
I think a bit of anger is a good thing. Annapolis County is a wonderful place to raise a family, and many of us are willing use that anger to fight for our community.
Morgan
Annapolis County: What’s Next?
Pearson Peacekeeping Centre is closing in Cornwallis because of lack of federal funding. This is on top of financial issues in Bridgetown (and many other municipalities who have not yet been in the news), the closing of Convergy’s, the closing of Shaw Wood, and numerous small businesses shutting their doors. It is indeed difficult to find the silver lining of these economic disasters.
Family Matters sees the effect these closures have on families and the community at large. There is a feeling of depression among the residents and the stirrings of desperation. And yet, there is also fight left in us. We are angry that our supports are being taken away, and we are not willing to take it lying down. We love living in Annapolis County, and we do not want to leave!
I have had a number of conversations with people about the county’s economic situation. We have a lot of good ideas! One idea is to work together to become more self-sufficient with our food production, ensuring the food is accessible and affordable for everyone. Another idea is to advocate for local businesses such as the Kings Processing Plant in Middleton. This is a production that hires a good amount of people and is sustainable for our area. We have youth who are making a difference in our community and would love to work with us towards sustainability. We have seniors who have the wisdom to share what has worked in the past and energy to move agendas forward. We have many positives in Annapolis County, and we just need to work together to implement some of our creative ideas.
Does this all sound very “Pollyanna’ish?” Well, I believe we have the expertise and the resourcefulness in this county to bring our area back from despair. At the same time, I do share in the anger. The money that went into the Peacekeeping Centre is going back to Ottawa to “streamline” their organization. All government agencies are housed in Halifax, when perhaps with the technology we have, they could be spread out over the province. Corporations sweep in, take government handouts, and then sweep out again when the financial incentives are over. We raise minimum wage, which is wonderful for those earning the wage, but without proper supports for small businesses it can be devastating and lead to even more layoffs or higher prices for products. Businesses look at coming in to the area, and buildings that have been dormant for years are not maintained and have been scavenged. Does anyone in any level of government offer to step forward to help with the cost of repairs to keep the businesses interested? Not that we have seen.
I think a bit of anger is a good thing. Annapolis County is a wonderful place to raise a family, and many of us are willing use that anger to fight for our community.
Morgan