NCC-AR-EN-DIgital-v3

10
ANNUAL REPORT 2018–2019
NCC staff knew that in order to make
it happen, they would have to show Allan
and the Shaw Group Ltd. a different side
of nature. After the initial meeting, Allan
knew he had the opportunity to help create
a place of solace for the public.
“Craig Smith (NCC’s Nova Scotia program
director) came in with a video showing our
land in a way we’d never seen it before. It
blew us away. It reminded me of when I was
12 or 13 years old and would walk over these
lands. It reminded me why it was so important
that they be protected.”
From that moment on, it was an easy
decision for Allan and the Shaw Group. They
would sell the land to NCC to ensure it is
protected for the long term. However, the
price for land smack dab in the middle of one
of Canada’s major cities doesn’t come cheap,
and NCC needed help getting the funds
together. Enter the city of Halifax.
“The citizens have been heard loud and
clear,” says Allan. “The city wanted to see
this place as a green space.”
“NCC showed us our land in a new light. It reminded
me why it was so important it be protected”
Clockwise from top: The proposed Shaw Wilderness
Park, Sisters of Mercy, Joan Feather, Freshwater Bay
Newfoundland, Hole in the Wall Saskatchewan
So did the provincial government.
Last fall, NCC announced its Keep Halifax
Wild campaign to support the creation of
the Shaw Wilderness Park in Halifax. As part
of NCC’s fundraising campaign launch on
September 20, 2018, the Province of Nova
Scotia announced it would contribute $1 million
toward the creation of the wilderness park.
The future park will be twice the size of
Halifax’s Point Pleasant Park. It will protect
wildlife habitat and an ecologically significant
native landscape called jack pine broom
crowberry barren, while providing a wilderness
experience in the city.
In the meantime, Allan reminisces about
his past on the land while remaining hopeful
that it will eventually become a place for
people to make their own memories.
“Do you know what’s fabulous about nature
and exploring the outdoors?,” he asks. “It’s
peaceful, but not quiet. You can hear the wind,
you can see the trees move in the breeze, you
hear your footsteps as you’re walking. But while
you’re out here you can think and contemplate.
You have the chance to be quiet.”