So it’s clear that nature and business walk hand-in- hand in Pictou County. I also understand that New Glasgow has a vibrant festival culture. Can you please comment? GM: Events planning is critical when you work so closely with other municipalities like we do in New Glasgow and Pictou County in general. Canada Day is a good example of this. Our Canada Day celebrations in New Glasgow will be June 30 th because a neighbouring town has theirs on the 1 st of July. It’s always been that way and we believe it’s a show of respect to host our event before our neigh- bours in Westville so we can encourage our residents to take in their celebrations as well. We always throw a huge pre-Canada Day event here in New Glasgow and last year New Glasgow received the Lieutenant Governor Commu- nity Spirit Award by the province. The Lieutenant Governor and the NS Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage came to town and there was a big celebration. We’re known as aleader in festivals and events and we’ve been a model for many communities in this regard. We are proud to have many events that are signature events for Nova Scotia and of the work so many volunteers do to create high calibre events and experiences. Art is also vital to life in New Glasgow. Community volun- teers host an annual event called Art at Night which cele- brates the creative sector of the town. It’s a fabulous and unique event where local artists and musicians showcase their talents and individuality. The town is lit up with creative excitement and it’s a wonderful event for all ages. ND: This event is in its fourth year and while it started out small, it’s now housed in about 20 different venues downtown. Many businesses open their doors to host musi- cians or place local art in their windows and it brings a great deal of business to the town and to the region. GM: There were about 3,000 people show up for this year’s event and it can only get bigger and better going forward. The volunteers make this event happen, which really goes to show you the true entrepreneurial and creative spirit of our residents. ND: The Johnny Miles Running Event Weekend and the Race on the River-Pictou County Dragon Boat Festival are also huge draws for business, as is the Riverfront Jubilee. The Farmers Market is bustling with activity and new vendors each week as well as their anchor producers and artisans. There are so many things going on here that it’s rare when a weekend rolls around and there’s nothing to do. FM: For those weekends and after work, we have one of the nicest beaches in all of Canada just a short distance from New Glasgow, Melmerby Beach. We also have Waterside Beach and Caribou Provincial Park Beach. Pictou County is breathtaking. In terms of accommodations for corporate retreats and business conferences, what does New Glasgow have to offer?
It’s convenient to be able to check your email or look up an item when you’re in a store. We were able to accommo- date this at a very low cost – only $1,200 – and the routers setup throughout downtown are great. It’s 20 minutes of free Wi-Fi and people love it. We’re always looking for technological advantages like this to draw people into New Glasgow. We’re even looking at ways now to branch-out with the Wi-Fi at sites such as the Farmers Market and the Marina. ND: Something that’s important to note is that most people in New Glasgow, myself included, think of our downtown as our front street and our backstreet but also everything in between. Our downtown includes our riverfront and the areas around it. Something as important, as beautiful as the riverfront is inarguably prime real estate. The New Glasgow Farmers Market is located along the riverfront, as is Glasgow Square Theatre, and the Marina, which is currently undergoing upgrades. We’re investing in these kinds of things because they’re an investment in business moving forward, and investment in a unique downtown experience. FM: The consultations with the community that Geralyn spoke of earlier, in every one of those instances every group, whether it was the residents, business community, seniors, or youth, all identified the riverfront as the number one asset to New Glasgow. It’s up to us to be stewards of this natural gift we have here and to maximize our enjoy- ment of it while minimizing our impact. The Town of New Glasgow has been very active in trail development. Access to nature and scenic views brings people into town and the region as a whole. ND: Most of the riverfront in town has a walking and biking trail system alongside it called the Samson Trail. It even goes underneath the George Street Bridge on a walkway and connects the trails and parks to the business communi- ty. Maintaining the trails is very important to the people of our community and this interest has sparked talks of expan- sion here. I use the trail quite often and it’s lovely. There’s always people walking their dogs, there’s good lighting, garbage cans, and smiling faces. There’s also Goodman Rotary Park and a kayak/bicycle rental business along the trail. Between the kayaks and the marina, the views on the East River are incredible. All these locations, all downtown, are all connected and accessible by foot and that’s good for the business community and the community at large. GM: We even have Wayfinding Kiosks downtown that talk about the history of New Glasgow and gives great tips on where to visit and information about businesses, restau- rants and events. It really promotes the walkability of the town. It encourages people to get out of their cars and visit businesses and landmarks like our historic Town Hall where we have on display a heritage painting series, created by local artist Dave MacIntosh.
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SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2017
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