One of the major initiatives of CARP’s Nova Scotia very active Chapter is their participation in the creation of a national urban park system. Ron Swan, the President of the Chapter has written that advocacy for parks and exercise is a “made-in-Nova Scotia response to CARP’s national priority on encouraging healthy lifestyles amongst seniors, in part through promotion of walking and hiking in outdoor settings…[It has led] to a growing understanding and appreciation of the role of Nova Scotia’s parks, nature reserves and wilderness areas in protecting our natural environment.”
James Boyer, a long-time CARP member and co-chair of Nova Scotia’s Environmental Advocacy Committee has advocated, along with many other community groups, for the designation of the Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes as a National Urban Park. Mr. Boyer is a practical “green” activist who isn’t afraid to pursue idealistic visions. In an exclusive interview with CARP, he writes: “Sometimes, dreams come true, as the Federal government [in 2021] began the new National Urban Park Program which includes an initial $130 million investment designed to support creating a [green] network of national urban parks across Canada.”
The government’s plan, to make national urban parks, is inspired by the Rouge Park, the very first national urban park, which is a gorgeous natural locale, filled with vegetation and wildlife, that is nearly 80 square kilometres in the eastern side of Toronto, in Scarborough. In addition to the Halifax area, other locations across Canada under consideration as possible national urban parks include Victoria, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Windsor and St. John’s.
Having completed the pre-feasibility state, Halifax’s Blue Mountain-Birch Cove lakes wilderness area is currently at the Planning Stage of the 4 step Parks Canada selection process with Designation and Implementation remaining. Parks Canada is currently advising their timeframe for Designation is 2025, as the proverbial clock is ticking.
Boyer waxes rhapsodic when describing the Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes region, which starts in urban Halifax and spreads outward to suburban and rural Nova Scotia. “This area, in the order of 4000 hectares, contains 22 lakes that are ideal for a canoe day trip or a summer day swim or picnic. The water quality found in this area is particularly good despite its close proximity to urban areas and Susie’s Lake, the heart of nine Birch Cove Lakes, offers a canoeing experience that rivals those found in National parks. When paddling these waters, it is not uncommon to see otters, beavers, and bald eagles soaring overhead.
“The hiking trails range from beginner to expert and offer a wide variety of terrains and challenges. Overnight wilderness camping is possible following the Leave No Trace guidelines. In the winter, there is snowshoeing and ice skating given the proper conditions.”
Halifax area residents have long treasured the area. Now, as a selected national urban park candidate, the CARP team is optimistic the region will be protected over the long term.
When asked to reflect on his motivation and those of his committee, Boyer replied: “As seniors (or as members approaching senior years), our thoughts turn to the environmental legacy that our generation will leave to our grandchildren and those that follow. Think of Central Park in New York. An urban park in Halifax holds a similar timeless opportunity.”
