Success of struggle? Marking 30 years since the amalgamation of CBRM

The Cape Breton Regional Municipality marked the 30th anniversary of amalgamation on Thursday.

Friday marks 30 years since eight former cities and towns amalgamated and became the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.

Anniversary events kicked off Thursday with a ribbon cutting officially opening a new section of the Sydney Boardwalk.

“We’ve gone from managing decline to now managing growth, and I’d much rather manage growth,” said CBRM Mayor Cecil Clarke.

While the past few decades have included struggles, like years of population decline and loss of industries, Clarke feels the municipality has been turning a corner.

“We went from what was a forced amalgamation to what is now a celebrated coming together of ‘community of communities’ and that spirit will be shared through our 30th year celebrations across the CBRM,” he said.

“(I’m) hoping to see more young people get involved – young people like myself who ran for council,” said Bennett MacIntyre, a 21-year-old Sydney-area resident who put his name on a ballot during CBRM’s 2024 municipal election.

MacIntyre says some people in the former cities and towns feel like they have lost some of their autonomy, however, he sees amalgamation as largely a success.

“Sometimes individual places like Glace Bay have specific needs that need to be met, but where we’re standing right now, I feel like our amalgamation is definitely strong,” MacIntyre said.

Pat Bates says he has been pushing for years for CBRM to replace its aging library.

“As one of the volunteers, maybe I shouldn’t be so impatient, but time is moving on,” he said.

While he points to positives like the influx of new residents from out-of-country, Bates added that he sees that migration as increasing the need for a new build.

“We are aware of course of what’s going on in other large communities in Atlantic Canada - Charlottetown, Fredericton, St. John’s Newfoundland, Halifax too of course,” Bates said. “And it’s only common sense that Sydney should be adjusting.”

“This fall when we come forward with our infrastructure plan as part of our term of priorities, the library will be part of that consideration,” said Clarke.

Clarke also pointed to aging infrastructure, the need to meet regulatory requirements, and improvements to basic services including transportation, as issues that need to be addressed in the near future.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page