Decision on long-term care centre in historically Black neighbourhood rescinded by New Glasgow council

NEW GLASGOW – A long-term care facility set to be developed in a historically Black neighbourhood will have to be built elsewhere.

New Glasgow town council held a special meeting on Jan. 29 where they rescinded a previous decision made during the December town council meeting on the development of a long-term care centre in Ward One.

Council had voted in favour of preparing a plan to build a long-term care facility on vacant property in Ward One, close to the Ward One community centre. A portion of the nearby soccer field would have been occupied by the new facility.

Members of the Ward One community attended the January council meeting, voicing their disapproval of the plans. They cited concerns such as increased traffic in their residential neighbourhoods and a lack of community consultation on the matter.

The special council meeting on Jan. 29 did not last long, with all council members in agreement to rescind the decision.

Angela Bowden, who gave a presentation to council earlier this month, attended the special council meeting and expressed how pleased she was with the decision.

“This was more than just a revote and site removal,” said Bowden. “It is a historic win for the African Nova Scotian community of New Glasgow.”

Bowden explained that the community of Ward One coming together to speak out about the rezoning and reimaging of the property shows “courage and bravery, and demonstrates what can be accomplished together.

“Our ancestors said, ‘What is done in the dark would come out in the light,’” Bowden continued. “The community in full voice, filling the town chambers and mobilizing the provincial and national support to protect their community, was that light, and I am so proud.”