Port Hawkesbury residents, council unhappy with Remembrance Day traffic

In the town of Port Hawkesbury, a unique challenge presents itself every Remembrance Day as a provincial highway cuts through the heart of the town’s ceremony. Reeves Street separates the cenotaph from the Royal Canadian Legion branch, causing a stream of vehicles to pass by during the solemn event. Despite efforts to halt traffic at the beginning and end of the ceremony, a full shutdown has not been permitted, causing concern among residents and officials.

Port Hawkesbury Mayor Brenda Chisholm-Beaton expressed the importance of ensuring safety and uninterrupted participation in the ceremony, especially for attendees of varying ages and mobility levels. Deputy Mayor Iaian Langley brought the issue before the town council, highlighting the need for a solution to the traffic interruptions during the ceremony.

In response to the traffic concerns, municipal staff will engage in discussions with the province to explore the possibility of fully closing Reeves Street during future Remembrance Day ceremonies. Langley emphasized the importance of learning from successful traffic management strategies, such as those implemented during the town’s Christmas parade.

Past attempts to address traffic disruptions during Remembrance Day ceremonies have not yielded desired results, prompting renewed efforts from town officials to collaborate with the province for a solution that honors the ceremony’s integrity and pays tribute to local veterans. Despite attempts to reach out for comments, representatives from Royal Canadian Legion Branch 43 and the legion’s Nova Scotia/Nunavut Command have not responded.

The town of Port Hawkesbury remains committed to creating a safe and respectful environment for all attendees of the Remembrance Day ceremony, and hopes for a more favorable response from the provincial authorities in addressing the ongoing traffic challenges. By prioritizing the solemnity of the event and demonstrating respect for those who have served, the town aims to uphold the significance of Remembrance Day in the community.