Dear editor:
Attn: Council and Mayor of Port Hardy.
As a long term resident of Port Hardy, I felt it my duty to bring to your attention a possible solution for the old Seagate property.
It is a blemish on our town in its present state, particularly because of its prime waterfront location. This is not the first impression we want to give out of town visitors when they venture down to check out the Coast Guard station and public wharf.
Let’s work together to change that negative perception!
I strongly believe the purchase and re-development of the former Seagate property is vitally important to the future of our town.
This new council has the opportunity to consider the benefits to our town with the long term goal of providing both temporary and full time jobs.
It’s time for us to step up to the plate and show our community pride!
My plan brings the hope that we can improve and maintain the quality of life here in Port Hardy.
A partnership of business, local community service clubs, fishing associations, commercial fishermen, fish processing operations, First Nations, and mining companies, together with municipal council and all its resources, can join together to revitalize Port Hardy.
Development plans include the construction of three pavilion areas along with a cultural arts theatre/museum in the existing brick structure.
This building could be used year round by hosting small concerts, and assorted stage productions.
A special place to provide more museum displays and additional options for our existing museum.
Art and gallery space will give North Islanders a place to showcase and highlight the talent of our local artists. This indoor theater will have a state of the art sound system, video equipment, and large screen for 3-D movies and films for presentation.
The design of this space will have an aboriginal motif similar to U’mista in Alert Bay, with outdoor carving displays and totem pole construction and exhibit.
The three pavilions with our Filomi Days theme, will represent fishing, logging and mining, the roots from which we grew.
The fishing pavilion could include replicas of old fishing boats/equipment and historical photos to represent all aspects of the fishing industry from yesterday through to fish farming today.
Video, old and new exhibits plus fresh or salt water aquariums for the enjoyment of all.
The Logging Industry pavilion could include an outdoor sports arena for events such as logger sports competitions.
Historical photos, video, old and new equipment for display, and possible space for trade shows and conferences.
We could make this a world class pavilion representing the logging industry and its way of life.
The Mining pavilion could include historical video, photos, and archival information about what was the largest copper mine on the face of the earth.
Equipment display and a gold panning area where visitors can try panning for themselves.
This building will show the mining industry of ages past as well as the techniques used today, with all content for the education and enjoyment of both locals and tourists.
Shops and commercial space similar to the Telegraph Cove layout.
The Filomi Days theme could inject some new life for both existing and new business.
This area could be either seasonal or year round, with flea markets, artisans’ markets, swap n’ shop meets, chocolate shop, soda shop, etc. etc. This area would have totem poles on display along with sculptures of whales and bears.
Walk ways and decks for viewing along with plenty of landscaping will transform this land into our new commercial area.
Once the District of Port Hardy has acquired the land, many people will be inspired with ideas to “make it happen” for our personal and Community future.
Paul Unwin
Project co-ordinator, Coal Harbour