I certainly mean no disrespect to the people of northern Cape Breton or to those proposing a monument to Canada’s war dead at Green Cove, but I think a more suitable location would be the Cranberry Head-Swivel Point area in Sydney Mines at the former Princess No. 1 colliery mine site.
There are a number of reasons why I have come to this conclusion.
Parks Canada would not have to relinquish any land, and there would be no need to disturb such a beautiful and pristine area of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park as Green Cove.
The former Princess colliery site would likely be easily made available by its current owner, whether it’s the Cape Breton Regional Municipality or the federal government, by way of Enterprise Cape Breton Corp.
Coal mining took place at this site for 100 years, and coal was a vital resource during both world wars, as well as for domestic heating purposes.
The Cranberry Head-Swivel Point area features a prominent headland with an unobstructed view of the Atlantic Ocean, and is easily accessible. The monument could be built to face Europe.
Within walking distance, across Lochman’s beach (Lloyd’s Cove), lies the Chapel Point fortifications site, built to guard Sydney harbour from German U-boats during the Second World War. The site is a provincially registered property under the Heritage Property Act. Its origins as a military site go back to the 1860s.
Lochman’s beach lies at the end of Cable Street, in between the former Princess No. 1 colliery and the Chapel Point fortifications site, and is where the transatlantic cable came ashore.
The former town of Sydney Mines is steeped in well-documented military, mining and communications history. It has an enviable record of response during both world wars, with a high casualty rate in proportion to its size.
The last chief of staff of the Royal Canadian Air Force, Larry Dunlap, was a native of Sydney Mines.
I can't think of a more suitable location for a monument to Canada’s war dead. The factors I've outlined must be taken into consideration before any final decisions are made.
The timing is also right for these sites to be recognized nationally for the important roles they played in Canada's development.