Potential Development at Fort Edward Cause for Concern
HTNS is very concerned over the pending re-zoning application for lands around Fort Edward National Historic Site in Windsor Nova Scotia which, if passed, would forever change the landscape around a site of significance for a wide range of communities. On October 25, 2022 the West Hants Regional Council held a meeting regarding the proposal. The following letter was submitted by HTNS to the council expressing our concerns. No decision was made at the meeting but we continue to monitor the issue as it evolves.
October 18, 2022
Dear Members of Council:
The Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of historic sites and buildings in our province.
We would like to express our concern towards the proposed sale, re-zoning and development of land adjacent to Fort Edward National Historic Site. The site is a highly significant heritage resource, boasting the oldest military blockhouse in North America. The existing structure was built on the site of an earlier, pre-deportation Acadian church. Fort Edward played a key role as Acadian prison and deportation centre. In 1760, the truck house (trading post) established on the slope beside Fort Edward became one of six official trading posts licensed to trade with the Mi’kmaq. In 1765, the site also became the location of Canada’s oldest agricultural fair.
Historical sites like Fort Edward help define a community and its sense of place. Situated on a hill, overlooking the Avon River, the site has “extraordinary views and vantage points that are critical to the military function of the site” (Parks Canada Management Plan for National Historic Sites, Southwest Nova Scotia, 2016; p.64). People visit Fort Edward not only to see the blockhouse but also to walk the grounds where other buildings once stood and to experience the view which reflects the site’s importance.
The Parks Canada Commemorative Integrity Statement (1998) for the Fort Edward National Historic Site classifies the Historic Place view-planes as a Level 1 Cultural Resource that “Symbolize or Represent Fort Edward’s National Significance” (p.7). In the 2016 Management Plan, a key objective is defined as “Visitor opportunities to experience the Fort Edward view-planes and grounds as offered” (p.35). Another objective highlights “Shared stewardship and a community gathering place at Fort Edward” and recognizes the need for “communication with the town and potential developers regarding the heritage value of the site.” (p.59). These statements reflect the importance of the historic view-planes associated with Fort Edward which would be threatened by certain types of building construction.
Dr.Jonathan Fowler of Northeast Historical Archaeological Research conducted a Phase 1 exploration of potential archaeological resources on the Fort Edward site and adjacent lands. His March 8, 2022 presentation to the West Hants Regional Council has ably demonstrated the riches of potential material on nearby land and expresses concern towards future development that has been proposed to date.
The adjacent land presents and opportunity to incorporate much needed washrooms and possibly a small interpretive structure. We propose that it is this sort of development that will enhance the site rather than detract from it, and which will acknowledge the importance of this national historic site to Windsor, and to Nova Scotia.
Fort Edward and its surrounding area has a rich, diverse history with beautiful views expressing its strategic importance. The Heritage Trust if Nova Scotia and its members across the province ask the members of the West Hants Regional Council to proceed with caution. We ask that Council reconsider re-zoning and sale of the lands surrounding Fort Edward National Historic Site, bearing in mind that they might compromise the site’s historical integrity and future interpretation opportunities.
Respectfully Submitted
Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia
Signed by Sandra L. Barss, President
