Has the LaHave River area got what it takes to be named the greatest neighbourhood in Canada?

 Obviously, those of us who live, work and raise our families here on the South Shore would most emphatically and unequivocally say yes, without a doubt. There's no question about it. It's a no-brainer from our perspective.

 But our belief will be tested later this year when the LaHave River area battles other communities across the country for the distinguished title. The question of which neighbourood is the greatest in the country will be answered this spring when the results are tallied in the second annual Great Places in Canada contest. The local site is currently one of 10 from across the country that has been nominated in the Great Neighbourhoods category.

 The contest, which is staged by the Canadian Institute of Planners, also includes categories featuring Great Public Spaces and Great Streets, as well as a People's Choice Award. The contest aims to highlight the best practices of urban planning as well as the best places in Canada. But for those communities that win, it's also a great marketing tool to be able to promote your area as the Greatest Neighbourhood in Canada.

 When I read that the LaHave River area was one of the finalists for this distinction, it caused me to think about the qualities that make this place so special. Sadly, I also realize that many of us who live here take much of what we have for granted, largely because we see it and experience it every day. It becomes second nature to us so we don't stop to think that the qualities we enjoy may not be so readily available in other places.

 A contest such as this helps to spark that appreciation so it is with that thought in mind that I began listing the qualities that I believe make this area one of the greatest - if not the greatest - in the country. In no particular order, here are some of the things that I believe make this area "the greatest."

 Natural beauty. Who can deny that a drive down either side of the LaHave River Valley offers some of the most amazing and breathtaking scenery that's second to none anywhere. Wide-sweeping and open spaces affording unobscured views of the waterway that spills into the Atlantic are simply awe-inspiring and jaw-dropping.

 Unspoiled environment. Clean, clear and crisp are three words that come to mind when I think of the natural environment that we enjoy not only in this area but, indeed, all along the South Shore. We are most fortunate that unlike many other places in the country, if not the world, our region has remained relatively unscathed by man's insatiable quest to rape the earth.

 Friendly people. The people of this region put the word "neighbour" in neighbourhood. In fact, the people who live here are, arguably, our strongest asset and are, without question, the most neighbourly you'll find anywhere. That alone should earn us the title of the Greatest Neighbourhood in Canada. Kind. Caring. Thoughtful. Helpful. Generous. Humble. These are but a few of the adjectives we can use to describe the people in this neighbourhood.

 Built heritage. As one of the oldest regions of this country, the LaHave area has a long, rich and varied heritage that has been part of the Canadian story since the very beginning. From the Mi'kmaq First Nations, to the French and the English, and many other nationalities that came along and settled here, the South Shore - especially the LaHave River Valley - played an integral role in the birth of this great nation.

 Industrial. When I think of what makes a great community, I also think of the industries found in the region. Not the actual word itself but what it represents in the broader sense. The LaHave River area has a proud and diverse legacy as one of the most industrious regions in Canada. From fishing and shipbuilding to forestry and agriculture, to manufacturing and exporting, to service and technology, to retail and artistic, every sector of the economy is represented in this region.

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 When I think of industrial then, I think of hard-working, resilient, resourceful, visionary and inventive people who have withstood the challenges of many difficult times throughout their history and have ridden the wave of prosperity with humility and reverence, but always with the understanding that success can be fleeting.

 Welcoming. Those of us born here may not fully appreciate the lure that this region projects to others in foreign places both in Canada and further abroad, but the pull can be strong and we've proven that no matter where anyone comes from, for the most part, with few exceptions, they can find a home here. That says a lot about the local people and it's a quality Canada's Greatest Neighbourhood must demonstrate.

 So there you have it, folks. Is there any doubt that the LaHave River area is the greatest neighbourhood in the country? Apparently so as others in the country have the unmitigated gall to challenge us for the title.

 To this point, the LaHave River area is the only Nova Scotia locale to be nominated in any category.

 To vote, visit http://www.GreatPlacesinCanada.ca.

 Nominations in each category will be accepted until January 31 and on-line voting, which determines the People's Choice Award winner, will be held until February 29. Judges will determine semifinalists in each of the other categories in early April, with the winners being announced at the end of that month, so get voting.

 E-mail me: editorial@southshorenow.ca

posted on 01/25/12