Cape Breton Island map

Welcome to Dream Big Cape Breton.

So what the heck is it? At the moment, it is me – Leah Noble – a twenty-something writer, going on a journalistic personal journey over and around the island, to seek out stories.

But I’ve got big dreams for this blog too, so I hope over the next year as you read and take part in the conversation, you’ll also see this blog grow, and change.

For now, let me tell you what I’m trying to do here.

First, I’m hopelessly in love with Cape Breton. I think it’s the best place in the world. It’s so beautiful, it’s a really special place to experience the wild world, as well as being a place with an amazing history and many different cultures that have combined and sometimes clashed here. If you’ve ever visited or lived here, you know what I’m talking about. There is just something about the place.

But, sometimes it feels like an abusive relationship, this love of mine. I also see the incredible challenges for those who choose to live here – issues like lack of public transportation, lack of childcare, and poverty. Those three are just the tip of the iceberg. If you’re like me, and you love living in Cape Breton, likely you’ve had many conversations with your friends about these difficulties. Those conversations usually end with “Well, what can ya do?” and a shrug that the problems are a lot bigger than we are.

But I see some really great things happening here, too. Farmer’s markets are springing up in some communities, to help local food producers sell their food to local people. These markets are usually run by volunteer boards, made up of local people who want to create change. So, it’s possible to do these things, to come together to do something positive that benefits the community both short-term and long-term.

So, come with me as I journey around the island with my camera and notebook, asking questions, visiting people and places and organizations, seeking out our stories. This generation. The “young people”. Those of us who love this place, and who want to stay. Those of us who have left, for whatever reason. All the stories are interesting, and have something to teach us.

I want to find out – what are our dreams for Cape Breton? What’s possible?

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