INTERVIEW WITH

REVEREND KAREN RALPH

Karen Ralph is a United Church minister presently assigned to Carmen United Church in Sydney Mines. She is one of the founding members of the Sydney Mines Renewal Group and has been very active promoting the community of Sydney Mines. The following is an interview with Rev. Ralph concerning her role and vision for the renewal project in Sydney Mines.

ER How did you get involved in the economic renewal of Sydney Mines?

KR The clergy in Sydney Mines have always had a close ecumenical relationship. We would gather on a regular basis to discuss our ministries and coordinate ecumenical events. The deterioration of the downtown region and the worsening economy became a popular topic of discussion. We decided that perhaps we had a role in changing the economic outlook in Sydney Mines. Our original mandate was to build hope for the people of Sydney Mines.

ER What was your vision for this renewal?

KR First, to build hope in the people. Then we needed an idea to get started, the deterioration of the Main Street gave the idea of Sydney Mines Commerce Place. A revitalization project that would owned by the community and would act as a catalyst for community development. The objective to create hope has been achieved and expanded. Commerce Place was phase one, improving the infrastructure of the Main Street was phase two and improvement for other structures in town was phase three. There have been several spin offs from the plan which include: developing the fossil find, developing our beaches, the beautification of the streets within our town and the formation of a group of business people to promote Sydney Mines. So as you can see what started as hope has mushroomed.

ER Was it difficult to get businesses involved in this renewal?

KR It was not difficult to get businesses involved, however at the beginning they were honestly skeptical and wanted to see a track record. They saw anything that we could do as good and were willing to assist in any way. Our first meeting brought fifty local business people out. We were overwhelmed with the response.

ER Describe what has taken place and will take place in the renewal project?

KR To date we have purchased the land, the buildings have been demolished and we are ready to launch our campaign to raise funds for Commerce Place. An investment cooperative has been set up and to date NEDAC, BCA Holdings, clergy and community members have invested. It is hoped the building will be ready to open in November. As well as the projects previously mentioned twenty people from the Northside have been hired to assist with these projects and new ones.

ER What do you feel is the key to the success of your endeavors?

KR The key is leadership. As clergy we did not have a vested interest in this project, what is good for the community is good for the church and vice-versa. People can talk about change but in order to affect change someone has to take a leadership role.